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Review of the Hunter 30_74-83 by Kurt Webber

Year built 1978  
Location of boat Pasadena, Maryland  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1984  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Absolutely, this boat has seen everything over the last 13 years, and it still is a joy to sail. The boat was born in Florida, saw extensive sailing on the Great Lakes (10 years), and now is berthed on the Chesapeake Bay.  
Gear that's been added To improve the power (Yanmar YSB 12) I changed from the standard 2 bladed to a larger three bladed prop (what a difference!). Added quite a few of the new electronic gadgets over the years. Drifter 170 was added for the light air days. Insulated the engine compartment with sound deadening foam to make the cabin tolerable while under power. Started with Hood Sea Furl 2 and then replaced with Harken, and this is still the only Hunter with a downrigger!  
Structural or complex improvements Emron painted the hull. Re-designed the galley and added a full stove.  
The boat's best features Good light air boat. Can hold it's own with the go-fasts on long cruises in the summer conditions on the Great Lakes and Chesapeake.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The refrigerator was never much to admire. Until the prop replacement the boat was seriously underpowered. Nothing else major to complain about in 13 years.  
Sailing characterisitcs I've sailed for about 30 years on many boats, (including 2 ocean crossings in my pre-Hunter life). The time sailing my Hunter 30 (13 years) has provided virtually every type of sailing condition. The boat is very comfortable in almost any weather on the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay waters. With the deep fin keel the boat points well, and goes to wind fine. Broad reaches and downwind are better with the addition of a boom vang (should be a standard item on any sailboat).  
Motoring characterisitcs Motor? Oh yeah, I almost forgot what that was. The YSB 12 Yanmar has never failed to start or run properly in 13 years. With the prop change the power has been fine. I change impellors annually along with fuel filters and belts. Prop walks hard to the right so I try to find slips that accomodate this "feature". If not spring lines work fine.  
Liveability For a 30 footer the boat is very comfortable. The improvements to the galley and sound-proofing the engine compartment have really helped.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) The few times I have dealt with Hunter over the years, they have been helpful. On a couple of occasions I have asked them to send me minor parts (circuit breakers etc.) and they have responded promptly.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Any experiences I have had with brokers and dealers has been painful at best. Probably one of the major reasons why I don't buy a new boat.  
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