Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 30_74-83 by Boyko

Year built 1979  
Location of boat Norfolk, VA  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
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 2004  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Certainly YES  
Gear that's been added I added GPS, sounder, knotmeter, solar panel, battery charger, second compass, lazy jack, radar reflector, SSB Radio  
Structural or complex improvements Yes, I remodeled the bottom of the skeg and made the rudder easily removable without the need to remove the skeg. Replaced the upper rudder bearing with one I constructed and made myself and supported it on a different position. Added lazy jack and planning to add two auto reefing controlled from the cockpit. Changed the mainsail car traveler system with new, more powerful by Harken. Replaced the original Compass with new of the same type. Replaced all running rigging. Planning to add navigation computer, fridge, wind generator, water maker, wind indicator and new sails. Planning to organize all sheets and halyards to the cockpit and eventually to add autopilot to be able to single-hand her. I have also replaced some of the wooden parts that have been gone and re oiled all wooden parts. Dismounted the water heater as it was rusty and worked only on 110V - very power consuming and not usable offshore.  
The boat's best features Very strong built boat. They do not make them now as they use to .... Great cruiser with a reasonable speed for her class, not difficult to single-hand if properly equipped, spacey enough to handle a significant trips with a small crew,  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I got the boat with the upper rudder bearing and the bearing at the skeg gone. When repairing this I found out that to take off the skeg bearing I need to dismount the entire skeg. As this is not a very easy task, I remodeled the skeg bottom, so it is dismountable.  
Sailing characterisitcs Great sailing, very smooth moving even trough sharp waves, good speed, not very much towards the wind, but good enough for cruising purposes. Handles high weather very well.  
Motoring characterisitcs The original motor has been replaced by the previous owner with 18 hp Yanmar which is almost the exact power for this boat. I personally could feel a little safer with 22 hp for critical situations.  
Liveability Sleep 6, but not comfortable. For long sails no more than 3 feel good. Water tank is a little bit small but with addition of a watermaker it could be enough.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Not very helpful. On my request for any documentation they faxed me an ineligible copy of an old brochure declaring this is the only documentation they have. It is not acceptable a company not to have any documentation for production still in use. It is not only unacceptable, but dangerous for us, the people that sail and maintain our boats.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Grab Bag Sailboats - this is the greatest sailboat seller in the Annapolis area. Although not very well presented on the internet, they have the best boats for the price. I have been looking for boat like my H30 for two years and finally find her in Grab Bag Sailboats. Greg and Andy can help you find your better sailboat.  
Other comments Great boat for first time owner or an addicted cruiser. Not the right choice if you are into racing.  

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