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Review of the Hunter 40.5 by Don Berger

Year built 1994  
Location of boat Narragansett Bay, RI  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Multi-week coastal cruising  
Normal wind strength 16-22 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? Definitely. I'm not sure what the utility is of writing a review of a boat already out of production particularly considering there are already lots of far more authoritative reviews than I can write. However, this is the second 40.5 I bought and that is reason for writing this. Our first 40.5 was purchased in April 2002 while on the hard in Mystic CT. In prep for launch, I spent the next three weekends doing botton prep, paint and waxing the hull while my wife was getting the interior shipshape and provisioned. Two days prior to the scheduled launch, a fire completely destroyed the boat. Over the enxt 2 months (May - june) thorough investigations were conducted as you can image by both the fire marshall as well as my insurance company who shall go nameless. The cause was ultimately determined to be electrical originating in wiring behind the aft cabin port lockers around the cabin sole area (where no wires should be). The fire was so intense that it mented the self-tailer rings on the winches. Literally, the only salvageable things were the davits and the CQR anchor (the latter was stolen off the boat shortly after the fire). Although we are still "negotiating" with the insurance company regarding a final settlement, they did eventually provide a partial payment with which we purchased our second 40.5 within 3 month of the original purchase. So would we buy this boat again - we did, twice!  
Gear that's been added We are currently outfitting for long term cruising with R/C AC, add'l batteries and upgrading the charging system, R/O watermaker, Battcars and slides and add'l sails plus lots of little stuff that cost alot but don't add value... such as spurs, new charger, second fuel tank, flat panel TV (been to any boat shows lately and seen the new models?).  
Structural or complex improvements none by us. the PO had the hull painted forest green which looks great and is one of the reasons we purchased this particular boat, however, it also shows the flaws in the hull one wouldn't notice if it was the original gell coat white. When inspected closely, we found an area of poor lamination or mold flaws about one foot square which shouldn't happen on a boat this age which will need to be addressed shortly.  
The boat's best features this was the first boat my wife loved after having searched for almost one year and been through dozens trying to find one she would approve of.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. haven't had it long enough to provide an informed response but I already know that Hood jib roller has to go.  
Sailing characterisitcs Takes a reef at anything over 20 knots and is really hard to balance the sails for some reason I can't figure it out yet - maybe the small headsail compared with the large roach main??? I've never had problems in the past balancing the sails so as to steer without the rudder but this boat has me baffled. Would love to get some other feedback from owners on this  
Motoring characterisitcs Tried backing in for the first time last weekend and it was easier than I had thought possible particularly since there was a pretty hefty crosswind. I'm impressed with the boat although the maxprop certainly helps me look like I know what I'm doing. Anyone find improving the engine insulation resulted in lowering the noise?  
Liveability As good as it gets unless you like Irwins  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Only one phone call so far and they returned my message in 15 minutes!  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any After reading the above horror story, you should undertand we truely tested the service and support of our broker. Sailing Specialties was great in helping us through this and finding a replacement on what I would consider very generous terms which shows their customer focus. I'd never go anywhere else!  
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