Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 37-cutter by Tom Mooers

Year built 1985  
Location of boat Annapolis, Maryland  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Multi-week coastal cruising  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2000  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. It is an excellent boat for the money. Hunter has a reputation for being a "coastal boat" and this model exceeds the reputation.  
Gear that's been added Yes, I added new North Sails last year, new life lines, Furuno GPS/Chartplotter. We installed a station at the helm and at the chart station for convenience. I added an ICOM Marine Radio with a remote at the helm, new dodger. New Interior cushions, refinished the wood interior.  
Structural or complex improvements Last winter I removed the toe rails and life line stanchions and rebedded them. I also rebedded the scuppers all around and in the chain lockers. This eliminated all leaks. This winter, I gutted the V-berth and removed the old carpeting and shelving. On the bare hull I placed closed cell foam for insulation and covered the hull with wood. I just finished this and it is a huge improvement. I also re-routed the pump-out line from the tank to up behind the shower to the deck. (Just could not take the smell in the locker). We pressure tested the tanks and there were no leaks so we did not replace it. I refinished all of the interior wood.  
The boat's best features The boat is roomy and comfortable. It is also safe in high seas and high winds.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. We have been very lucky. The big problem for the first two seasons was the smell generated by the holding tank. I am hopeful for the sake of my marriage that replacing all of the lines and vents will solve this problem.  
Sailing characterisitcs Slow in light air, although the new sails have helped. Very stable in big air. I have sailed it in 35 knot sustained breezed with 10 foot seas and felt very comfortable.  
Motoring characterisitcs 44 HP Yanmar. The boat pulls to port at the high end. Other than that, it is quite reliable and comfortable.  
Liveability Excellent, the boat is quite roomy. We removed the table in the salon and used the tops for a drop-leaf style. A huge improvement.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Have not.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Purchased the boat from Norton's Yacht Sales. They were terrific and very responsive.  
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