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Review of the Hunter 44 by Michael Marotta

Year built 2006  
Location of boat Toms River, NJ  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Multi-week coastal cruising  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew 5-6  
Liveaboard? Yes  
Owner bought the boat in 2005  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes! We live aboard for seven months and find that the accomodations suit us extremely well. During the other five months, we operate a day charter business in New Jersey. The seating accomodations for guests are far superior than most other charter boats.  
Gear that's been added The boat was purchased with a long list of "extras". I tried to anticipate my needs when I placed my order. We added a bow thruster after delivery only because the boat was too far in progress at the factory to have it completed for the Annapolis Boat Show. The boat was the show boat in 2005. It was the one with the blue hull.  
Structural or complex improvements Nothing major done after delivery.  
The boat's best features Accomodations both below as well as the spacious cockpit.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. We had a problem with the integrity of one of the port side stanchions. It needed to be repaired locally. We experienced several voids in the gel coat. These were corrected by the local dealer. One other issues was a large void in the fiberglass hull in the vicinity of the strut. This was repaired by our local boat yard. The cost for all was paid for by Hunter.  
Sailing characterisitcs The boat sails well. With both a furling main and headsail, any sail combination is possible. This makes the boat able to be sailed single handeled.  
Motoring characterisitcs The boat is a "jet". I travel the ICW to the Florida Keys annually. We cruise at 2500 rpm and average 6 to 7 mile per hour.(The ICW is marked in statute miles so MPH work best here) Boats that are traveing with us have found it better to leave an hour or two earlier than us so we can catch up later in the day at the planned anchorage.  
Liveability The two of us and our dog find the boat to be exptemely liveable. We ocassionally have another couple join us for short periods (3 to 10 days) Even with the additional crew, there is pleanty of room. The guests have their own private stateroom forward. They feel comfortable having their own head and shower. We find the aft stateroom with a centerline bed to be very comfortable. BTW, we replaced the standard mattress with an upgraded queen purchased at a local bedding store. It fits perfecetly and is much more comfortable for sleeping aboard long term. I think Hunter could do a better job with the mattresses provided.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I have on ocassion had the need to speak with different people at the factory. Both in the customer service as well as the parts department. Everyone has been very helpful.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I purchased the boat from Sandy Hook Yacht Sales in Ocean Gate, NJ. Our salesperson, Kevin, went out of his way to accomodate our needs while still giving us the best value for our dollar. Since we purchsed our boat the dealer has changed to Waypoint Marine. Our experience with them has also been very good. George, our new salesman, has been helpfull with warranty and other issues.  
Other comments We truly enjoy being aboard our Hunter 44 AC.  

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