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Review of the Hunter 38 by Dana Sibilla

Year built 2005  
Location of boat Columbia River, Portland Oregon  
The boat is sailed on Rivers  
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? Definitely. This boat met and exceeded my expectations on many levels.  
Gear that's been added The "Red" package (Thanks, Dee!) with Khaki "Linen" Sunbrella; custom Bimini, North Sails G2 Gennaker, Raymarine 6001plus Autopilot; Raymarine C80 Chartplotter & GPS, Raymarine 3KW Radar, Raymarine ST-60 Tridata at helm, ST-60 Wind Machine, VHF Remote at helm, Raymarine ST-60 Graphic Display at the Nav, Dell 15.6" Wireless Laptop at Nav, Clinometer, Solid Vang, Deep Keel, Yanmar 40 HP, 3 blade prop, folding Wheel, Electric Windlass, Highwater Bilge Alarm, Inverter, Bose 3.2.1 with subwoofer, Aquous LCD Flatscreen, Quietflush Head, Freezer, Espar Hydronic Heater, Oceanaire Shades/screens, Innerspring mattress, Planned for 2006: Max Prop 17" 3-blade; "Drop-Top" Dodger.  
Structural or complex improvements Replaced UKsails 470 SF hollow-leech (no roach) Mainsail with North Sails prototype positive-roach vertical-batten 579 sf Main (note Hunter currently offers a 556 sf Doyle v-batten main which is a great option), added Harken fiddle block for RF Jib furling line (Thanks, Mike!); 85mm Harken Carbo Ratchamatics on standup springs for the assymetric spinnaker, Lewmar Synchro block for Gennaker tackline and ran tackline back to the cockpit (need fairleads & a Spinlock clutch for this). Removed independent ST-60 Depth & Speed guages and integrated both into an ST-60 Tridata (this, along with the Wind Machine and the 6001plus guage fit into the 3-guage template on the Edson binnacle) and I then had a more efficient helm layout and a smaller NavPod for the C-80 alone. I happen to love the "retro" binnacle. I just added a Lifesling2.  
The boat's best features The hull design (Bow Hollow, Stern Reflex, heavy Spade Rudder)is truly a great performance combination and turns the "big-butted boat" argument on its ear, espescially with the deep keel. The B&R fractional rig with powerful main and smaller 110% headsail has nice positives for cruising. Helm responds very well. Overhead arch with end-boom sheeting and helm-accessible 4:1 Traveler has great advantages. Selden Rodkicker solid vang is "tight". Great tackle all over this boat. Easily handled by 2 people or solo. Great cockpit, Taffrail seats are "best seats in the house" (2 couples can comfortably sit both sides while you steer!), flip-down helmsman seat creates walk-through transom (also very secure and seaworthy), deep lockers in sugarscoop can handle a 10hp outboard (no "dead space" at all). The Flexiteak can't be beat for low maintenance and still good looks. Arch with integrated speakers & courtesy light rocks (literally, with a secondary CD player/receiver in the cockpit!). Cabin is large & great light/ventilation, Eversole cabin sole looks great & no maintenance. Shower stall independent of Vanity = room for 2 in the head. Galley is good for prep (add the stovetop cutting board). Swing-up-and-away engine compartment/companionway stair is clean. Main stateroom is huge. Storage & hanging lockers everywhere. Forward facing Nav station nicely set off, Setees are seaberth-worthy. This "loaded" boat still powers right up with either sailplan, RF main makes shorthanded cruising a reality and RF reefing is actually an inviting trim option.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Noting has really broken over 10 months of active sailing. A Selden Vang distorted a bit and required a warranty swap but the replacement then held up. Design-wise, I would like an extra set of winches ahead of the wheel for when I have a larger crew, to take the sheets away from me at the helm; as it is, for shorthanded sailing, the setup is ideal. Cockpit lazarette could be deeper, but that would cut into the main stateroom which I would not compromise. I would like to have the cockpit stereo integrate with the Bose in the cabin, but you can do this aftermarket. The cabin stereo can be set up for an Ipod-type system but it does not come this way from the factory. My inverter could be more powerful. Folding wheel is great but I still think it could be bigger.  
Sailing characterisitcs Sails power up nicely (both the 470 sf standard RF main and the V-batten posi-roach setup; I have now sailed both under controlled conditions). Hull sails flat, does not pound. Boat points high. You can really use the traveler with this boat. Reasonably minimal weather helm with bigger RF v-batten main, almost none with original RF hollow-leech main. V-batten RF main has great balance at first reef. The standard RF main is a fine option for cruising; the v-batten main adds to the complexity of the boat, but the enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the different trim possibilities and the resulting benefits in performance.  
Motoring characterisitcs Have done 8.3 knots cross-current (hull speed?) with the Yanmar 40 diesel (should be standard) and 3 blade standard prop. Great maneuverability with the 40HP and this prop; crazy, actually. Very maneuverable in close quarters under power (I have had people ask if I have a bow thruster). Backs well, standard prop has mild walk to port that I actually use like a stern thruster (at the moment).  
Liveability Really great. Twin entrances to main stateroom really nice, provides great access to head and heating/cooling/airflow options and "open up" the space for living aboard or moving about with "a mate" in the stateroom. Good space to stretch out in the cabin, very functional. igh 6'6" cabin roof. "Reading chairs" on either side of the aft stateroom let you "get lost". Soft headliner is nice. Great teak but not overdone. Galley great, with athwartships fridge and nice rails to keep things from crashing. Lots of storage.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Everything has been handled as promised, under warranty, without issue. The factory reps come visit our local Hunter Assn regularly, which is to say, they are accessible.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any "The Sailing Life" in Portland, Oregon immediately impressed me as a unique group of laid-back professionals with a lot of experience. They have a nice operation with a team approach. They really worked with me to get me the boat I wanted. As a warranty provider, they go out of their way to make things right. I fully recommend this dealer for a new or used boat purchase.  
Other comments This boat is great because it is a competent cruiser with respectable performance features. It is a fun boat for me and my family, which includes my wife and 2 little girls that love her too. The boat met and exceeded my expectations right off the rack. It's been fun tweaking her even further.  

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