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Review of the Hunter 306 by Mike

Year built 2002  
Location of boat South Padre Island, TX  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2002  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? I outlined a criteria for the boat I wanted and the Hunter 306 most closely matched it, so unless and until something else comes along and exceeds it, this is the boat for me, where I am, and now.  
Gear that's been added I have added all Raymarine electronics with the HSB2 interface: autopilot, remote control, radar/chartplotter, gps. I have added a battery system monitoring gauge at the helm.  
Structural or complex improvements No.  
The boat's best features The furling main and sheet arrangement makes solo sailing very easy. Its weight is enough to do well when in the Gulf in 5' seas yet light enough to easily dock single handed. It is good looking inside and out. The Yanmar engine is sturdy, reliable, accessible and fairly quiet. The open transom is one of the best ideas. The shallow draft was important in my situation.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I've had only minor issues that were quickly and enthusiastically resolved by my dealer.  
Sailing characterisitcs The boat is so well balanced under sail that there is very little weather helm. It does particularly well when pointed high and moves along respectably well in light breezes. Up to 17kt winds the boat moves well with very little extra work. At 22kts I feel better reefing the main about a third. Running with wind on either quarter in a 15kt wind the boat flies. It is fastest on close hauls and reaches. I feel that the original sail plan is underpowered for for the boat, but it is just fine for a start. I will add sail with a genoa and a spinnaker to solve this.  
Motoring characterisitcs The Yanmar engine is very good and the 18hp rating moves the boat at over 6.5kts at 2800 -3000 rpm, the normal operating setting. It responds well at the wheel. It backs up straight, which is a first in my experience.  
Liveability I don't live on nor have I yet taken a long trip on this boat. But it is very comfortable below if the seas cooperate. I don't think cooking would be very convenient in seas above 4'. It is comfortably cool at sea.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any My dealer was helpful, knowledgeable, and responsive to all my needs. Excellent.  
Other comments This ain't your grandmother's Hunter. That's what one of my sailing friends said after sailing with me on the Hunter 306. This boat is a long step up from the production of previous years. I have enjoyed sailing it and because it is smaller than my previous boat and better arranged I sail much more, which was the point in the first place. I made a good choice.  

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