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Review of the Hunter 30_74-83 by Jeff Dunham

Year built 1981  
Location of boat Ft Monroe, Va  
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?  
Owner bought the boat in 1995  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes-The 1981 30' is a great boat to transition from a day sailer to a large sail boat. My Hunter has roller furling which has made for a degree of confidence in heavy air. Not leaving the cockpit to douse the genoa is great. I have not had significant blistering on the hull to this point. The systems are fairly easy to work on and provides a great way to begin to hone maintenance skills.  
Gear that's been added None-Although an auto pilot would be wonderful!  
Structural or complex improvements None  
The boat's best features Forgiving handling in heavy air; predictable under power  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The hot water heater. It rusted through and had to be repalced. The opening to access the tank was too small for removal, so the tank was cut into small ieces. the replacement tank holds significantly less water.The mixing elbow on the Yanmar 2QM15 had to be repalced. Several of the fittings were rusted/frozen in place. This necessitated a trip to a machine shop and the use of a torch to heat, then remove the components.The outboard fitting for the bilge pump failed and for some time I puimped the bilge into the back side of the electrical pannel. Very poor design! No electrical failures but have had to repalce rusted/corroded switches.I enlist the local midget to climb over the engine and work on the stuffing box. On my 1981 30, that is the only way I can access the stern tube and stuffing box. Not a very user friendly position!  
Sailing characterisitcs Up to about 15 knots the boat is very predictable. Moderate heel above 10 knots. She developes a severe case of weather helm at 15 and above. Reef early and deep or you will get a work out on the helm! Standing rigging tunned correctly and she points very high. This boat does not run with the wind, get a spinnaker or crusing chute for the downhill work.  
Motoring characterisitcs The 2QM15 has adequate power, but the boat will not back to starboard. An easy throttle and some transmission work until you have sternway is necessary to back to starboard. Must the the smallish fin keel and round underbody that makes for backing fun.Run the engine at moderate RPM and you will have a steady 5 kts. Exhaust does not seem to curl back into the transom or cockpit.  
Liveability Fine for two, good for four but you must be very friendly for more than four on over night trips. I have had eight adults out for day sailing, about the limit for my safety zone. A wind scoop enhances a breeze through the cabin at night. Screens are needed on the main camponway and hatches to keep them open at night. The cabin could use red night lights along the floor for guests to move around while underway.The head is adequate and controls for the shower work OK. Cleanup is a problem and also ventilaton. The shower drains into the bilge, so a flush out at the end of a overnighter is required.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Haven't talked to them  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Purchased from past owner.  
Other comments  

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