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Review of the Hunter 37 by Hal Romberg

Year built 1989  
Location of boat Chesapeake Bay  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
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 2002  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Definitely. It's the best compromise boat I've seen in terms of how it's engineered, giving it good utility and comfort as a short-term cruiser, stability in a blow, and speed when passing someone in a purpose built blue water boat. It's also the most boat for the buck I've seen, since most other craft in its class are either much more expensive, or look stripped down in comparisson with the Legend.  
Gear that's been added The boat came with a fridge, radar, and full instrument package installed by a previous owner. Also installed were a PSS shaft seal and an autopilot. I've replaced the prop with a max prop 3 blade , and I've been really happy with the performance improvement. I also replaced the stereo and added fishing rod holders so I can go after the stripers when they're in season. You should see the looks I get trying to find a fish finder that will work through the hull.  
Structural or complex improvements  
The boat's best features Comfort below, room, and speed. She's not bad looking either.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Water entry into rudder. WINCHES: Good quality, but where to find spare parts for Barlow and Barient brands? I've got a non-self-tailing jib sheet winch for the lack of parts. Galley storage is prone to things falling off the top shelf, since it doesn't come all the way forward to the cupboard doors. No oven. CNG fuel for stove and cabin heater tough to find. The 2X12v house battery bank woefully inadequate to demands of all the appliances. I need to expand storage and charging capacities to match the boat's equipment. I also had to replace the skylight aft of the mast when (what I think was)an aftermarket hatch that had been installed in it was left open and caught on the boom vang, breaking the pane. Aside from tracking down a Lexan dealer, no problem.  
Sailing characterisitcs She's very weatherly, capable of sailing REALLY close to the wind. Speed is good to windward with the main, and 130% Genoa, but incredible downwind with an asymetrical Spinnaker flying. Reef early though, since the rig is powerful enough to get you into trouble. The big steering wheel is worth the space it takes up, since the forces on the rudder are substantial.  
Motoring characterisitcs Good speed and power. Max Prop makes backing easy.  
Liveability Excellent, once batteries are charged, see above.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Tried to get specs for replacement skylight, zero response to dealer, so I had to order rectangle stock and cut it to fit by hand.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Clipper Bay Yachts brokerage was par for the course. No scams pulled, but no info volunteered either.  
Other comments  

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