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Review of the Hunter 320 by Mike Butler

Year built 2000  
Location of boat Vancouver Island, British Columbia  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength less than 10 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 wanted a boat my wife and I could cruise on comfortably as well as a boat that I could daysail by myself. The Hunter 320 allows us to do this easily. This is the first boat I have ever owned so unfortunately I have nothing to compare her with.  
Gear that's been added I added a water accumulator. This allows the water to run without the water pump running constantly. I added a Garmin GPS. I added cushions for the cockpit area and a canvas cover to protect the helm and compass when not underway. I had the dealer install a dodger.  
Structural or complex improvements No.  
The boat's best features The in mast furling. All the lines lead into the cockpit. The stainless steel arch coupled with the B&R rigging allows plenty of room in the cockpit. The ability to step easily onto the boat through the rear transom.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I still haven't got the white running light at the top of the mast to work. The dealer repaired the stern running light but was unable to fix the mast head light. Hunter Marine had a recall on the engine cover latch. The dealer installed a better piece of equipment. There is a strap that holds the engine cover in place when open. The cloth strap is screwed into the cover and into the gelcoat on the deck. I have already ripped the scew out of the gelcoat once and I feel it may happen again. Hunter should figure out something better.  
Sailing characterisitcs The boat does not sail well downwind as the mainsail can not be let out far enough due to the swept back spreaders. They angle back 30 degrees. Perhaps a spinaker would solve the problem, but I have yet to purchase one. She has a weather helm. She rights herself quickly and it takes a good stiff wind to get her to heel over.  
Motoring characterisitcs I thought the fuel guage was not working. The 18 horsepower Yanmar just sips that diesel fuel. No complaints there.  
Liveability For my wife and I it is quite comfortable. There is plenty of room for storage and we have enjoyed the first year. The boat is crowded with 5 adults but for 1 or 2 nights you can still have fun. I don't think I would enjoy anything longer with that amount of people. I bought an extra propane tank after we ran out of fuel one evening while anchored in Montague Bay (they didn't sell propane at the marina either).  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Hunter Marine has sent me 2 surveys to complete since I purchased the boat last year. I do believe they are trying hard to build a quality boat at a reasonable price. I received all the manuals and booklets for all the equipment supplied by outside manufacturers and installed on the boat. I e-mailed them once and received a prompt reply.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any The broker I dealt with was very thorough (Kevin Pritchard of Speciality Yachts in Vancouver). He knew my wife and I were inexperienced boaters and he went out of his way to ensure that we were comfortable with our purchase.  
Other comments I find it easy to sail and we really enjoy our boat.  

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