Hunter Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997
Hunter OEM Parts
General Marine Parts
 
 

Review of the Hunter 380 by Tom Staaden

Year built 1999  
Location of boat EmeryVille Ca  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 23-30 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2000  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, I have two small children 2,4. My previous boat made it very hard to sail with the kids and my wife. The 380 with the roller main and auto-pilot is very easy sail with the kids.  
Gear that's been added Not yet, but I would like to add spiniker gear. If anyone has any reference on how to add the appropriate blocks and winches on the 380 I would appreciate it.  
Structural or complex improvements  
The boat's best features The large interior and cockpit. I like the arch traveler, but am unsure about the B and R rig. The boat sails very well in light wind, but I am required to reef earlier than I am used to. The boats construction is lighter than I am used to.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I have not had any problems, but I have noted flexing in panels. The boats light construction would make me worry if I intended a long off shore passage. I have noticed several hairline gelcoat cracks, probably from flexing of the panels.  
Sailing characterisitcs The boat sails fast up wind and points very high. I is easily overpowered in winds over 15 knots. You need to reef early. I have needed to reef the jib as well to keep the boat from being overpowered.  
Motoring characterisitcs The boat motor's easily in the 6.5 to 7.0 under normal conditions.  
Liveability This is definately the boats strong point. My boat has a tv, vhs and dvd. This has made the boat much more attractive to my wife and kids. The kitchen is laid out well.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any  
Other comments