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Review of the Hunter 426DS by Frank Arndorfer

Year built 2003  
Location of boat Milwaukee, Wisconsin  
The boat is sailed on The Great Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2002  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, I'd definitely buy this boat again. We researched a lot of different boats prior to committing to this one. We emphasized value, style, accomodations, performance, familarity, etc. and this boat has not disappointed in any of these areas.  
Gear that's been added From the factory we added a lot of options including: genset, air conditioning, bow thrusters, 2nd tv in aft berth, leather cushions, 7000 A/P, elec. winches,vacu-flush heads, maxprop, radar/gps/chartplotter.  
Structural or complex improvements I opted for the Leisure Furl (Forespar) in-boom furling system that was dealer installed. I wanted to single-hand this boat. I also wanted the advantages of the full-battened, full-roach mainsail. This system has worked flawlessly and has truly given me a boat with a sailplan that I can confidently handle by myself.  
The boat's best features The boat's interior is huge. Bigger than some boats considerably larger in length. A lot of thought went into the interior layout and storage areas. We have the pullman forward berth and like all the additional cabinet/drawer storage space. The overall fit and finish is quite good for a production boat. The deck and cockpit layout is very well thought out. It's looks never fail to attract. The boat draws a crowd at every marina we've entered. Many positive comments on it's lines, etc. Main cabin and forward berth ventilation is excellent. See "what doesn't work" below for aft berth. And Hunter's customer service is absolute first-rate.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Areas that we feel can be improved upon: The aft cockpit has inadequate ventilation. I've added two Hella dc fans and am going to add a screen to the overhead hatch. Main cabin needs additional dc lighting, both for "atmosphere" and reading lights. Added additional myself. Spring-loaded waste container cover in galley. A real nusiance. Replaced with a matching piece of solid corian and a 1" finger hole for access.  
Sailing characterisitcs The boat's sailing characteristics are superb. Have had it out in varying conditions from light to 30kt-plus. And in varying sail configurations. Never felt insecure with the appropriate sail plan up. With full-battened main we put first reef in at about 18-20kt. Roll up in 5kt increments from there. Like any other boat, it likes to be sailed flat. Boat tracks as straight as a locomotive.  
Motoring characterisitcs I had some initial concerns about the 56hp Yanmar being adequate for a boat with this displacement. But with a 3 blade maxprop, I can attain hull speed at 3300rpm. Says a lot for the Henderson design of the hull. It does sound like a Greyhound bus.!!!!  
Liveability Livibility accomodations are great. In our opinion, the best of any boat out there near this size.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) This is our 2nd new boat. Both times we did factory visits and follow-up conversations. I think Hunter has set the industry standard for customer service and follow-up. They are truly great people who are very proud of their product.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any This our 3rd boat with Larsen Marine in Waukegan, Il. There are dealers closer to us (and good ones also) but the folks from Larsen are a great bunch. And a very competent yard and electircal staff. We feel very comfortable with this bunch.  
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