Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 146 by KeukaSailer

Year built 2004  
Location of boat Fingerlake NY and Jersey Shore  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2018  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. it was inexpensive....super easy to fix (and cheap)….super easy to trailer. Simple well laid out rigging is easy to learn.  
Gear that's been added Replace poorly made motor mount(by PO) with factory mount, and hand made cherry motor plate instead of factory plastic. Also added acnhor roller and bungee to launch anchor. Added extra center bunk on factory trailer to protect center board from sharp trailer cross beam. Also added boom kicker  
Structural or complex improvements Added longer Jib Pigtail by 1-7/8 to increase mast rake, making her more stable in high winds, and easing tension on shrouds.  
The boat's best features Stable family fun boat, easy to trailer. Does fine with 3-4 adults...actually the more weight the more stable she is. Sailplan, and rigging easy to learn...would make great beginner or family boat.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Bought the boat cheap, because of a two minor cracks, and one serious deck crack....minor cracks super easy to fix. Large deck crack was warped and had let in a lot of water causing the deck to delaminate in spots. Fixed with methylacrylate and glass matte....used gorilla glue for deck delam…..permanent fix. To seriously cold winters, and two seasons still great. Fix was easy and cheap  
Sailing characterisitcs She moves in light wind, and is very nimble.  
Motoring characterisitcs Two hp honda moves her really well, even in wind. No need for anything else. Helm position does make it difficult to reach motor tiller though....usually I tighten the tension screw and lock the honda into fwd...using the boats tiller to steer.  
Liveability Day sailer, cant live on it.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any  
Other comments Love it just what we needed for a little family boat for putting around the lake and in the intercoastal in NJ