Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 40.5 by Clay Hunter

Year built 1994  
Location of boat Charleston, SC  
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 2001  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? I would definitly buy this boat again if I went back in time. I have no regrets at all about the purchase of our Legend 40.5.  
Gear that's been added Raethon autopilot, raethon GPS, speed, depth, wind meter. New air conditioners/ heaters. new davits. new TV, microwave. new pedistal cover. Dutchman system. New anchors.  
Structural or complex improvements Boat was damaged when it fell off a jack. entire ext. had to be re-fiberglassed. Keel had to be unbent. New mast, boom, and rigging were installed. Interior had several large cracks or splits. Several stantions had to be replaced. After purchase, I installed a new CD player, and am currently installing a generator along with a new battery charger.  
The boat's best features The legend 40.5 has several great features. One main feature to me is how comfortable the boat feels at all times. Whether its sailing out in rough seas, or sitting at the dock; no matter where I am on the boat, I always feel safe and comfortable. One actual interior feature I really like is the dinet/ Berth in the salon. It is a great place to entertain guests, or to relax after a hard day sailing.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. One reoccuring problem is our head system. Problems range from leaking, to an unbearable smell. Mostly though its just a little leaking and sometimes a little problem pumping.  
Sailing characterisitcs Our Hunter 40.5 handles supurbly undersail. Whether its 15+ knots, or 5; the boat turns and reacts quickly to hard rudder movements. The boat also is very stable in rough conditions. The hull can take waves head on, or the boat can surf waves, and its still feels as stable as it did at the dock.  
Motoring characterisitcs The legend 40.5 has a very good powerplant. Ours came with a 55 hp Yanmar. The throttle is very responsive, and is quick to stop, or move the boat. The boat has a very small turning radius when throttled up, then released as the turn is executed. Hard reversing is no problem with the 40.5. One great charateristic is that there is little noise or vibration, from idle up to the higher running rpms.  
Liveability On a scale of 1 to 10, the 40.5 scores a 10 on liveability. The two heads is a great privacy compliment. The boat has ample storage and is definitly a great live aboard boat.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any We bought the boat from a man who buys damaged vessels, repairs them to better than new condition, and re-sells them. Our experiences with him were all positive. From the first meeting and looking of the boat with him, he was very informative and more important, kind. Since buying the vessel, I personaly have become friends with him and have sailed with him since.  
Other comments Our Hunter is an all around great boat. Whether at the dock, or out heeling over in a brisk wind; it is an absolute fantastic boat.  

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