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Review of the Hunter 18.5 by Tim Taylor

Year built 1988  
Location of boat Hanover, PA  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength less than 10 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2001  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, at the local lake most everyone i have met (both sailors and smokers) have been very taken w/ the boat. I'm surely bias but i've not seen any small (less than 20') boats that can compare where value, handling and room are concerned. I plan to move up one day but the day after i still intend to own this boat.  
Gear that's been added Solar recharge electrical system, running lights, cabin ventilation, cabin lights  
Structural or complex improvements None yet but planning the addition of an electric motor to replace the 2cycle outboard. Also considering backstay to allow the addition of a spinner (maybe in the distant future).  
The boat's best features Value most of all in that you get so much boat for less than $4k. Good stability but very able to go where you point it (such as into/out of a slip). Sails well in light air and since it only draws about 2.5' of draft you can take it most anywhere (as long as there aren't any tree stumps lurking). The room both in the cockpit and in the cabin is great for a 18.5' boat.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Working on fixing a 1/2 bulkhead which has been broken loose from the hull on the port side. This is most noticable while on the trailer and seems to have no effect on performance but it still bothers me. I've talked w/ several owners and it seems to be damage caused by poor trailer loading.  
Sailing characterisitcs Sails very well in light wind due to fairly large sail plan (even w/ standard headsail). When the winds get up over about 12knots get the reef in the main and roll in the head sail a bit. Upwind performance is good but downwind is difficult because of the rigging setup (no backstay and the resulting spreader arrangement). Does best on a beam reach generally doesn't do on a straight run, training run is about all i can get. On a side note it sails well w/ only the main or only the headsail flying.  
Motoring characterisitcs Hate it, everything (and everyone) rattles but that is to be expected w/ a 2 cycle motor bolted directly to the hull. I motor as little as possible (only into and out of the slip) and would rather drift and wait on the wind. As far as moving the boat the 3.5HP does get you up to hull speed somewhere around 1/2 throttle and does it quickly. I would not go as far as to say it's over-powered but it's more than enough for what i've needed.  
Liveability Haven't tried sleeping aboard yet but will in the near future. Even for 2 "friendly" ppl the cabin is a bit small for much more than hiding from the rain and taking a break from the sun (no enclosed head). 10gal cooler and alco stove not really ideal for preparing meals for more than a day (but it is rather fun). It's not a passage-maker but in a pinch i see no problems w/ spending a night or possibly 2 on board.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Not yet.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I bought the boat from a private individual thru this website (go hunterowners.com). In the process i had dealings w/ Longlevel Marina in Wrightsville PA. I must say that i was very impressed w/ their service and the attention they gave to someone who was really only buying a few odds and ends in addition to the title transfers. I will gladly deal w/ them again when and if the time should arise to move up.  
Other comments A few minor flaws aside the 18.5 is proving to be a great little boat to learn with. It's very forgiving if less than well skippered and a blast when it's dialed in. Please realize as you read this that i'm a rank newbie where sailing is concerned. My opinion is an honest one but some problems could be due to lack of experience on my part rather than short-comings of the boat.  

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