Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 18.5 by Scott Stupak

Year built 1988  
Location of boat Beaufort, NC  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 97  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? YES! The shoal draft keel is good and bad. Good-uncomplicated, and will allow the boat to slide under heavy winds without tipping.Bad-tough to launch. I got a tongue extension and now I can run the trailer out to the middle of the channel if I have to.PLENTY of space for a weekend for two. MORE than enough cockpit space for day trips with company.Bit of a pain to set-up and take down but I'm lazy so I've rented a slip.Great boat to learn with. Sturdy.Zspar rigging looks tough on her slick lines.You'll end up wanting a bigger boat eventually but you can usually find these boats at a good price.GO FOR IT!  
Gear that's been added The trailer comes with an extendable tongue. I suggest doing what I did: get some tube stock about four feet longer and have a hitch welded to it. The trailer will tow better and you can get the boat in the water without drowning your truck. I've added lights and water for weekend adventures. Toying with the idea of a main traveller over the cabin but would rather have a bimminy. Oh yeah, make sure your porta potty can have a bigger tank added for those three day weekends. Added quick releases to the outer shrouds. This helps with making adjustments and set-up. Need a vang and a backstay.  
Structural or complex improvements  
The boat's best features Big little boat that looks LOW and MEAN!With the fixed keel she sits high on the trailer which really grabs attention. The cabin top extends over the entire width of the boat giving ALOT more room inside.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Launching was tough until I added a tongue extension.  
Sailing characterisitcs Heavy and light. Bay and cove sailing mostly.Outerbanks, Wilmington NC.6-10 knot winds best.Need a bigger head sail.  
Motoring characterisitcs  
Liveability Week at most.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any  
Other comments  

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