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Review of the Hunter 216 by Richard Kurlinski

Year built 2008  
Location of boat Wisconsin - Trailer  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2009  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? I Certainly would buy this boat again! Before my 216 I owned a 2006 Precision P18. This boat is so much easier to rig, sails better, and the best part is how easy the boat is to launch and recover. I love the way the boat handles and the stability of the boat is rock solid!  
Gear that's been added The boat is completely stock with the exception of a Tohatsu 4HP outboard.  
Structural or complex improvements Since my boat is on its trailer most of the time, I changed the mast crutch to lower the mast allowing it to fit better in my garage. I cut 8 inches of the bottom of the crutch. This puts the mast about 3 inches above the hatch. Since the mast is lower it is more difficult to open the cabin but not impossible. I also purchased a set of foam blocks that are used to carry a kayak on your car roof and I put one on top of the hatch, under the mast. This keeps the mast from banging on the hatch when going down the road. I cut the other pad in half which yielded two triangle shaped blocks that I put under each spreader and the cabin roof. These pads keept he spreaders from swinging up and down so now I don't have to tie or bungee them down. The lower mast makes a nice compact package when going down the road.  
The boat's best features I has to be the speed and maneuverability. You can tack the boat in less than one boat length with no effort!  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I don't like the vasa rudder design. I love the peformance you get with the rudder, I just don't like the fact that it can get damaged if you run aground. I was sailing on a lake that was part of river system and I hit a rock bar and did some serious damage to the rudder and cassette. The bottom plastic plate of the cassette cracked and damaged the ball bearing raceway. I also broke off the bottom 2 inches of the rudder. this all happened so fast that it was over before I could reach back and pull up the rudder after the center board hit first. I was able to repair the rudder and cassette but it took an entire weekend of work.  
Sailing characterisitcs I've sailed in all kind of wind condtions and the boat has been rock solid. I've never been surprised by how it responds to the conditions. This would be a great teaching boat since it would quickly build confidence of the student.  
Motoring characterisitcs The centerboard must be down at least part of the way when motoring otherwise you will experience a lot of leeway. Motoring with the centerboard up is like taking a keelless canoe out on a big lake on a windy day!  
Liveability N/A  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) N/A  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I purchased the boat from Aquarius Sail in Pewaukee Wisconsin and John the owner is the best! He spent an entire afternoon with me when I took delivery to make sure I fully understood how to rig and sail my boat. I can't say enough about good things about John!  
Other comments My 216 is a keeper. However, if there ever is a modification to the rudder to prevent damage by running aground, I'm going to implement it. Otherwise I think I will never sell this boat!  

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