Hunter Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997
Contact us
Hunter OEM Parts
General Marine Parts
 
 

Review of the Hunter 212 by swidmier

Year built 2000  
Location of boat Lake Allatoona, GA  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength less than 10 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2017  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes  
Gear that's been added Second forestay, adjustable motor mount, treadmaster non-skid, roller hatch cover, bimini, second set of swivel cam cleats for genny (larger headsail).  
Structural or complex improvements Paid very little mainly because the boat had cracks all over the upper decks, cockpit, and cabin sides. It also had damage to the sides and bow of the hull from becoming adrift do to lack of care. Had to fix all the cracks including removing the portlights and installing vents under to prevent future cracking. Had to make a new motor mount as the original had broken off. Made a new beefier box aluminum tiller. Redid all the woodwork inside the cabin. New sails.  
The boat's best features Huge cockpit with open transom making it possible to dangle your feet in the water even under sail (wife loves this...I call it trolling for sharks). Also, makes it so you can easily get on and off the boat including dryfoot from the beach when you park stern in. Lightweight for towing behind our minivan. Good stability given by the shape of the hull (beamy at cockpit.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The cracks in the plastic material are troubling, though easy to fix. However, the foam that gives the upper decks its true strength was in great condition so not worried about the boat coming apart. The original tiller was too weak/flimsy and the rudder itself is hard to raise and gets in the way when you beach the stern of the boat. The cabin sole is a little small and obstructed with cross-members. The companionway cover is a pain to store and makes it harder to get into the cabin.  
Sailing characterisitcs I have sailed her primarily in light winds though I did go out one gusty day. On that day with high winds hitting from different directions I found her to be very stable especially given the lightweight of this boat. Good hull shape. It helps that my sails are new and not baggy (common issue with used boats). Very good lightwind performances as well. Points high under Genny and really high under Jib. I havent raced her yet but I already know I will gain a lot of ground on the windward legs of the race. As with most fractional rigs, I will loose ground downwind. Prefer faster to windward being the longest part of the course.  
Motoring characterisitcs I have a 1969 4hp Evinrude Lightwin (2 cylinder) that is very smooth so I didnt notice the vibrations down below others have reported. This is a short shaft motor so I had to add an adjustable mount to get the motor far enough in the water. Prop didnt come out of the water even in heavy waves or with crew weight forward. At full throttle I averaged just under 6mph.  
Liveability Very roomy cabin for two people with lots of storage. Quarter berths are comfortable though may add a bit more width forward. We removed the forward cushions and use that area for storage including accessing the great storage under (helps for access to cut the cover board in half). Get adequate ventilation through the forward vent. Added shock cord and non-skid shelf liner under the quarter berth so stuff will stay in place. Plenty of headroom for sitting. Compared to other 21 boats we looked at (San Juan 21 for instance) this cabin is palatial especially given how large the cockpit its.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Havent dealt with hunter but Hunterowners.com has been absolutely wonderful to work with.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Private sale...rescued the boat from being yard art.  
Other comments I have a Hunter 27-2 I keep in a slip on our local lake. I bought the 212 for my wife and I to trailer to further away destinations. Looking forward to using it both with sail rig on and sail rig off as our camper on the water.  

Contact
About
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Limited Liability
Advertise Here
Copyright 1997-2024 SB Owners, LLC
All rights reserved.

Other Sailboat Owners web sites:
CatalinaOwners.com | HunterOwners.com | MacgregorOwners.com | OdayOwners.com | SailboatOwners.com | 10,000 Boat Names |