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Review of the Hunter 420 by Bob Robeson

Year built 1999  
Location of boat Oceanside  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
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 2011  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Maybe. Some boats make good condo's, some make good sailboats, this is the best condo on the water fo any boat in its size range, bar none! But the sailing charactures leave a lot to be desired. If we can make her sail well, then yes I would buy another, if she just won't sail, then NO!  
Gear that's been added Looking at Sail, Gennikers, Spinnikers, Larger jibs, etc. Other than that the boat has everything. Very well equipt.  
Structural or complex improvements None!  
The boat's best features Livability. At dock, on the hook is great. This is the best condo of any boat in its size range and why we bought it.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The B&R rigging is a big problem in over all saThe B&R rigging is a big problem in overall sailing performance. With the swept back spreaders, you are limited to how far out you can run the main, and with the fractional jib, there is not much there so the boat is under powered in lighter air. It should have more sail area, then reef when the blow comes. But as stock you need 13kts plus to sail well, then reef at about 18kts, that is a small window. iling perforance. With the swept back spreaders, you are limited to how far out you can run the main, and withthe fractioanl jib, there is not much there so the boat is under pwoered in lighter air. It should have more sail area, and reef when the blow comes.  
Sailing characterisitcs Does not point well or run well, but any wind on its side, she performs well. We are looking at Whisker poles, Gennikers etc, to improve its downwind performance. Upwind is OK but we have the shoal draft keel, so not as good as a fin. In light air she is a snail, we have had her in winds to about 15kts and above 10kt or so she does fine, but not down wind, that needs help!  
Motoring characterisitcs Very good. Because of being a Center Cockpit, there is a lot of windage and that sometime hinders things a little, but you quickly learn to live with it.  
Liveability It’s the bomb, the best, over the top, unmatched. The Quality is a little low but the accommodations are the best of any 42ft boat out there, bar none! Like I said, this is why we bought the boat in the first place. It is a 2 bedroom condo on the water!  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) We bought the boat used and have contacted Hunter a few times with questions. Every question was answered within a day and was very useful information. I would rate Customer Service very high  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Yes, we bought the boat from Jim and South Coast Yachts in Marine Dey Ray. He helped us find the boat, solve many of the issues and question we had after we bought the boat and remains very help!  
Other comments This is a good middle of the road production boat. I am not a fan of the B&R rigging as it seems to limit the performance, but does make it easy to sail. Lots of room and very nice layout. Overall quality is a bit low, especially the cabinetry.! Not the best sailboat, but the best Copndo peeriod. Bob  

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