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Review of the Hunter Vision-32 by Clayton Harrell

Year built 1990  
Location of boat Rochester, NY on Lake Ontario  
The boat is sailed on The Great Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard? Yes  
Owner bought the boat in 1995  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes! Although many people look at the vision and say that they do not like the rigging. They should sail one. This boat sails with any sloop-rigged boat, and often faster. The lack of mast supports is not a problem. I never have had the mast or boom off even during storage and we have had huricane force winds. And, no water leaks around the mast. I live on the boat during the summer months. It has pleanty of room because of the unique layout -- and I cook on her. It was designed by Hunter as the boat of the future. It didn't sell because it is not conventionally rigged. Thank God!  
Gear that's been added I added a refrigator, a fuel gauge, autopilot, and Link battery digital status board and Link voltage regulator. The house battery is now larger. I also added a dodger because of the clean deck, in heavy weather the water comes into the cockpit. I also changed the lazy-jack to be more effective with the fully battened sails. I added some cabnets at the foot of the bed -- who needs an 11' bed?  
Structural or complex improvements No  
The boat's best features The lack of rigging and the clean features of the boat. It has more room than most 32' boats. Great kitchen layout. Just a great boat. Hard to improve.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. No fuel gauge, so I added one. Nothing has broken. Hull speed of 7 knots is frequently exceeded. Only problems I have had is with the battery system. I made several changes to improve charging, and knowing the status of the batteries.  
Sailing characterisitcs You cannot sail the Vision on just the foresail. You loose control, and the higher the winds, the less control you have. You have to get used to the idea that the main is the sail. It is a cat-rig. The foresail will help pull you through the wind when coming about, but don't depend on it like a jib on a sloop.  
Motoring characterisitcs Only problem is in high winds off the beam with the high freeboard of the Vision, it is difficult to handle. It's a big boat with a wide beam leaving little room to maneuver at some docks.  
Liveability Great! Many people who, like me, live aboard and have commented on the room I have.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) They have been great. I have visited the factory several times and the people have answered all my questions.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Sure, I got a great deal because people do not understand the advanced rigging of the Visions. The boat was on the lot for two years.  
Other comments I was thinking of trading up, but the more I look at other boats, the more I want to keep my Vision. The price was right, the room below is not chopped up as it is on some 32's, it is just a great boat.  

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