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Review of the Hunter 290 by Dana Butcher

Year built 2001  
Location of boat New Bedford, MA  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 6  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2001  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Probably. In general I'm pleased with the boat, but it could use a couple of minor engineering changes to be a stellar 29' boat. The stern rail has no right angles so mounting a life sling, outboard engine mount and other accessories is problematic. The 18 hp engine is a little weak when you're heavy and the swells are large. A 22 to 25 hp would be better suited and create less vibration at high rpm's. The boat is well balanced, and in 15 kts of wind and relatively flat seas, it will maintain a heading nicely.  
Gear that's been added I've added a Raymarine 425 gps, furuno 1623 radar, lifesling, 2 additional house batteries, amp and volt monitoring system, spreader lights and a handful of smaller pieces (spot light, handheld VHF, boat hook, etc.).  
Structural or complex improvements Not yet, but I'm planning to add roller bearing batten cars and track for easier mainsail handling. I mounted my radar dome on a pole on the stern step.  
The boat's best features Good, strong standing rigging and the B&R rig, well laid out cabin and spectacular use of space, design offers a stable platform in heavy (5-8 ft) seas and a very comfortable cabin for a 29' boat.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. About 2 months after I took delivery, I found 2 cleats that had not been fastened. One had no nuts and the other's weren't tightened. This is more of a problem with the dealer than with Hunter. The stern rail design, as I previously mentioned is a problem. The single line reefing works ok if you have an experienced crew, but when teaching someone and you need to put a reef in quickly, it can be a handful.  
Sailing characterisitcs Overall it's a well balanced boat. I've had it in seas as high as 8 feet and it responds quite well. I find myself needing a reef at around 17-18 knots, and 2 reefs as it approaches 20. It still handles ok, but it tends to have a lee helm in this configuration. At 20 knots, it does better with one reef and no headsail. I've seen 9 kts SOG in 15 kts of wind on a beam reach.  
Motoring characterisitcs The engine, I believe is just a little too small. It vibrates pretty bad at 2800 to 3200 rpms and gives an uncomfortable ride. It handles well under power, but another 6 to 8 hp would be nice.  
Liveability Great for long weekends for the 2 of us, and 2 nights isn't unbearable for 4. We've spent many weekends on it and it's quite comfortable. The galley allows us to cook and bake nearly anything we need, and the icebox keeps things cold for 2 days with about 10 lbs of ice in the bottom.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any In general it was a good experience. The boat had some minor assembly issues and there was some wood damage in the cabin, but the issue was resolved thru the dealer. I would buy another boat from that dealer, but I know more now about what to look for.  
Other comments I like the Hunter line and my next boat will probably be a Hunter. I'm looking to step up to a larger, blue water boat. I've had the pleasure of sailing a Hunter 410 and was pleased with what I saw.  

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