Hunter Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997
Hunter OEM Parts
General Marine Parts
 
 

Review of the Hunter 30_74-83 by Jim Marzonie

Year built 1978  
Location of boat San Francisco Bay  
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 1992  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? I would buy this boat, However, as it was my first large boat had a 21' befor, and I should have spent more time in the inspection to determine the amount of work that was required to bring it back up to code sort of speaking.  
Gear that's been added No, with the exception of repairs  
Structural or complex improvements Put on a masarator for the head only used when out the Gate  
The boat's best features Interior confortability, size of v berth, very hard boat quite stable and forgiving.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Location of bateries under cockpit behind engine not a good place. Worried somewhat about the way the compression post set on a steel I-beam under the sole. I-beam subject to a considerable amount of rusting. Leaks at the rails into the interior expecially at the bow. Cannot find where it is comming from have sealed every thing imanginable. Top Pearing for rudder post has a significant gap between the wooden bearing material and the rudder post. that produces an annoying sound when sailing off or down wind. Factory wiring not tinned or maring grade. Hard to get at between cabin top  
Sailing characterisitcs Have sailed in all types of weather from ultra light winds to gale force winds. Have sailed in flat water and with swells up to 10' outside the Golden Gate. Boat has handled quite well under all conditions, but is quite slow in light winds even with a light air #1. Never have taken a knock down of any consequence. Boat balances well with the right sail combination.  
Motoring characterisitcs Under powered with a Yanmar YSB12 = 12 HP  
Liveability Very Comfortable. Boat has had some major facelifts in the cabin with cabinent installed behind the settees and extra thick cusionjs in the v berth. Navigation station has been turned 90 degrees and faces the center of the cabin. The galley could use a better stove /range setup. This one only has a alcohol cook top. Hunter did not make allowance for a propane locker thus no propane.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Only to get a copy of the owners manual when we bought the boat. They charged me $15-$20 for what turned out to be of little use.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any NA  
Other comments