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Review of the Hunter 216 by Gary Kuffner

Year built 2004  
Location of boat Ottawa, Ontario  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Racing  
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? Yes, my wife and I just learned to sail last year and the H216 was perfect for our intended purpose. Like many people on this sight have already said the boat is very easy to sail yet it can really perform well if you want to sail aggressively. We especially like the simplicity of the rig and the low maintenance hull. The retractable keel/rudder is a real plus when you ground the boat in the middle of the lake.  
Gear that's been added We got the boat with every option available except the spinnaker. I intend to add a couple of cleats and hand and foot holds before I launch again this spring. I did install the mast boot that Hunter provided. While it reduced most of the water that was entering the cabin, the problem wasn't fixed till I filled the sail track and taped the top of the boot. We did get a new 4hp Yamaha outboard that is more than sufficient for the boat even when motoring in to stiff winds and waves to raise or lower sails. I had a sock made for the jib as we keep the boat in the water for the season.  
Structural or complex improvements None  
The boat's best features The overall simplicity of the boat and rig really added to our sailing pleasure and has provided us with a very positive introduction to sailing. I find the hull shape appealing and have received many compliments from other sailors at our club. The cuddy cabin holds anything that we might want to bring day sailing. Ours has the V-Bert and although we would never consider sleeping in the boat, it is functional and provides a space in which to get out of the sun or rain and stow our junk. The trailerability of the boat is also a plus. Its quite easy to launch and raise and lower the mast.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. We keep the boat in a slip at our sailing club and had the problem with water leaking into the cabin. Hunter should really design a better mast boot, one in keeping with the overall quality of the boat. While the ACP hull has many positives, it does mark and mar easily. The rudder bearings were also a problem, I received new bearings from Hunter and will install them this spring. The hatch boards were warped and as a result there were gaps that I had to seal with weather stripping. They were also replaced by Hunter. While these points were troublesome, both Hunter and my dealer were excellent in resolving them and I never lost a days sailing because of any of them. The trailer had sever loose bolts that needed adjustment.  
Sailing characterisitcs When sailing, the big rig can be easily adjusted to suit your sailing style. The boat really performs well in light winds where it moves when others are stopped dead. I've taken several experienced sailors with me in the H216 and they all commented on the overall stability of the boat especially in moderate to heavy winds. When the boat is overpowered it heals to a certain point and then goes into the wind with no input from the tiller. The main should be reefed when wind is above 25kph as it sails flater and faster and point higher. A second set of reefing points in the main would be nice. The cockpit is very roomy and comfortable and the high freeboard keeps it dry in all but the most difficult situations.  
Motoring characterisitcs We found the boat to be tender when motoring in the marina with the sails down but you get use to it. The 4hp outboard is plenty. I got the Yamaha because of its integrated gas tank and very positive reviews in terms of its operation and reliability.  
Liveability We only use it for day sailing, but it would suit those who wanted to go camping with a tent. There is lots of storage under the seats that you could use for camping gear.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I have dealt directly with Hunter both via email and over the phone. I found their service to be excellent and their advise practical and easy to follow.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I purchased the boat from Angus Yachts of Toronto and was quite pleased with the service. You would have thought that I was buying a 40' boat for all the attention that they gave us. Purchasing the boat at the boat show provided the best deal. My sales person and service expert brought the boat up to Ottawa from Toronto did the commissioning and took us out for a sail to literally teach us the ropes.  
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