Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 38 by Rob Sherrill

Year built 2004  
Location of boat Kemah Texas  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? Yes  
Owner bought the boat in 2004  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes I would. I love the boat and it is especially comfortable for living aboard.  
Gear that's been added Raymarine C80 Radar/Plotter, Auto pilot, Xantrex 1500 watt inverter.  
Structural or complex improvements None  
The boat's best features Easy to sail even single handed. I have both the furled jib and main which makes it easy to control the sails in windy conditions without leaving the cockpit. Open cabin design. The second door in the aft cabin really makes the boat feel bigger. My neighbors have an older 42 and with the new design and the extra door the 38 has as much room in it as the 42.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Hunter missed the boat on the drainage system on the deck. There are three run-outs for water drainage on the deck. The problem is that they are not set to the lowest point on the boat at anchor. This is a major problem because this cause a "puddle" to form on the deck which is causing staining of the deck. The puddle that forms is about three feet long, about 1.25 inches deep and 4 inches wide at the widest point. It happens on both Starboar and Port sides. Interestly enough, I have seen it on the new 33 and 36 foot versions from Hunter as well. It isn't right and there doesn't seem to be any plans to change it. Also the curtain for the shower is a joke. It falls off the track or breaks every time you pull it out. The moral here is to leave it parked.  
Sailing characterisitcs Very good in light air. Will move along without much effort. Very stable in big winds and easy to adjust with the furling system.  
Motoring characterisitcs It is great. I have the 40 HP version (should be a standard issue) with a three bladed prop. It back straight as an arrow. I back down the marina to get into my slip. The boat makes me look great every time. It is very powerfull with plenty of reserve at 2000 RPM. That will yield around 5-6 knots.  
Liveability Very good. Natural lighting is great. The new shade and screen system on the major hatches is excellent. Night lighting leaves a little to be desired. Not there isn't enough light but too much. It's too bright if your out sailing. They could have put a coume of more small lights in strategic places.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I have relayed my concern through two dealers I am working with on the puddling issue without much success. The dealers have been great but nothing back from Hunter. I have no complaints about the service I am getting from my dealer support. I am a bit miffed about Hunters lack of concern about the issue.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I bought the boat from Whitney's Marine in Orange Park and they are the BEST. Second time I purchased a boat from them and they go out of the way to make sure that everything is the way you like it. I moved to Houston Texas about a month after I bought the boat and Ship and Sail is now the dealer dealing with warranty issues and service. Like Whitney's, I have been equally impressed with their professionalism and service. Kudo's to both Whitney's and Ship and Sail. I would (will probably) buy from them again in the future.  
Other comments The boat is well laid out for owner maintainence with excellent access to all of the pumps, systems and things that require maintainence that owners who are mechanical would want to do themselves. The older I get the less flexible I become and working on the boat myself is a concern. With the thought that has gone into the systems the are all easily accessible and make owner maintainence something you can actually consider and you don't need to be 6'6" with 8'arms and weigh 90 lbs to get into small spaces.  

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