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Review of the Hunter 26.5 by chris petty

Year built 1989  
Location of boat elephant butte/san carlos  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1997  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? yes, we feel that the boat was an excellent valuewe operate a marina in new mexico and use the boat for weekends, daysailing and racing in the summer. we take the boat to san carlos mexico in the winter and take cruises for up to 1 month.  
Gear that's been added the previous owner outfitted the boat for racing: mylar 155 genoa, spinnaker pole  
Structural or complex improvements not really, bottom job, replaced deck decals.  
The boat's best features we purchased the boat with the intent of cruising the sea of cortes. we have had her down there for 2 winters now. we have crossed the sea in varying conditions and have had good pasages in even rough weather.(28 knots wind and 8-12 foot waves). the boat is handicapped close to a j24 and sails very well. we hit 11.8 knots surfing in 6 foot waves. in salt water the boat frequently runs and reaches well over hull speed. we have had long cruises averaging 7 knots. our last trip we cruised nearly 500 n.m. (roundtrip) without seeing a single marina. the boat handled very well but becomes cramped after 1 month aboard, no standing headroom, shower and private head, are my only complaints when spending that much time aboard.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. after our last trip we began experiencing water in the v berth. it may be coming in through the bow eye-stem fitting that is through bolted from the bow to the anchor locker, and or bow cleats. the other possibility is that the hull deck joint is leaking on the starboard side bow. has anyone else had this problem?? it only happens when the deck is awash, so i believe that it is the bow eye.  
Sailing characterisitcs the boat sails best reaching and running and seems to sail fastest on 15-20 degree heel. in heavier winds it needs a storm jib and could use a 2nd reef in the main. the boat performs very well for a small boat with this much room. races and cruises well.  
Motoring characterisitcs 8 hp outboard cavitates in short chop. boat motor sails well on port tach. (motor is on starboard).  
Liveability  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) i purchased a manual and they sent me the manual for the 27 built the same year, then sent the correct manual for no extra cost. they weren,t too sure about tuning the rig. when i bought the boat the mast had no bend and the main seemed blown out. after re-tuning i had 3-4 inches pre-bend in the mast and adjusting the backstay tension provided an additional 2-3 inches. the sail is far less baggy and allows the boat to sail to its potential. consequently, there is less weater helm in a gust.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any  
Other comments  

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