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Review of the Hunter 216 by Jim

Year built 2004  
Location of boat Lake Minnetonka, MN  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
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 2004  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes I would buy again. The Hunter 216 is an excellent larger daysailor. The 216 is easy to rig. The mast stepping process is great - one person is all you need.  
Gear that's been added I have added the spinnaker kit. Great fun - the boat will fly off the wind!  
Structural or complex improvements Only improvements made are adding some storage pockets and velcro to hang stuff in the cuddy and some velcro to hold the centerboard handle in the cockpit. I also added a second shock cord so I can hold the rudder 1/4 up for docking in shallow water.  
The boat's best features Easy to sail, fast, great tiller balance and easy to adjust for performance.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Rain water does run down the mast into the cuddy. This is a minor problem. I wish the cockpit floor had a non-skid surface, same for the fore deck. The cunnigham should be on its own line and cleat instead of doing double duty as part of the reef system. The mainsail cover should have toggles or buckles instead of snaps. At least one or two snaps ALWAYS pop open when trying to cover and secure the sail. The rudder needs additional friction or bungee cord to hold it part way up.  
Sailing characterisitcs Sailing has been on a larger inland lake - usually alone. Winds have been from light to about 20MPH. The boat does tip up fairly easily and quickly but seems to develop a stable position at moderate heel. Big gust do require some sail adjustment or ruddering up. Most of my sailing has been alone so perhaps I am just underweight to hold the boat down. Rudder balance is excellent. Sailing with main alone also is well balanced. Adjusting the centerboard allows for elimination of excessive helm under main alone. This boat is FAST! In fairly light winds the 216 can plane.  
Motoring characterisitcs I use a 2HP Honda outboard. The motor pushes me along with plenty of speed. I moor in shallow water so I have to pull up the centerboard and the rudder about 1/4. Under those conditions the boat will slide sideways some in a crosswind.  
Liveability NA  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) NA  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I bought from White Bear Boat Works in White Bear Lake, MN. Great experience!  
Other comments I owned a Hunter 23 about 15 years ago. The new build technology is a vast improvement. The 216 hull is rock solid and fair. No bumps, rolls, or blisters.  

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