Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 22 by Debo Cox

Year built 1984  
Location of boat Washington, NC  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 1999  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, definitely. I had sailed Sunfish and the like since I was a kid, but wanted to learn more about cruising and bigger boats. This boat has allowed me to make plenty of mistakes and come out smelling like a rose. Cheap to own, cheap to maintain. A great sailing boat. Points well, easily singlehanded. Has afforded my wife and I the cruising experience at a reasonable cost. I'm not sure why Hunter stopped making the 22, but I suspect that the profit margin wasn't large enough. They included so many features and amenities for a small boat that it was almost TOO nice for a 22 footer.  
Gear that's been added CDI Roller Furler (a must have), Raytheon VHF, Magellan GPS, Standard Depth Sounder, a couple of Guardian anchors, a Nicro Solar Vent Fan, a small GE window-unit air conditioner ($125 bucks new) that we take to marinas and put in the forward hatch during the summer months, assorted adapters, docklines, etc.  
Structural or complex improvements Replaced the old leaking forward hatch. Found out that Bomar doesn't make that model anymore, so I enlarged the opening a bit (1/8" or so) to accommodate a larger, nicer one. Planning on replacing the fuse panel soon. Added an electric water pump to the sink. Added ventilation louvers to every enclosed space (lockers, etc) to chase away moisture. I'm chasing down a leak at the starboard chainplate - I suspect the toerail needs to be rebedded in places - understandable, it's an '84. Mine is the fixed keel model, and it had some work done to it before I owned it - not sure exactly what, but it think it had a slow leak.  
The boat's best features Interior space for a 22', ease of sailing, forgiving nature, you can get one relatively inexpensively, fairly inexpensive to maintain, trailerable, fun introductory cruising boat, I'm 6 feet - my wife and I fit comfortably in the V-berth, Teak and Holly all around  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The companionway hatch has always leaked a little. Have to move the PortaPottie into the main salon so it's usable at night. Access is VERY limited to the stern area under the cockpit where a couple of important goodies are located.  
Sailing characterisitcs Points well, moves along nicely in a gentle breeze. Requires fairly constant attention at the helm. I don't think the fixed keel model like I have suffers as much from the persistant weather helm other users have reported. Adjusting the sheet traveler seems to help a lot with the weather helm.  
Motoring characterisitcs I have an 8HP Johnson Sailmaster. It moves the boat along nicely - 6 or 7 knots. The biggest advantage is that by steering with the outboard and tiller at the same time, the boat will turn on a dime. I can put it anywhere, anytime - a huge advantage if you're new to maneuvering a sailboat in close quarters. Takes a while to slow down and stop after the motor is disenaged. Backing is tricky.  
Liveability Comparable to living in a VW bus. Great for a weekend - not longer unless you get evicted!  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) No experience.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any No experience.  
Other comments If you're new to sailing, this is the perfect boat.  

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