Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 26 by Susan Hopkins

Year built 1996  
Location of boat Mayo MD  
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? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2000  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Absolutely. For my budget, intended use, and skill level at purchase, this is an ideal boat. I will always credit this boat--my first--with allowing me to become a competent sailor without undue stress and strain on me or my wallet.  
Gear that's been added Contest 101 compass; Furuno DGPS color chart plotter/depth sounder with through-hull transducer; ST1000 Tillerpilot; Honda 9.9 hp 4-stroke w/remote (TBD winter 2001/02); book/manual/CD storage behind bulkhead in stern berth (previous owner addition); AM/FM/CD w/four speakers; VHF; larger house battery; larger fuel tank; gas barbeque; PVC holders for winch handle and horn in cockpit; modified rudder uphaul so we can use a boom vang and the mainsheet u-bolt to easily raise and lower the rudder  
Structural or complex improvements None required  
The boat's best features Cheap to keep. Good sailing performance. Very easy for two people to sail. Trailering to new cruising ground keeps things interesting. Loads of space and comfort. Sailing friends used to 50-footers were shocked at how “luxurious” a 26-foot boat could be. Hunter has done a great job of maximizing space and stashing things in clever places. This boat is very comfortable for two people; privacy would be the only issue for two couples. Ventilation is good. The snap-on companionway canvas is a joy, blocking sun or rain while maintaining ventilation, and allows enough headroom for anyone to stand comfortably below. Every opening has an optional screen and interior is bug-proof. Storage space is voluminous, although none is particularly convenient to access (understandable for this size boat). You could carry a pony in the bow storage compartment. Big, comfortable, open cockpit. Nice deep sinks in both galley and head. Galley is actually comfortable and convenient to work in once you get the move-this-to-access-that drill down pat. The companionway step is in just the right place to sit comfortably and have a leisurely scrounge through the cabinets under the cooktop and sink. Enclosed head is a real plus and the primary reason we did not buy a 24. We haven’t found a single leak and it is consistently bone dry, both in the water and on the trailer.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Location of battery switch could not possibly be less convenient; what were they thinking? Galley and head water pump assemblies are cheap junk. The finish is shot and they’re falling apart, will replace this winter. Otherwise, all is well. Excellent, well-made trailer.  
Sailing characterisitcs Points very well, but really hauls on a reach or downwind. Oversheeting the main is always a mistake. Ease or reef early and you'll still fly, upright and with more control/less work. Easy to sail with two people. Sails well under main or jib alone. Balanced helm never a problem as long as you don't over-sheet. Lack of traveller is not problematic once you grasp that the mainsheet functions as a traveller and the boom vang functions as a mainsheet. The jib is small enough that the lack of adjustable lead tracks is not a big deal. Just ease it to twist off the top.  
Motoring characterisitcs The Chesapeake is shallow and having a 2' draft (board up) is wonderful. We anchor in places where larger boats cannot, affording exception seclusion or security when we want it. The Tohatsu 8hp 2-stroke that came with the boat is slightly underpowered and noisy, though it has never let us down. Shaft is a bit too short and the prop cavitates in a slop or when motor sailing on starboard tack. We plan to replace it with a Honda 9.9 4-stroke. Helms great in reverse, I regularly back fairly long distances (much easier than turning in tight spaces). Boat almost turns within its own length if you have the speed right.  
Liveability For up to three days, absolutely excellent as long as you have a Sunshower.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) We purchased this boat used and out of warranty. We notified Hunter of the change in ownership. We've had a few questions and they have responded without hesitation. We have had no major problems that required manufacturer attention. Owner's manual (1996) could be a lot better; it assumes knowledge that the typical purchaser of this boat does not have. In particular, the 2-dimensional wiring diagram is useless.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any N/A  
Other comments Advantages far outweigh the few disadvantages. Excellent weekend coastal/inland cruiser. All things considered, we are very happy with this boat. If I didn't covet pressurized/hot water and a shower, I'd keep it for years.  

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