Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 310 by Lee Hadjiosif

Year built 1997  
Location of boat Rosehaven, MD  
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? Yes I would. Had all the options I needed at the time including the furling main, and the price was just right.  
Gear that's been added Added an autopilot and a PSS shaft seal.  
Structural or complex improvements Replaced the main sheet blocks and increased the purchase to 2:1 so it can be hadled by hand and free up the winch. Bought an asymmetrical spinnaker, and replaced most halyards and sheets. The battery wiring was just inadequate. Added a house bank and wired the main panel directly to it bypassing the battery switch. Added a shelf to the quarter berth cabinet and increased its usability tremendously.  
The boat's best features The 310 is very well equipped with all you need for cruising. The open transom is wonderfull and the kids love sitting with their feet in the water as we sail. The furling main makes it easy to singlehand.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The original stuffing box did not have enough room for backing out the nut for repacking because the water dam build around it was not designed adequately. The only option was to remove the dam (which was the Hunter recommendation), or replace with a PSS dripless which is what I did. Did not like the Hunter recommendation because it would allow drip water to run under the engine and violate marine rules. The transom lockers have difficult time staying shut especially if you use them for stepping onto the boat. Relocated the rubber latches to the side with some improvement.  
Sailing characterisitcs Needs to be reefed early but not a problem with the furling main. Could use a larger genoa than the 110% it comes with especially during those calm days on the bay.  
Motoring characterisitcs Motoring is very good even with the stock fixed two bladed prop. Enough reserve power to handle a 3-blade but don't see the benefit since I can reach hull speed with the 2-blade.  
Liveability Excellent for a 31-footer. Spacious cockpit.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Not very enthousiastic. They respond with pretty much stock answers.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Bought mine used from a marina used dealer in Solomons, MD. He was honest but did not valunteer any negative information about the boat. Buyer beware. Had a full survey done done but nothing negative found by the surveyor.  
Other comments Good sailboat. Go for it.