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Review of the Hunter 38 by John Van Wagoner

Year built 2007  
Location of boat Seabrook,TX  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2008  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? I would.  
Gear that's been added E 120 Raymarine chartplotter/radar; canvas; 20 kg Delta anchor; Xantrax 25 inverter; PYI dripless shaft; 3 blade max prop (in the box, not installed yet), freezer; 15" tv, Sirius radio; Xantrax link 2000; Raymarine ST 60 series wind, depth, speed; Raymarine linear autopilot; extra anchor cleat; two extra cleats on the stern (not added yet); 3 extra DC circuits (Blue Sea), two aluminum 4 lb. propane tanks from Seaward Products (see their website. The only source of aluminum 4 lb tanks that I could find); 20 lb Bruce for lunch hook  
Structural or complex improvements Not yet. I am thinking about how to put a polishing system on the boat. Also thinking about how to strengthen the panel on the starboard side of the companion-way steps.  
The boat's best features A lot to like. Sails well. I have in-mast furling for the first time and even though there are some kinks I like it a lot. Arch is great. Good engine installation. Top quality fittings and parts. Great interior design. The galley is well thought out. I like the lines of the boat better than my 410 (although there were a lot of features on the 410 I like as well or better than the 38);good line lay outs on deck. Easy to single hand. Overall a very strong boat. I like Selden products. The mast seems bullet proof. I like a large, deep bilge. A lot of boat for the money.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Hunter delivers a good product overall, but still has trouble with the small stuff. For example, when they cut out the notch for the chain plates that bolt onto the hull, they cut the notch about 0.5 inches too wide. Then they basically just left a hole in the boat so that, from the inside I could stick a screw driver out into the air. This was on both sides. It was an easy fix but first I had to find it. Just sloppy work. It bugs me that the end grain of the plywood around the bilge is not sealed somehow. Then there were the usual small problems that come with all boats. Nothing big, just small stuff that will get sorted out over the next 6 months. I would like taller life-line stanchions One other thing I have noticed. My boat doesnt sit on her lines -- she is down in the bow. 75 gallons in the bow doesnt help. I'll have to fill up the holding tank and move my tools to the stern.  
Sailing characterisitcs I have only had her out one time. Sailed very well. Handles well, main is easy to handle. Jib seems small to me.  
Motoring characterisitcs Great. I have the 40 hp engine. Plenty of power. Backs down straight. I have the 3 blade fixed prop on now, waiting to replace with the Maxprop.  
Liveability Hunters are known for their interior space and liveability. I couldnt imagine a better interior layout. Plenty of storage space.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I havent dealt with them yet, but based on past experience I expect them to be very helpful.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Our dealer is Ship and Sail. Scott is the supervisor. They are great. High quality work, no hassels, very prompt in their service. They are great to deal with and I am confident that they will help me with any problem I encounter.  
Other comments Really good boat, price is right. Hunter has improved their products significantly over the last 10 years. Except for small stuff (well the chain plate was not small,but easily fixed), the boat is the best I have owned.  

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