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Review of the Hunter 426 by Pat Spino

Year built 2003  
Location of boat Bear DE, Summit No. Marina  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Multi-week coastal cruising  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2010  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Absolutely! We stepped up from a 35.5 into a boat that was not only more comfortable and more spacious, but was well equipped and therefore easier to operate, was a better sailing boat, was built stronger, was heavier and was ocean rated. This particular boat was very lightly used and had only 350 hours on her Yanmar 56 HP and only 31 hours on the Fischer Panda 6000 generator. As a result she is in beautiful condition. She is equipped with new, upgraded and fully integrated Raymarine instrumentation, in-mast furling, a bow thruster and an anchor windless. The down side is, because she sat for most of her life, her maintenance must be brought up to snuff.  
Gear that's been added We added Kato dinghy davits and did the installation ourselves. Also, upgraded to a Balmar hi out-put alternator with smart regulator. Upgraded to all Deka AGM batteries - two group 27's, one 4D and one 8D. Yet to be added: 1. Victron BMV-600 battery monitor; 2. Wash-down pump; 3. Replace the Ultra 8 tank monitor display panel to the new Legacy panel; 4. Convert one head to electric (Raritan SeaEra or Elegance). On the back burner: If we undertake another Florida trip we will install cockpit side curtains.  
Structural or complex improvements Outside of the dinghy davits, no.  
The boat's best features In no particular order: 1. Beautiful roomy interior; 2. The very attractive "Henderson" designed hull; 3. Diesel fired generator; 4. In-mast furling/reefing; 5. Windless (my first) 6. Sea-kindliness; 7. Mattresses; 8. Front opening refrigerator AND separate freezer; 9. 56 HP Yanmar; 10. Instrumentation; 11. Storage both inside and out; 12. My wife, who likes to cook, loves the galley; 13. Safety features; 14. SS Arch. A fabulous innovation by Hunter; 15. Two heads & showers; 16. Great motoring ability; 17. Access to engine compartment; 18. No backstay - There are pros and cons, but in general I like it; 19. Easy access to all thru hulls; 20. Every "hole" in the hull is equipped with a ball valve; 21. Huge comfortable cockpit; 22. Folding wheel is a really nice development.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. 1. I had to replace the alternator and the starter. I think it was a result of the boat sitting in the slip in RI most of its life. 2. Whoever designed the dodger did not consider the placement of the top aft athwart ship support bar: it is directly in the helms line of sight. Luckily, I normally helm from either side of the cockpit. 3. Had to troubleshoot the engine compartment's automatic fire suppression system and replace the "black" box and cockpit panel. 4. Many curses bestowed upon Yanmar for their ridiculous water pump access/placement. 5. Replaced a tank monitor  
Sailing characterisitcs We have not had enough sailing time to really put her through her paces, but so far we found her to be VERY COMFORTABLE; both under sail and while motoring. The "hallow" bow really cuts through the water. This is a heavier boat by Hunter standards and is quite stable, but easily driven. Would like the full roach main but gladly give it up for the convenience of in mast furling/reefing. Because of the fractional rig, along with the boat's weight, sailing with just the jib can be frustrating in light wind. As with my experience with all the Hunters I have sailed, she is very maneuverable and will turn on a dime. I am anxious to find out more this next season when we should have considerably more time in varying conditions and wind strengths to better evaluate sailing characteristics. Indications are that I won’t be disappointed.  
Motoring characterisitcs Moving the boat from RI to NJ for the winter lay-up was, for the most part, a motor boat ride. This boat motors extremely well with the 56hp Yanmar and the 3 blade prop. Combining the Yanmar with the excellent below decks Raymarine ST6000+ auto pilot w/linear drive makes course keeping in rough conditions very effective. We were beating into 25k in LI Sound on the auto pilot and had no problem whatsoever with course keeping. This was a pleasant surprise after all those years with the questionable ST4000, which caused endless breakdown concerns and just was not capable of handling winds of 20 knots or more - less if sea conditions were not good. She appears to reverse effectively. Of course, the bow thruster is an absolute pleasure to have available.  
Liveability This is a boat you can live on, and there are plenty of comfort options offered by Hunter (washer/dryer, ice maker, water maker. etc – depending on how convenient you want things). We would have no problem living on her as is. In fact, during the season we spend weeks at a time living aboard while cruising the Chesapeake. Plenty of room, storage, lots of comfort with mattresses fore and aft, and very airy with lots of light down below. The galley is very nicely done and the Corian counter tops are a pleasant homey touch. The cabin sole is from a time when the "plastic" floor was made to look as much as possible like wood - very attractive and very durable. We have an all leather interior - it is VERY nice, however, there are some concerns; we are being careful with the way we treat it. I think that one of the best features is that the boat’s systems can easily be accessed and worked on despite the comfortable and pleasant interior.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I've been dealing with Hunter for the past dozen years or so. Every inquiry brings immediate feedback. They have supplied drawings and details along with recommendations. Hunter must have a terrific system of record keeping. Very seldom are they unable to supply part numbers or the past supplier of a needed replacement part. I've made inquiries about plumbing and wiring that have all been satisfied. I'm certain that anyone having dealt with Eddie Breeden and Al Fooks had the same positive experience. Hunter is to be commended also for taking responsibility for any defects and recalls.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I used the services of Great Blue Yachts in Baltimore to both sell my Legend 35.5 and purchase LegaSea. Owner Tony Tumas was exceptional and went well out of his way to help me. His willingness to travel just about anywhere to look at a boat was refreshing.  
Other comments I have heard horror stories about selling and buying, however, in my case things could not have gone any better, on both ends. The experience prompts the comment: “We were meant to have this boat.”  

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