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Review of the Hunter 26 by John Denison

Year built 1995  
Location of boat Illinois  
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 I would.  
Gear that's been added I have added a GPS.  
Structural or complex improvements I have added stern rail seats, a storage cabinet attached outside of the forward wall of the head, 120v outlets, a water line and faucet at the galley sink for connection to the water line while at the pier, an outboard motor with remote and a motor to tiller connection. This winter I cut down the table and made brackets to attach the cut off piece to enlarge the table if needed or for use with the v-berth. I have attached weather strips to the hatch boards that completely eliminated water intrusion. The 12v system was a mess so I added a master switch/breaker and added hot and neutral busses and re-did the wiring for the autopilot and GPS. The wire for the mast lights had a short in it so I replace the entire 3-wire cord in the mast.  
The boat's best features Trailerability in a boat with lots of room for friends for day sailing and the ability to stay aboard for a week at a transient slip. The water ballast system is a mixed blessing, easy trailering but a bit tender.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The drain in the anchor locket leaked and damaged the forward bulkhead. I had to remove the glass and damaged plywood and reglass most of the bulkhead. This was not a design flaw per se but should be checked by all Hunter 26 owners periodically. The reinforcement under the bow eye is terribly inadequate for the amount of force on it. I had to reinforce the back side with a 1-1/2 inch pipe to spread the load. The plastic ports that open are all cracked at the hold-down bolts. Nothing major.  
Sailing characterisitcs Given that it is a fat little cruiser, I think she sails very well. A little tender if you are not quick on the main sheet, but I am used to sailing catamarans that really heel so this is not a problem. If you have guests aboard this can make them uncomfortable so I just stay ready to keep things under control. When it is just my wife and I and she lets me, I get a kick out of seeing how much I can get her heeled over. Many have said, "reef at 15 knots" and I totally agree not because she won't take it but because it takes to much work to manage. Once reefed she jumps right back up to speed and becomes quite comfortable for all aboard.  
Motoring characterisitcs We don't motor much but the little Nissan 4-stroke pushes her along quite nicely when needed.  
Liveability The boat needs more "easily accessable" storage but I have added what we need. This little pocket cruiser is just right for my wife and I for a week or more. I wish it had a 120v refrigerator but I may build one in the future. My wife would like more headroom and easier access to the stern berth but it is quite comfortable once in and settled. She would also like a shower. Other than the above, I defy you to find a boat this easily trailered with more space.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I have ordered things from them and asked questions and the have been very good.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Bought from previous owner.  
Other comments I can't thik how you would improve it without messing up its trailering or livability attributes.  

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