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Review of the Hunter 29.5 by Russell Eichman

Year built 1995  
Location of boat Bayport, MN  
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?  
Owner bought the boat in 1997  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? I think I would. It's an ideal river boat (St. Croix River) because of its shoal draft and 113% jib. Being new to a fractional rig, a full main in a stiff (20 knot) wind gets a little hairy, but the more I sail her, the better she handles.  
Gear that's been added No new gear add. Will probably add a spinaker later, with new rear winches.  
Structural or complex improvements No.  
The boat's best features In my opinion, the best feature is the way she handles. When I carry a full load of potable water in bow tank (40 gals), the bow stays down and slices through heavy waves with authority. The small jib is easy to tack (river sailing requires lots of tacking). The 2nd best feature is the interior layout, spacious, light and open. My wife really likes it.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. 1. Workmanship on cushion is terrible. They fit the boat, but seams, edges and welting looks as though done by a second rate shop. Colors and pattern on cushions may be Ok for Florida, but do not appeal to us in the mid-west.2. The new main is hard to raise, it seems the plastic "sail dogs" (don't know their name, but I'm talking about the dogs which hold the main sail in the mast channel). They often get stuck, but I'm sure they will "ride up with wear".3. What is a good way to safely store the helmsman seat when in the slip? It almost fell overboard several times this season.4. Topping lift is hard to secure to the mast cleat. The mast cleat on our 29.5 is surrounded by shrouds, lines, etc making it hard to secure the toping lift most of the time.  
Sailing characterisitcs 1. Our 29.5 holds its place in the water with authority. The rougher the water/weather, the better she seems to sail.2. If sails are trimmed correctly, no weather helm.3. We are not blue water sailors, but I'm sure the 29.5 would hold her own in Lake Superior.  
Motoring characterisitcs 1. We don't do a lot of motoring, but when we do, it is a pleasant experience.2. The sugar-scoup stern makes it an ideal rear-boarding boat which requires it to be backed into the slip. While we were learning to back up, we were the entertainment for our boating neighbors for several weeks. Now that we understand more of the boat and the way it handles under motor and in reverse, backing into our slip is rather routine.  
Liveability Good!! We don't live aboard, or spend week-ends aboard. But the time we do spend on her is quite enjoyable.The only thing I think I will try to do to make it more liveable, is to add some sort of a cabin heater. Spring and fall in Minnesota can be cool.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) No direct dealings with Hunter.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any We bought our boat from a dealer, but will not put our comments on internet.  
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