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Review of the Hunter 170 by Jeff Wessel

Year built 2005  
Location of boat St. Joseph, Michigan  
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? Probably. I have waited a while to post this review, enough time to get at least 10 sailing trips so I could get a good feel of this boat. There are many great things about it. There are also some things that could be better.  
Gear that's been added I have not added too much to the boat, I have concentrated on the trailer mostly. I have added the required gear such as a fire extinguisher, nav lights, a windex, etc.  
Structural or complex improvements I foamed the mast. A great alternative to the Hobie Bob.  
The boat's best features The boat is very open with a lot of seating area. It is extremely fun to take several people out on bcause there is room for everyone. It is a lot of boat for the money. It also looks very nice. I like the departure from the conventional. The open transom makes an already roomy small boat seem even roomier. The controls are well placed although some of the cleats could be elevated slightly to make them easier to engage from the rail. Also, if you want to single hand her, the jib sheets can be quite a reach.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The trailers they put these boats on are utter crap. But then, trailers are often an after thought. I have a long list of changes, but here are a couple. I don't care how secure you think you can cleat your CB during transit, It's gonna come down some time, and that metal cross bar is just waiting to take a bite out of it every time you take a bump. A $3 investment would put a rubber bumper on there that would ensure the CB's continued good health. Also, who thought is was a good idea to leave a mast unsupported for a 20' span? They should go back to engineering school. I built a support that rests mid span and it REALLY makes a difference. Do yourself a favor if you own a 170 and trailer it, put in a support, it will change your mind about pulling the boat.  
Sailing characterisitcs I really love the way this boat sails. The rigging is simple yet strong and it is easy to put together at the ramp. It takes just a breath to get the boat moving. The only thing I wish was different is that I think that the boat needs a little more weight to stabilize it more. When there are just a couple of people on the boat, I don't like the feeling of the way it snap rolls back to windward when you get to a hole in the wind. It is pretty sensitive for a daysailor this size. That being said, once you learn to expect the quick roll, it just becomes part of your sailing technique. Once you get used to the boat, it is easy to balance. It is a wonderful cruiser in winds under 10, a lot of fun excitement from 10 to 15, and to much stress to be fun over 15.  
Motoring characterisitcs I have a Nissan 2.5 hp which has really added to my sailing experience. I can motor out to raise sails without worrying about blowing back on the beach. I can lower sails and motor in if I want. I can explore areas of the lake far from the ramp without worrying about the wind dyeing on me. I don't use it much, but it is piece of mind. The boat doesn't mind being pushed by the motor and if you lock the motor down so it cant turn and use your rudder to steer, you can motor on without an issue.  
Liveability As long as your crew all get along, it's a great place to be. Even if they don't, the worse day sailing is still better than the best day at work.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) On my fourth trip out, I snapped a spreader. It was my fault, not the boat or its design. I hooked a shroud on the motor when I was stepping the mast and didn't notice until it was too late. Anyway, I called Hunter immediately because I was planning to have people in town in four days and I really wanted to sail with them. The girl who answered the phone was as nice as she could be. She got the new spreader in FedEx that day so that I could be up and running for my guests. Added bonus.....I was sure that the little aluminum spreader would cost several times what it was really worth because I was buying a single purpose factory part for a boat (you guys know what I'm talking about). It was really quite inexpensive! The FedEx cost more than the part. Way to care for your customers Hunter!  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Bought mine from Pollard's in Holland. They are really great people. They spent a lot of time with me answering questions and gave me an in depth tour of the boat. One of the guys even came in on a day they were closed so that I could take delivery. It was the only day I could come and he greeted me with a smile. A guy that regularly sells big keel boats and he went out of his way for me, buying a trailer boat.  
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