Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 29.5 by Jim Watts

Year built 1994  
Location of boat Panama City, Florida  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
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 1999  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. This boat replaced an 87 28.5. I liked the 28.5 but wanted a larger cabin, usable head, aft berth, and much larger cockpit with sugar scoop stern. That new 34 looks good, though.  
Gear that's been added Larger 2 speed self tailers. Cusioned stern rail seats with turn down fronts for cockpit backrests. Removed microwave and replaced with a large drawer. Added A/C.  
Structural or complex improvements Hunter talked me out of adding a stainless arch for my traveller.  
The boat's best features Big cockpit with stern rail seats, where everyone hangs out when we raft. Usable head. Large aft bunk is great. Reasonable storage. Walk thru transom with removable seat really opens boat up for play.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Plexi windows leak, sealant came loose. Throttle cable requires clamp and still slips. Sink faucets did not age gracefully, look terrible. Every time I sail I bang my head on the cabin ceiling at breaker panel, apparent defect in my personal nav system. The cabin table should fold or swivel out of the way.  
Sailing characterisitcs 28.5 sailed better. Points well, sails close. I generally overtake most other boats. Autohelm has to work very little up to 10 knots or so. Overpowers easily. Sails like a dog downwind. I really like the very large wheel.  
Motoring characterisitcs Motors fine. Reverse keeps you on your toes. If the prop is not kept free of even minor growth the boat all but stops moving. I really like the Yanmar. Runs best 2000-2200 RPM.  
Liveability The boat is spacious for a 30 footer. The head is not too tight. Queen size aft bunk encourages sleeping late. Really like the stern for showers. Boat clutters up quickly. Takes about a day and a half to stop bumping into everything.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Bought used. Hunter sent me a loaner video tape for repair of my leaking windows. Spent time on the phone with me talking me out of an arch.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any  
Other comments My next boat will probably be a Hunter. I'm getting used to the look and feel.  

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