Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 380 by Ken Steyer

Year built 2001  
Location of boat Clinto River, BoatTown, MI  
The boat is sailed on The Great Lakes  
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? In a heartbeat  
Gear that's been added Pretty well loaded the boat up with factory options - Roller Furling Main, Autopilot, etc. One seemingly minor but very nice feature added- shore power outlet added to anchor locker. No dragging power cords all over the deck and cockpit to transom outlet when docked at the usual bow-to position.  
Structural or complex improvements None needed for Great Lakes sailing yet.  
The boat's best features I purposely waited a sailing season to submit a review that would be honest and new-boat emotion free. Overall, we have been delighted with the boat. The B&R rig with roller furling main performed flawlessly. There may be some fall-off without battens, but if the sail trim is correct, she's still a very fast cruising boat. Had some reservations about the circular-shaped cockpit, after the first weekend with adult guests,I learned to love it. Stainless arch gives excellent hand-holds when healing or just moving about in the cockpit. Have received more compliments on this boat than the 3 previous Hunter and Catalinas combined.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I would like to see hull-mounted storage shelves in the vee-birth (like Catalina provides) and the cabinets in the salon could have been 3-6 inches deeper for increased storage capacity with no negative impact to seating in the dinette or port settee. Not sold on the rubber covered hatch laspes used in the cockpit and transom lockers - will probably replace with locking stainless steel.  
Sailing characterisitcs Boat seems quick to heel to about 15 degrees but pretty much stays there until wind gets above 15-20 knots and then main furling becomes prudent for sailing comfort. Good and attentive sail trim seems critical to allow the boat to sail at her best capabilities, more so than previous boats that I've had.  
Motoring characterisitcs Handles very well under power - standard two blade, fixed prop. Very little prop walk in reverse.  
Liveability The boat is extremely user-friendly, starting with the huge cockpit complete with ice chest in the console - can't begin to tell how many trips below to the refrigerator this feature saved! Interior of the boat is laid-out quite well for accessability and moving about with guests aboard. Queen-sized aft-birth and cabin space are outstanding with the double-acccess doors to the head a great feature for middle of the night privacy (those reader's over a certain age will know what I'm talking about!) Several guests have said the interior space appears to be that of what would be expected in 40.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Haven't had to contact Hunter about anything.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Bought the boat form Toledo Beach Marine in LaSalle, Michigan. Best dealer, bar none, that I have ever worked with. Boat originally had lighter color interior that was not preferred, dealer switched interiors with next received boat to preferred fabric and color with no problem. Minor gelcoat repairs handled,instrument re-calibration done-no questions asked. Sales person called several times during season to make sure everything was ok. Conducting business with this dealer was like dealing with family.  
Other comments As has been true in the past, Hunter continues to provide a lot of boat for the purchase price. The gear, features and quality levels continue to improve with every new model introduced. We're absolutely thrilled with our 380!  

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