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Review of the Hunter 290 by DAVID SLABY

Year built 2000  
Location of boat Dunedin, FL  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
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? Absolutely!  
Gear that's been added The vessel was used, with alot of accoutrements, such as central ac, battery operated refrigerator, microwave, lp gas stove top, water heater, extended bimini, and only 10 hours of engine use. I did add an autopilot.  
Structural or complex improvements None.  
The boat's best features Many: Elevated boom allowing free movement around the cockpit, easy to handle for solo sailing, motor has more than enough power, the helm responds well, and extremely roomy due to the wide beam which affords great stability.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Knotmeter gives a different speed depending on the tack. The shower in the head came without a mechanism to divert the water from the faucet to the shower head. The compass in the pedestel is within inches of the vhf radio creating distortion.  
Sailing characterisitcs I'm still a novice sailor, therefore I choose days to sail with winds less than 20 mph. I have never felt overwhelmed, even when winds approached 25 mph or seas of 3-4 ft. I find most of my friends have not sailed before, so I end up doing most of the work. But, I do enjoy doing so. I try to get out 2-3 times weekly. I have had recorded speeds of up to 6.5 knots. (GPS)  
Motoring characterisitcs At 2800 RPM, the 18 hp Yanmar will do 6 knots. Against a strong current and/or wind, I've not seen less than 4.5 knots. I do see the vibration that has been reported at the low end ~1500 RPM. It has been easy to do the maintenance myself.  
Liveability We have spent an over night once. There were 4 of us. It was quite pleasant. Day sailing with 7 people can be a little trying but managable.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) They were helpful with a few minor questions that I had.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Sailor's Wharf was broker. They also handle the sail of new Hunter sailboats. Even though my boat was used, they made sure everything was in working order as if I were buying a new boat.  
Other comments It has been a great first boat. It was made to be very workable from the cockpit. It suits me, my wife, and 14 yr old son quite well.  

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