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Review of the Hunter 30_74-83 by Bob Howie

Year built 1978  
Location of boat Texas  
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 1998  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes  
Gear that's been added Upgraded nav, com gear. Converted main to full battens and installed mast sail track and car system to mainsail. Lazy jacks  
Structural or complex improvements Yes. I removed the 9hp Yanmar YSM-12 which was installed in the boat originally and repowered with a 24hp Bukh DV23me engine from Denmark. The Bukh started life as a commercial lifeboat engine. Dollar for dollar, feature for feature, the Bukh is a better engine than the Yanmar, about $2,000 cheaper and no major modifications of the engine space or engine bed were required.  
The boat's best features The boat is well-founded, sails well and handles nicely. Comfortable to living aboard during the weekends.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. While I understand the economics of having used plastic ports on a production boat, I hate the things. In my case, they are old and UV damaged and starting to break and crack and that's going to be a major project at some point. The other thing I have to watch is the I-beam supporting the compression post. Over the years it's deteriorated badly and will eventually have to be replaced in order for the mast to remain supported. I have chocked it with non-compressible wooden chocks, but that's only a band-aid fix.  
Sailing characterisitcs Handles nicely, sails well, has adequate weather helm. Points well and sits in the groove without a complaint once trimmed.  
Motoring characterisitcs With the new engine, it'll almost immitate a motor-sailer. Previously, it was woefully underpowered and hard to manuever with any wind abeam.  
Liveability Very comfortable. Forward v-berth provides plenty of room for normal-sized adults. Will comfortably sleep 4 without a problem. Head is designed well and can actually be used without banging heads or knees.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Hunter is polite and helpful up to a point, but they aren't very interested in supporting older boats. That may be from a liability standpoint, but they won't or can't supply specifications for earlier series of boats. I've sought information from Hunter about my boat and other than maybe a sail plan, I've got nothing from them in the way of tech specs for items like wiring, plumbing or structural components like chainplate installations, shaft angles, cutless bearing sizes and that sort of thing. They may not have it. I don't know.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I bought the boat from its previous owner. I am the third owner of this boat.  
Other comments This boat has been surprising in its ease of handling and responsiveness. For anyone looking for a bargain in a 30-foot boat, the Hunter 30 should be considered. A lot of these boats are out there and I would think most of them are in fairly good shape once you get past the grit and grime.  

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