Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 356 by Stephen Fraser

Year built 2003  
Location of boat Batemans Bay Australia  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 23-30 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? Yes  
Gear that's been added MPS Spinnaker with furling gear, Raymarine St4000 Pilot, ST60 Wind, VDO Map 10 Plotter + GPS, Engine Driven Bilge Pump, Custom Timber Arch Under Cover with speakers mounted in extremities and LED lighting and wheel, Diachroic Deck Light Mid Mast  
Structural or complex improvements No  
The boat's best features Easy of sailing, room in and out, Stern Lockers, I like it all.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Sail damage on rigging when running.  
Sailing characterisitcs Southern NSW Australia is notorious for strong gales and I have found the Hunter to handle these quite a lot better than I expected, common sense and reefing well before the stronger winds arrive saves a lot of stress. Being unable to run square is taking some getting used to, but I did not buy the boat to race so this will be tolerable I'm sure. She still sails down wind very well for the weight  
Motoring characterisitcs Motoring is no problem and the boat cruises along brilliantly but I would rather sail/motor if I have to motor at all  
Liveability 356's are just prefect for a family 4 people to live aboard. And even better as a place to enteraint upto 8 friends at the mariner if time does not permit or out in the Bay when possible.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Pleasant so far.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I purchased from a Sydney dealer and to date no problems have arisen, the boat did receive some damage to the internal floor in Sydney before I received it and that is still to be resolved, also a few small items have to be sorted out but I believe it will be no problem  
Other comments I still believe it to be the best mid size coastal cruising / entertaining yacht built at this time