Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 410 by John Richard

Year built 2001  
Location of boat Newport Beach, CA  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
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 2001  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, I think so. For the price, it is a lot of boat with a ton of features that makes it easy and fun to sail.  
Gear that's been added I had a stainless steel mount designed and welded on to the starboard stern seat to hang my 4 hp outboard. There wasn't any place on the boat to bolt one. The design looks really great. I also took about five hours to meticulously make a floor pattern for carpeting. I now have the entire sole plate covered in a navy blue carpet with a rubber backing. It really makes the interior comfortable. It also protects the flooring. I am considering an alternate electrical power charging system. Either solar, wind or genset. The latter is pretty expensive.  
Structural or complex improvements NO  
The boat's best features The cockpit is roomy and very comfortable for those four to five hour sails. The interior is designed well for comfort. The boat handles very well going to weather and the overhead traveler makes depowering the main quite easy as a first resort to controling the amount of heel in 15 knot plus winds. Access to the Yanmar is super.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Well, unfortunately, there have been a few things that should have been handled by the factory before releasing the boat from its assembly line. My aft holding tank would not suction because of an improperly designed hose. The inner port side chain plate was never tightened and during the shakedown cruise in 23 knot winds, the force of the wind caused the panel behind the nav station to separate. No major structural damage. There is also a pole support in the galley that was completely unsecurred and very loose. I have a persistent buildup of fresh water in the bilge that I have yet to explain.  
Sailing characterisitcs The boat doesn't seem to like to go to "weather" in very light wind. Otherwise, it is a joy to sail. Everything is at your fingertips in the cockpit, so there is no need to go forward. My furling main was a good choice. It takes getting used to as far as how to properly furl it up, but once you know its quirks, I wouldn't be without it.  
Motoring characterisitcs Very easy to go in reverse. Prop walk is pronounced to port, so I have to be careful. I have learned to use short applications of power and coast under momentum to eliminate the desire to go to port in reverse. In forward the floorboard directly behind the helm has a loud rattle above 2900 rpm. I have gotten eight plus knots with a following swell.  
Liveability Very comfortable. I keep finding places to store stuff. A lot of light can get inside from the many hatches and windows.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) My broker's service department is very busy but shows concern over warranty issues. I have emailed and spoken to factor people a few times and they have been concerned and very helpful.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any It was generally acceptable during the process of ordering. During commissioning, they were very helpful. My only advice is that when it comes time for them to explain the systems on the boat, insist that they alot enough time so that you are familar with everything. My experience was that two hours wasn't nearly enough time. I also would have liked more information on maintaining batteries. One item I wish I would have had from the beginning is either the genset, solar or a wind generator.  
Other comments Hunter owners get a lot of comments about how beatiful their boats are. The 410 is no exception. It's a production boat that is priced affordably and fun to sail.