Hunter Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997
Contact us
Hunter OEM Parts
General Marine Parts
 
 

Review of the Hunter 340 by Rob McClain

Year built 2001  
Location of boat Alameda, CA  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 16-22 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? Yes, definitely. We looked at several boats in this size range and were leaning towards a Beneteau 331 when we stumbled across this particular 340 resale and couldn't pass it up. It is extremely livable and quite responsive under sail. We have no regrets with the purchase and love our boat.  
Gear that's been added The boat has almost every option factory installed. Furling jib, In-mast main furling, radar, GPS, autopilot, depth-speed-wind instruments, windlass, stereo, bimini, dodger, storm jib, asymetrical spinnaker.  
Structural or complex improvements No.  
The boat's best features Very light, airy, and comfortable inside. In very few sailboats can you comfortably look out at the sights as you cook dinner. It is almost like a motorsailor in that regard. It also has good sailing characteristics - much improved by the cut of the in-mast furling sail. This sail is almost 100 sq ft less than the traditional 340 rig. In SF Bay having the extra sail of the traditional rig is not necessarily an advantage. With the a sail that represents a more traditional cut the boat handles heavier winds with more ease and reefing is not required as early.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. No major problems to date. The head system had some smells, but those were relieved through the use of the head chemical "Ordorlos." Now there are no problems. The engine is great. The electronics work well, with the occassional exception of the autopilot which sometimes seems a bit erratic. No problems with the rig or other systems.  
Sailing characterisitcs The boat handles great and is very responsive. Have experienced winds to 25 knots and being able to reef to any degree is tremendous and also pretty easy. Frankly, we enjoy lighter winds in the 10-15 range when the boat just glides along, but those are more rare on the bay. Much talk has been heard of problems going downwind. We have not really experienced that - perhaps becuse of the more traditional cut on the main. Granted the spreaders are swept back and that is an issue to watch, however, we have found that we can run pretty well without having sail glued against the spreaders. We find that we generally keep pace with Catalinas and other similar sized boats headed up the Oakland/Alameda Estuary on a run.  
Motoring characterisitcs Motors well and generall turns tight. The only dificulty encountered has been backing up in very windy conditions when it can be more of a trick to swing the bow into the wind. We are considering the purchase of a 3 blade Max-Prop in the future to assist with that, and generally make it easier to back into the slip. To date I still do not feel comfortable trying that with the standard 2 blade prop.  
Liveability Great - for the reasons described, including complete privacy for the 2 staterooms.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Very good. I have asked many questions of Greg Emerson in Customer Service and he has always been very quick to respond with answers to the point that are very helpful.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any We bought the boat from the resale market, and not from the original dealer/broker. However, we live not far from the original dealer, Cruising Specialists, and they have been helfpul with general questions whenever we have approached them.  
Other comments  

Contact
About
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Limited Liability
Advertise Here
Copyright 1997-2024 SB Owners, LLC
All rights reserved.

Other Sailboat Owners web sites:
CatalinaOwners.com | HunterOwners.com | MacgregorOwners.com | OdayOwners.com | SailboatOwners.com | 10,000 Boat Names |