Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 170 by Bob Barnes

Year built 1999  
Location of boat Dallas, TX  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
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 2000  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, I am very please with the overall boat. It performs well in moderate air and handles like a dream.  
Gear that's been added I have the Honda 2hp 4 stroke outboard, full spinnaker kit and I have added navigation lights that are powered via a rechargable portable 12 volt power supply.  
Structural or complex improvements No, however i have heard that the most recent model offers a heavier swing keel. If I had a complaint about the boat it would be the stability in above moderate air. Additional kell weight would compensate. I would be interested to find out if Hunter is going to offer a retrofit keel for older models.  
The boat's best features Being a day sailor and racer, the ease of rigging is the 170's best feature. I can have the boat rigged, single handed, in under 20 minutes once I had analyzed and implemented a sequential process.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Although resistant to sun the hull material scratches easily. Hunter should offer a repair kit for the plastic compound used on the 170.  
Sailing characterisitcs In light to moderate are, the boat is a dream to sail. The asymetrical spinnaker flys well with two or more on board. In heavier aire the helm is a bit heavy and might be addressed by an off-set rudder similar to those on hobiecats.  
Motoring characterisitcs The 2hp Honda manages the boat well in up to 20 knot winds. Above that is struggles to keep the bow to the wind.  
Liveability N/A  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) N/A  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any  
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