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Review of the Hunter 19_93-96 by Robert D.

Year built 1994  
Location of boat Simi Valley CA  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength less than 10 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 1994  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes it was the right boat at the right time. I shopped for a year to find the right boat for me. I wanted to buy used but could not find a better match for me. I had a Catalina 22 before but too heavy and too long to set up. This boat has many shortcomings but it does the job it was designed/bought for exactly.  
Gear that's been added Awning from mast to rudder for use at anchor. compass, cargo nets and storage pockets below, would like roller furling but too much money right now.  
Structural or complex improvements Rails around the aft end of the cockpit. Can not even think of not having them. The first time out I felt exposed sitting in the aft end of the cockpit, but now just lean in to the rail and relax. It makes the cockpit feel bigger. Also an anchor roller. Makes it so easy to get the anchor up without tearing up the rub rail. I sail alone most times or with non sailors so I need to get the anchor up and back to the tiller in a hurry, so the roller is great. Trying to figure out water ballest tanks port and starboard for use in higher wind while solo.  
The boat's best features Launch and retriveal times. My Catalina 22 took 2 people 45 min, compared to the 15 min for the H19 that is 1 hour more sailing each time out. A big difference when you are going before work. I took it out 26 times in the first 6 months so setup time really made a difference. The size is great, I keep thinking about a bigger boat but my wife asks when was the H19 too small, she has a point but it take all the fun out of thinking about the H26. I think this is the perfect trainer. It is tender enough to really feel each and every adjustment you make but not so tender to get you in trouble if you over do it. You just spin into the wind and start again.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Fore hatch is to flimsy. stress cracks around the cockpit hatch hinges. Small stuff really  
Sailing characterisitcs Mostly 3 to 10 knots of wind solo, of with my two sons and a guest. The extra weight is helpful in a breese. 30 knots with one other person and reefed main and no jib on the ocean. Handled great we came in for lunch and went back for more. The swells at the marina entrance were pretty steep but the huge rudder made it easy. At the ramp later someone came up and said "I can see why you are not going out, that little boat could never stand up to this kind of wind."  
Motoring characterisitcs Honda 5, hull speed at 3/4 throttle and no problem with vibration or interference with the rudder, the big problem is using the gas in less than a year.  
Liveability Have only camped with it twice and had tents on shore ( I slept aboard) was a great party platform off the campsite. Not many place to overnight around me though, and not much free time since the wife is not into it.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Never  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Dearler in Bakersfield was maybe OK till he told me I had no right to be calling other dealers to shop prices (he had the only H19 in califorina)I told him I wanted $200 more off after he treated me like that.  
Other comments I boutght a 28' trimaran in 1997 and sold it in 2001, hard to justify an in the water slip with the little time I have. Glad I kept the Hunter.  

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