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Review of the Hunter 170 by David Johnson

Year built 2000  
Location of boat Appleton, Wisconsin  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength less than 10 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2002  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, the h170 is a good value for the size boat. However, if budget allowed I think I would try a McGregor 26. Only because the McGregor offers the option of a 40 outboard for tubing, which would be of interest to my two teenagers. Nothing against the h170 it's a terrific boat. Another option for the next boat I'd consider the h216.  
Gear that's been added A 3.5b Nissan outboard, compass, anchor chain and line, flare kit, fire extinguisher, battery operated running lights, spare tire, trailer jack, stick on cup holders. Future items will include a storage cover, mainsail cover and boat guides for the trailer.  
Structural or complex improvements No, but there is a small crack in the floor deck near the mast and a few self inflicted nicks and scratches that needs attention.  
The boat's best features The h170 has many great features that include: - Easy set-up & take down. - Large cockpit, seat cushions are a must! - Easy to clean. - High freeboard keeps you dry. - Open transom for easy boarding when beached or at anchor. - Simple rigging and sailing. - Shallow draft that allows for beaching or mooring close to the beach. - Ours came with a motor mount which using a motor to get in and out of launching areas has been a great asset. - Roller reefing jib. When we have the boat out we always get comments like, "nice looking boat", "looks like it's fast”,” is it a European design?”  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Nothing has failed yet. We are the second owners of this boat and are just finishing our first season. One observation is regarding the jib assembly. If you leave the jib installed on the mast (the jib and forestay are one unit) make sure there is nothing that can cause chafing against the jib went trailering. The boats round hull does take some getting use to. In particular when boarding dockside as it does tend to heel over when stepping in and can surprise someone not expecting the heel. The trailer does seem to be a bit to tall as you do have to back down the ramp some distance before the boat is free, which can lead to wet feet or an impromptu to trailer trapezes act. Also, you need to support the rear of the trailer when it is not hooked up to your vehicle as the trailer will tip up if enter from the rear of the boat.  
Sailing characterisitcs Most of our sailing occurs on Lake Winnebago (WI) with winds ether calm or 10-15mph. This seems to be the best conditions for taking out the h170. Because it has a centerboard and not a weighted keel it can get difficult in winds above 15mph. We had one bad experience when sailing in the waters of Green Bay in Door County near Fish Creek when the offshore winds became gusty to +20mph. It was just a little too much for the boat. Even with the jib reefed and the main let out there was just too much sail up for the conditions and we had to turn back.  
Motoring characterisitcs We use a 3.5hp short shaft Nissan that provides more than enough power for the boat. Always remember to lower the centerboard a few inches to prevent sidestepping.  
Liveability Great daysailer, no overnight accommodations...  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Excellent service department, I've gotten responses to my calls or emails within the same business day. They seem genuinely concerned about their customers.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I purchase the boat used from The Sailboat House in Madison, WI. They gave me a fair deal on my trade and spent the time going over the boat set-up and operation with me. I'd recommend them to anyone.  
Other comments We are very pleased with this daysailer. Hunter and The Sailboat House have been very good to work with.  

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