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Review of the Hunter 170 by Jeff Wingo

Year built 2002  
Location of boat Midlothian, VA  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength less than 10 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2002  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes...mainly because I see the H-170 as a great value. It is alot of boat for the money. Ease of trailering and rigging are keys to me since I have to pack it up and store it every time I sail. Another thing that is nice is that it is a dry boat and comfortable too.  
Gear that's been added I bought the cushions...you have to have the cushions. I put on the motor mount and added a 30# trolling motor. (We can't use gas on our lake.) I am so glad to have that motor especially when the ramp is up a small inlet. The 30# is just enough to move the boat pretty well. If I were to do it over, I would get the 36#. It was a fight getting the boat out into open water against a strong breeze, but the guy ahead of me cussing and paddling out his boat is probably at the store today getting a motor.  
Structural or complex improvements The only thing I did was replace a couple of those blasted Clevis Pins with cotterless pins (the ones with the little ball bearing) at the head and foot of the roller furler to make it easier to rig at the ramp. I think I will do the same at the gooseneck. I also put 1/4" white shroud covers on all the shrouds. They make it look better and protect the finish from flapping cables when trailering. My dealer (American Marine & Sail) added some things like reef lines and a trailer jack and probably other stuff that I don't realize is not standard.  
The boat's best features I love the open transom. The styling is nice...it catches people's eyes on our lake that it littered with "standard looking" Flying Scots and Daysailors. The 170 stands out. The roller furler on the jib is wonderful. I am especially impressed with the blocks and cleats used in the running rigging...good stuff. It is an easy boat to sail. No ducking for the boom, since it is high off the deck.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Like I said earlier, I don't like those clevis pins. I have fears of dropping one of those little split rings into the sand and not being able to find it. (What a stupid way to ruin an otherwise good day of sailing.)  
Sailing characterisitcs I have taken it out in light winds (around 10 kts) on a local reservoir. It handled very well. The wind shifts alot on this lake and you have to be on your toes because before you know it you go from close hauled to close reach and you are heeling madly. You need to be real quick to let out both the jib and the main at those times. It seemed like the jib alone could pull it over at times. At times there was a distinct weather helm at other times the opposite depending on the tack. It is a little tipsy, but hey, it's a dinghy. It is fast, though. I am very pleased with the speed.  
Motoring characterisitcs I am using a 30# trolling motor to get in and out of a small inlet. I tried to motor out the first time with the rudder up, but found that having the rudder down (even partially due to shallow water) helps a great deal in control. Running against the wind is challenging with only 30 pounds of thrust. A slightly larger motor would be better. If I were not restricted to having electric only, I'd rather have a gas motor, just because it is a pain to deal with the battery. For now, I have it strapped to the motor mount, but am considering either putting it all the way up front and running the wires in some fashion, or else getting it mounted under the seat in a compartment. I any case, having the motor has been very helpful, even for a small boat like the 170.  
Liveability Not applicable.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Crazy Dave and Anthony at American Marine and Sail in Zebulon, NC were great to deal with. It was worth it to make the 3 hour drive from Richmond to work with these guys. They went out of their way to help me and added little extras that make things alot nicer.  
Other comments This is a great family boat. I have been sailing since I was 11 on FJ's, Sunfish, Lightnings, Kites, Mobjacks and other stuff I can't recall. My family, on the other hand, had never been on a boat. This boat is a good introduction to sailing for them to get them primed for the cruiser that I really want.  

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