Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 290 by Dan Ebert

Year built 2000  
Location of boat Brookville, Indiana  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2000  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, but would get the H320. Wife wants more room.  
Gear that's been added Cockpit cushion, window shades, battery charger, knot~depth~wind meters and bimini(a must).  
Structural or complex improvements Add microwave to bulkhead wall along side of stove. Cable T.V. connection to hull. Door on rear bulkhead wall to check head holding tank.  
The boat's best features Large cockpit, room down below, plenty of natural light below and large head area.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Gauge for head holding tank has never work, even after dealer said he fix. Have to climb arch to zip-up sail cover~sometimes I need three hands to zip it up. Have a leak comming down side cabin wall during heavy rain, still can't find source of leak. It would be nice to have the top lifting line lead back to the cockpit are for ease of use.  
Sailing characterisitcs Holds it own when letting go of the wheel, will not head up. Been over 30 degrees and have little weather helm with 25 plus knots wind (no reef). Please with stabilty compare to my H240 and H260. Most of time I put the first reef in about 18 knots is the way to go.  
Motoring characterisitcs No problem. Turns on a dime. Very little prop walk. Wife does all docking and motoring. Need I say more.  
Liveability Get for Wife and I for weekends. The reason why we got the larger boat.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Hunter is A1 and has always help. Greg at Hunter is the best.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any A dealer is just that, a dealer.  
Other comments Like the boat, plan to add A.C., spinnaker and refigeration.