Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 22 by Tim

Year built 1985  
Location of boat Kansas City  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2005  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. This is a great 22 foot cruiser. It's heavy displacement makes it sail and feel much larger than it is. It does everything I ask of it very well. She points very well, responds quickly to my adjustments and is very fast compared to other 22 footers on my lake.  
Gear that's been added CDI roller furler, Harken traveler, Harken boom vang, Cunningham, New stainless steel motor mount (the original one is junk!), VHF radio.  
Structural or complex improvements None. The boat is very solid. Even where the reports of a thin spot where the swing-keel pivot pin installs, I found the design more than adequate to sustain a lot of stress. It's not thin, it's just not gel-coated and light shines through. This boat is built tough and heavy duty.  
The boat's best features The heavy displacement, the more than adequate standing rigging and that heavy duty hull.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The only problems I have had were from the PO lack of pre-storage work. I rebedded the chain plates and anchor-light wiring harness thru-hull wiring. Since then the boat has been bone dry!  
Sailing characterisitcs Points very well. In heavy air with gusts up to 30+ MPH I sail off jib-tuning and ease the main to handle the puffs and control heel/rounding. I see a lot of complaints about excessive weather-helm. I have not seen that to be a problem. In heavy air, feather a bit or ease the main and she is very much under control. Down wind, wing and wing is fairly easy to handle without a jibe limiter or poles. She seems to like 20 degrees of heel right now, but I do need to replace the sails. I'd guess she'll sail much better with fresh sails.  
Motoring characterisitcs She motors great with the 8HP sailmaster. I've had to moor several times in 20+ MPH winds and she moves right along. Of course with the displacement, it takes a little more time to get her moving than a lighter boat. Take the extra 10 seconds when starting and enjoy yourself.  
Liveability Weekending only. She has a truck load of room for a 22 footer, but she is a weekender for a couple and a pair of dogs.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Never. I do my own work.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any  
Other comments I love this boat!