Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 420 by Barry Gordon

Year built 1999  
Location of boat NY  
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 2003  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Absolutely. After 25 yrs of a Tartan 34 I sold it and was finished with sailing. My wife had other ideas. She revived my interest but wanted a 42' cc while I thought in terms of traditional ac. She won, naturally, and am I glad. This hunter is an apt. inside and like a small ship outside. We even bought 2 small beach chairs for the afterdeck. With its 62hp Yanmar she powers faster than anything with a mast that's been going my way, and she sails far far better than I expected doing about a kt slower than half the wind speed. I even caught and passed a Hunter 410 ac in an 18 - 22kt beat from Port Jeff to Oyster Bay.  
Gear that's been added The original owners put in just about everything. I added a foredeck saltwater outlet for the anchor.  
Structural or complex improvements No.  
The boat's best features Room, comfort, speed.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Had badly leaking portlights in the main cabin. Fixed that with liquid caulk. Bad switches on the overheads - three not working. Replaced them with Radio Shack switches for $3 each. So much space to store things I forget where they are.  
Sailing characterisitcs Moves easily in light air. Not tender at all. Love it.  
Motoring characterisitcs 7.5 kts at less than full cruise. So far nothing with a mast has passed me.  
Liveability It's a 2 bedroom apt. Only three consecutive days on her so far. Will do 12 days 8/03 and plan for a few weeks next spring.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) No experience other than ordering some replacement latches.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Broker was very helpful to both parties.  
Other comments I love her.