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Review of the Hunter 30_74-83 by David Popken

Year built 1978  
Location of boat Kemah, Texas  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
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 2002  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Armed with the knowledge I have gained as its owner, I probably would not have bought this particular boat. I still believe that the Hunters of this era are desirable and are a great value.  
Gear that's been added New main sail, new main sheet, whisker pole.  
Structural or complex improvements Replaced all 12x5 portlights.  
The boat's best features Very roomy for its size, especially headroom. Sails reasonably well and reasonably fast. Most but not all original equipment has stood the test of time.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The boat has serious weather helm. We have recently taken the rake out of the mast to help this problem. I have not had an opportunity to sail her since the work was performed. There are numerous topside leaks which I am slowly curing. One serious problem with these models is that the compression post is made of regular steel. Many boats from this era have suffered compression post problems. This boat had had the bottom section cut out and a stainless section installed. When we re-tuned the rigging after removing the mast rake, we noticed a depression in the raised area around the base of the mast. Apparently, what I am seeing is a compression of the core due to water damage. The raised section and cabintop are sandwiched between the mast base and the top of the compression post, and are being compressed by the loads. A bad design. Also, it someone, either the factory or a previous owner mixed brass ball valves with bronze thru-hull fittings, resulting in serious corrosion and failure at the joint. I have by necessity, replaced one of the offending fittings, but need to replace the other four as well.  
Sailing characterisitcs She sails well, points reasonably well, is not tender and is reasonably seakindly. Weather helm as mentioned above is her only glaring weakness.  
Motoring characterisitcs The 12 hp diesel is really not enough engine for a boat of this size. At full throttle, she make about 5 knots and any gusty wind and chop knocks that down even further. Someone installed a three blade prop and from all reports that is a marked improvement from the original two blade version. Prop walk in reverse is a minor problem, but workable.  
Liveability I think the boat would make a reasonably comfortable live aboard. The layout is open and roomy. Storage is more than adequate.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) No direct dealings with Hunter.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Bought the boat from a broker and have nothing but good things to say about the experience.  
Other comments If you buy a 24 year old boat, even one that has been reasonably well taken care of, be prepared to spend some time and money. The environment that the boat lives in is an unrelenting one and certain components just cannot last longer than 20 years or so. I suspect that this is true with just about any production boat.  

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