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Review of the Hunter 340 by Larry Wright

Year built 2001  
Location of boat Grapevine, Texas  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? Yes  
Owner bought the boat in 2001  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes  
Gear that's been added Additional startboard winch for mainsheet so you don't have to change jib sheet and mainsheet so often. What pain!!!  
Structural or complex improvements No  
The boat's best features Completeness of equipment provided with initial purchase of boat as compared with competitors  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. 1)AC Main breaker weak. Have arrived at boat 4 times to find it "blown" and batteries depleted by refrigerator, making it impossible to start engine. 2)Top trim pieces on cabinet above nav station had not been glued on and were loose. 3) Table verneer finish pieced together, and was positioned wrong where it goes around compression tube, and has caused it to splinter and lift off. 4) Bimini doesn"t fit!! Stiff legs appear to be from a larger boat and are at least 3 inches too long. Four snaps do not line up with snaps on arch, no matter how hard you try to stretch canvas. 5) Raytheon VHF radio doesn't work! New radio provided doesn"t work either!!! No audio on either, even with squelch adjusted out. 5) Jibsheets are made of "cheap" quality line and have begone fraying after only four 2 hour sailing outings in relatively light air (5 - 15 knots) Mostly "Micky Mouse" problems, but disappointed in the way it was allowed to leave factory. Dealer is slower in responding to problems than I would like, but he sold 7 boats in the same time period that I bought mine and has very small service capability.  
Sailing characterisitcs Seems to be faster than most comparable boats, ie. Catalina 32, Catalina 30, downwind, and points great!!! Much easier to singlehand than the H23 I previously owned with all the neat furling equipment. Having a difficult time getting used to poor reversing characteristics though. Take forever to overcome prop walk to port and back up into slip. We want to take advantage of aft entry, so backing into slip is mandatory. Have tried the old "stand at the forward side of pedestal and look backwards routine" but my arms are too short, and it's really the boats design that is the problem. I just have to be patient and get used to it. I just dread the day when I've got a 15 knot crosswind when I try to dock.  
Motoring characterisitcs A little slow, but I can make about 3 knots at 2000 rpm. I don't know if the three bladed prop would have made any difference. Motor is quiet enough and if I was in a hurry I should have kept my powerboat.  
Liveability Too early to tell, but I think it'll be fine. Air conditioning in aft berth is too weak, with very little airflow as compared to fore cabin and salon. I think it is caused by the 3 90 degree bends that were required to snake it through the storage locker in the head.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I've only worked with the dealer, and he's a nice guy, but has slow service capabilites.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any See above. Great guy, too little service capability. Has a tough time remembering committments and following through. I've had to contact his sub contractors directly and schedule appointments to get work done.  
Other comments No  

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