Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 410 by Curt Weaver

Year built 2001  
Location of boat Ponte Vedra Beach, FL  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2001  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes.  
Gear that's been added Autohelm 7001, Raychart 425 GPS, NextGen 5.5kw GenSet, Bimini, Racor 500, TV antenna, dual air/heat, chain rode, binnacle cover, electric anchor windlass, in-mast furling, cockpit cushions, 3-blade prop, teak companionway doors.  
Structural or complex improvements Not yet. There is essentially no place to store the motor for the dink, so I'm contemplating a custom piece.  
The boat's best features It's equally comfortable dockside and underway. It's easy to sail, well-balanced, and fun. We just love this boat.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Some problems of note: The seals on the freezer had to be replaced because of excessive air leaks. The forward portlights in the salon are out of alignment with the curtain recesses, so that the curtains don't even cover the window! The water pump is way too small for this size boat. Some pieces of teak trim are missing. Both house bank batteries had bad cells and failed in less than 90 days.  
Sailing characterisitcs I've been out several times single-handing it, and have had no difficulty - everything is rigged for easy access. Sailing with an in-mast furler IS DIFFERENT. You have to forget much of what you knew about sail trim and just start experimenting. Putting a good belly in the sail when the wind is below 16 or 18 knots is crucial. Light air performance is marginal. Downwind performance is as nasty as I expected - its a big boat, and as we all know the B&R rig prevents running wing and wing. A cruising chute is on the "to buy" list.  
Motoring characterisitcs I have the 2002 model with the 56 hp engine. It is very responsive, cruises nicely. Response in reverse is good, with manageable prop walk. By the way, access to the engine on the 410 is about the best of any boat Hunter builds. With removeable covers both fore and aft, the entire engine is exposed for service and inspection.  
Liveability Very, very comfortable. We love having the two separate heads and staterooms. The stereo is good, and our boat came with a TV/VCP installed in a corner cabinet that is very functional. We like to drop the saloon table and just make it a big couch (but you can't get to any of the storage lockers when you do that). The cockpit is excellent for entertaining. We've yet to have a stern-slap problem, even though we are backed in with the stern to the river. (Our 33.5 had a real problem with that.)  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) We went to the factory, and met Greg Emerson while we were there. Everytime we have email'd him a question we've received a prompt reply. Excellent service.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Whitney's is very much a family place. Our previous boat was docked there, and we knew and liked everybody. When you are in the buying process, or you have a breakdown, they are very attentive and thorough.  
Other comments A couple of upgrades should be standard on a boat this size and price. Companionway doors for one. A battery selector switch with "1/2/ALL/OFF" instead of just "ON/OFF" would seem to be mandatory. A spare halyard that actually reached a winch would be nice.  

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