Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 30_74-83 by Jim

Year built 1977  
Location of boat Milwaukee, Wisconsin  
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 solo  
Liveaboard? Yes  
Owner bought the boat in 2001  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. It's a very sturdy boat, and has stood up well over the years (despite being stored, tarped up outside during harsh midwestern winters). Except for some cleaning and cosmetics, and a new set of motor mounts (Yanmar 10 HP), it was a great bargain, and well worth the time and effort to get her trucked from northern Michigan to Milwaukee.  
Gear that's been added New VHF radio, windex, and masthead antenna (she didn't really need it, but while the mast was down, I thought it a good idea).  
Structural or complex improvements Replaced the glassed-in 2" X 4" under the mast post. It's in the bilge, and rotted away under the "I" beam that keeps the mast post up. Some minor fiberglass cracking occurred at the mast step as a result.  
The boat's best features Great for sailing with friends, and even children can sail her easily once trimmed. She's got lots of room in the cockpit, and below deck. I live on her during the summer, and except for some storage issues (too much wasted space, poor access/location), she was very comfortable.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. She's hard to back out of her slip (just like a woman). She tends to prop-pull to starboard, regardless of rudder position. To solve this, I get her moving aft, and then quickly shift to neutral. Once the prop stops spinning, the rudder is far more effective. If windy abeam, I use the aft port spring line tied to the dock, to pivot her clockwise, and keep her bow from swinging into hard (aka expensive) objects. I don't like the layout of the galley much, as short people (i.e. my kids) can't reach into the refrigerator without climbing upon something else.  
Sailing characterisitcs Very good charateristics either daysailing, nightsailing, in mild-strong winds. She's very strong and hasn't ever complained about the wind or the waves (at least not on Lake Michigan).  
Motoring characterisitcs As already mentioned, backing up is a challenge, and not for the inexperienced. She'll prop-pull to starboard and do so quickly. I don't attempt it when my neighbors are on their boats, as I do come close on occasion.  
Liveability Nice liveability. Good headroom (I'm 6'2"), except entering into the head (which is what I hit upon the door rail). Nice pressurized hot water system, though the pump is a bit noisy. Galley could be a bit better designed, and storage spaces could be too.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Great family boat, good liveaboard, very nice sailboat overall. It's just much sturdier and stronger than my buddy's Catalina, and we sail mine when the winds/waves kick up.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Private sale for a private sail.  
Other comments Once this one is all fixed up, and there's nothing left to improve (like that'll ever happen), I'd certainly buy another Hunter.  

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