Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 26.5 by Mark A.

Year built 1989  
Location of boat Lake City, MN  
The boat is sailed on Rivers  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 16-22 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 Compass, Depth Sounder, VHF and looking to add shore power next spring  
Structural or complex improvements no  
The boat's best features Good Interior Layout and confoort for the length of the boat. With a comfortable fully enclosed Vberth and open double quarter berth that are comfortable (I am 6'2''). All Lines lead aft for the main and Jib which makes the boat easy to sail. Walk through transum great for swiming. Performance of the boat has been a pleasant surprize. Beating most other boats of its size and larger on most points of sail (excluding J-Boats) Gel coat and fibeglass have held up well for her age. The standard 9.9 Tahotsu motor has been very reliable.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. No Standing Headroom for a 6'2'' individual. Ports and hatches quality are of an inferior quality, though functional for the intended use. Some of the galley storage space could be sacraficed for an Ice Box (came with a cooler under the companion way steps).  
Sailing characterisitcs She is faily fast between beam reach and close hualed. Down wind performance is a little hampered by the smal working jib but a cruising spinnacer helps performance considerably. With a the working jib and main the boat begings to be over powered at about 22mph wind speed when sailing close hulled. By reefing the main to the first reef point she is good to 30 mph wind. With the reefed main and storm jib sail nice in 30 to 50 mph wind. Have nnot been sailing in any worse/better than that. Clocks through 90-95 degrees when tacking. Overall, a fun boat to sail and you will never be the last on to the anchorage. It is a bit tender as the winds rachet up, but shortening the main will reduce the weather helm.  
Motoring characterisitcs Moves preaty fast with the 9.9 hp Tohatsu (hull Speed 7.5 mph).  
Liveability Not fit for live aboard unless our Ttristan Jones but works fine for weekends (spend evry weekend on the boat from May till October), and the ocational week to 10 day vacation.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) na  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any na  
Other comments  

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