Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 18.5 by mary smith

Year built 1990  
Location of boat Mattawamkeag Lake, Island Falls, Maine  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
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? Absolutely, I love it! It's a great family boat, very forgiving in heavy winds, the wing keel is great for stability and navigation.  
Gear that's been added  
Structural or complex improvements Currently rerigging my main and jib lines so I can control them from the cockpit. This is helpful when singlehanding, which I do quite often.  
The boat's best features My keel, my keel and my keel.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Just that the sails have to be adjusted from the deck. Also my tiller tamer is plastic and has broken from the strain, so I'll need to replace that.  
Sailing characterisitcs I've sailed in every type of scenerio imaginable (except for snow, and that's coming shortly). I've sailed solo, with children, at night, and it's great. I've put the wing keel on a sand bar, I've lost my main sail during a heavy wind (actually slid down the mast and fell off), I learn something new every time I go out.  
Motoring characterisitcs I also love my motor. My boat is moored in a cove, so quite often I have to motor away from the cove to find the winds. I've also been overpowered by the winds and I've motored home! I have a 5 HP Tohatsu that can move along at a good clip when needed.  
Liveability I use my boat to day sail only since I'm on a lake with a camp. But we have fun with my young son who likes to hang out in the cabin.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any  
Other comments My next boat will be a Hunter, probably a 22 ft. Its wonderful style and performance has me sold!