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Review of the Hunter 216 by Garth Brown

Year built 2003  
Location of boat Portland, Oregon  
The boat is sailed on Rivers  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2003  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? For my current situation (new to sailing, single, and limited time and $$) the H216 was a very good choice. But if I were to do it again I might look at something more suitable for overnight use. And, if buying new again, I might consider something other than Hunter, not because of the quality of their boats, but because my experience with Hunter has not gone that well.  
Gear that's been added No.  
Structural or complex improvements No.  
The boat's best features The cuddy provides ample storage, and the cockpit is large and open. It is very easy to sail solo, and setup time is minimal. Under sail the boat handles very well, is stable, and sails well in light wind. It is also very fast!  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The cuddy will leak as there is a fairly large opening where the mast comes through. I have tried a mast boot, but the design of the mast entry into the cuddy does not adapt well to the use of a boot. Thus far, Hunter has not addressed this problem. While Hunter brags about how tough the ACP is supposed to be, it scratches and gouges very easily.  
Sailing characterisitcs Sails great in light wind and is very responsive. The 500 lb. lead keel gives the boat excellent stability, it turns on a dime, and is fast!  
Motoring characterisitcs I have a 4 hp, 4 stroke Mercury, which matches the capacity rating for the H216. This provides enough power to get from point A to point B when needed. The H216 handles well under power.  
Liveability While there is probably room for a V-berth in the cuddy, the H216 is a day sailor. As such, there is plenty of storage to pack whatever gear might be needed for a day of sailing while also having the freedom of a large, open cockpit.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) My dealings with Hunter have been through the dealer where I purchased the boat, and have not been very good. Hunter seems to be very unorgainzed, and slow in shipping ordered items. As far as I know they have not yet addressed the leakage problem of the cuddy, and I am still waiting for the mainsail cover which I ordered with the boat. According to Hunter the cover shipped over two weeks ago and is lost. I have had the boat over two months and still no mainsail cover. The User's Manual is not available yet, either.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any My dealer has been very good to work with, and if I need their help they are ready and willing. They also continue to bug Hunter about my questions, concerns, and lost orders.  
Other comments If Hunter had been more responsive this would have been a flawless experience. As it is I would probably think long and hard before doing business with Hunter again. The H216, though, I like very much!  

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