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Review of the Hunter 18.5 by Stephen Estes

Year built 1988  
Location of boat Portland, Oregon  
The boat is sailed on Rivers  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1995  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes.  
Gear that's been added Had to buy an Evenrude 6 hp (since the prevoious owner's motor had been stolen).  
Structural or complex improvements After I purchaed it, I took everything off the boat that was bolted down, recaulked, installed some stainless steel and alum. backing plates under the stantions and deck hardware, replaced several lines, installed vang, and cunnigham and outhaul with 3 to 1 purchase for sail trim. Thought about putting a 130 to 150 jib on, but I always seem to sink a lot of $$ into things I have and then not get it back when I sell!!  
The boat's best features Trailerablity, roominess, atractive lines for a boat with so much room,  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I think it should have a backstay! (the forestay gets pretty loose going downwind in a strong wind and I have to imaging there is tremendous compressive pressure under the mast because of this lack. My impression is that, because of the keel design, it does not point very well (sure, it's POINTED in the right direction, but it makes a lot of leeway). Many people may not notice this. It bugs me, though (must be the price of having done a lot of racing when I was growing up).Although I'm not familiar with the term "brealage" I don't believe I have had any problems with this! ;-)  
Sailing characterisitcs With this boat, I assume?It goes where one points it most of the time. I can't seem to figure out how to get it to sail straight into the wind, though, it just keeps stopping. I hope the Hunter design team is aware of this shortcoming and is workling on a solution.  
Motoring characterisitcs Hey, it goes really fast with an 8 hp motor on it!  
Liveability Wow, it was great to get home after spending a week in the Canadian Gulf Island on it with my son !  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Haven't.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Private party sail -- I mean sale.  
Other comments  

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