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Review of the Hunter 37-cutter by Robert Eagles

Year built 1983  
Location of boat Port Dover Ontario Lake Erie  
The boat is sailed on The Great Lakes  
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 2002  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Not sure to be honest there are numerous boats on the market by various manufactures and all boats have their good and bad points. I know in the past Hunter has always had bad revievs from people, but if they where built so bad why are there so many still around and why are they one of highest volume in sales. I like the size being 6'3" the cabin hight is nice the beds could have been a little longer for tall people. But so far I do like the boat. Hunter could have beefed up the layers of fiber glass on the top deck as they are a little tin in the radius and gell coat cracks appear as a result of flex. Its is overall a good boat for a good price.  
Gear that's been added I have added a new VHF radio with a remote mike. Replaced the presureized alcohol stove with a gimbled Origo stove and 700 watt microwave oven under that. I have replaced all batteries with 4 Serett batties, Added a radio with CD and cockpit speakers. Added fixed mount GPS in cockpit.New Electric toilet.  
Structural or complex improvements I have recondtioned the entire top deck ground out all gell coat cracks filled them and reinforced them with fiberglass and 3 more coats of epoxy. recondtioned all the Bomar windows and hatchs ( repainted with fussion paint and all new gaskets, replaced 3 lenses) Stripped all teck and recoated with Cetol 3 coats, primed and Awlgripped entil top deck. Had the bottom soda blasted and applied 5 coats of E2000 and 3 coats of VC17. Next year the sails will be sent out and cleaned and repaired if required. Removed the winlass from foredeck as the original installation was not done properly. Repainted mast and booms. New life lines will be added this summer.(2004)  
The boat's best features The size is good, layout is nice and the sailing quilty is very good. The use of teck in the interior is one of the most impressive selling features. Cupboard space is very good. At first I thought it would be sluggish in light air but I was supprsed with trimming the sails right it moved alone nice. In heavy waters it is amazing how well it handles. The 30HP diesel runs smooth and pushes the boat along a approx 6.5 knots at arount 2100 rpm. The seperate shower room is also a big Plus.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. When backing up the boat has a very destict pull to the port (prop walk)and you have to compensate. It can catch you off gaurd if you are not prepared. The reinforcing on the top deck at the manufaturing level should have been heaver in all radius. This could have helped prevented flexing in the cabin roof which could have prevented many of the gell coat cracks.  
Sailing characterisitcs I have sailed in most condtions on Lake Erie and have had no problems with the boat. I have sailed now for 35 years on 3 of the great lakes and have gained a lot of experience, but STLL learning. Mother nature teaches me something new every trip out.  
Motoring characterisitcs The boat handels very well at 2100 rpm. There is some viration at different rpm's but you just have to learn where it runs the smoothest. Great on fuel.  
Liveability I basically live on boad from Friday till Sunday evening most weekends and find the boat very comfortable wor my wife and I. It would be OK for w few weekends with 4 people. My wife and I normally go away on the boat for 3 weeks each summer and this boat seemed to be very comfortable for that.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I contacted them a couple of time and they have been the best help. I think the have their act together. They went out of there way to help me with information needed.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any  
Other comments I have only had the boat for a year so I don't want to complain or boost to much. I have had a number of boats over the years and mentioned they all have good and bad points. It would be nice if people that have never owned a Hunter would not make statements or pass jugment on one until the own one.  

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