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Review of the Hunter 216 by Nancy Roblin

Year built 2004  
Location of boat Chesapeake Bay  
The boat is sailed on Rivers  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength less than 10 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? Absolutely!  
Gear that's been added We bought the spinnaker package and had handholds installed. We had the bunks and bunk cushions installed. Bought some quality portable gas tanks and that was it!  
Structural or complex improvements None.  
The boat's best features We like virtually every feature, but here are the best things about it: 1. Big cockpit. Holds 6 adults with plenty of room to spare. 2. Small but adequate cuddy. We have a porta potty in there and stow our gear and jackets. In a pinch you can sleep in it and certainly smaller children can sleep on the bunks. So it has several levels of use, but its size enables the cockpit to be bigger, which we think is a big plus. 3. Draft - for rivers and the Chesapeake, the boat's very shallow draft (about 8 inches with the board up) is fabulous. 4. 500-pound centerboard - gives great stability on the centerline. Is easy to operate because of the unique hydraulic pump. 5. Sails like a dream - great in light airs and handles well, if somewhat tenderly, in heavy winds. We have been out in 20 knots and have had a ball. 6. Roller-furling jib is great. Mainsail is big, easy to reef, and boom is high so it never hits your head. 7. Pull-out dagger-board type rudder is great because you can lift it up partway and ghost into shallow waters before pulling it all the way out. 8. Simplicity of design - this is at the basis of the boat - a very simple, low-maintenance design. Everything is mechanical, sturdy, not easily broken, clear and easy to operate. Well-thought out at every level. 9. Small 4 HP motor moves it right along at about 6 knots and just sips gasoline. 10. We give this daysailor a solid TEN!  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Haven't found anything to complain about.  
Sailing characterisitcs Very responsive, points up very well, sails beautifully on reaches or downwind also, tacks on a dime. The boat is driven by the main because it's a fractional rig. This takes getting used to, because you can't sail just with the jib, but you CAN sail just with the main. In a squall, she heels right over but then rounds up quickly. Still, in gusty weather you have to be careful, or you might possibly go over. We just luff her up or let her off. It's great fun in a wind because you've got to actively sail her. With that nice heavy centerboard, we feel safe and confident. Am not sure, though, that she would be easy to sail alone in any kind of wind because you must be prepared to let out both the main and the jib and that could be hard to do in a pinch by yourself. She is perfect for 2, but we have the most fun with one on the jib, one on the mainsheet, and one at the tiller.  
Motoring characterisitcs It came with a terrific little Tohatsu. I am a fan of that motor. Starts up right away and moves the boat very briskly - maybe at hull speed, but surely close to it. No problems and you can steer her with the motor if you need to have the rudder pulled all the way out because of shallow water.  
Liveability I cannot imagine living on this boat, but I'll bet some hardy souls would! She is a DAY sailer, after all!  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Wonderful. I did have a problem with our rudder and with a manual not being with the boat when it arrived. They INSTANTLY responded. Great customer service!  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any We got the boat at the Annapolis Boat Show and BackYard Boats, the dealer, were so organized that they had a 216 all rigged and ready to sail around the harbor, which we did. They delivered the boat for free and spent 3 hours teaching me how to rig and launch her. Subsequently they did everything else we asked them to do. We still remain in touch. I got the feeling they really love this Hunter and that mattered to me. I wanted a dealer who was committed to the boat and to our happiness with it.  
Other comments If you want a wonderfully-designed, new, low-maintenance, marvelous daysailer, RUN to a dealer and buy this boat!  

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