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Review of the Hunter 340 by Geoff Porter

Year built 1998  
Location of boat Poole Harbour (South Coast of England)  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1998  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes! Excellant value for money and despite some initial irritations with the UK Agents we would make the same choice - (We cannot afford the 380)My wife Rita and I visited the UK Southampton International Boat Show in September and could not find another boat which compares with the Legend 340. (Due to a clash of Trade Names the Hunters are sold as Legends in the UK)  
Gear that's been added Autohelm ST4000 auto pilot, extra battery, in mast reefing, GPS, Wind indicator, cockpit harness points, sprayhood with handle, spray dodgers, cockpit cushions, TRI light at mast head, deck light on mast, radar reflector  
Structural or complex improvements In the process of fitting a PSS stern gland - do not like drying the bilge every time we have been out of the marina.  
The boat's best features Space, lighting  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The log has been unreliable all season due to fouling - had problems with fitting a bung until I discovered the log readout is an ST30 but the skin fitting is an ST50 - now have a ST50 bung installed so the log will only be 'in the water' during use. Disappointed that despite a holding bracket being fitted for a bung one was not supplied with the boat. Original cockpit cushions, one piece each side were not a success as the slid all over the place - after some negotiation the Dealer arranged for them to be reduced in size and extra fastners installed. Biggest irritation is that at six feet tall the cockpit hood blocks my line of vision when at the helm. Usually end up with a stiff neck - I am trying to work out a safe way of raising my line of vision by about two inches - NO PLATFORM SHOES ARE NOT AN OPTION (family advice)  
Sailing characterisitcs Quick, needs to be reefed early and turns many heads amongst onlookers. Does not like to be sailed really close to the wind but any loss on passage making caused by bearing away slightly is readily made up for in additional speed.  
Motoring characterisitcs Initially had some problems starting the engine but advice from a local marine engineer (which did not coincide with the advice given on handover) resovled the issue. Engine runs very quietly, is vibration free with plenty of power. Berthing, either forward or astern is very easy.  
Liveability Excellant facilities and a very user friendly layout. We have sailed with seven on board on severla occasions and no one is the way and all the instruments can still be seen from the helm. In the marina the cockpit comes into its own and has created many envious comments in our first season.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Hunter's have been very quick to respond on three issues and apart from being a little obtuse over the cockpit cushion problem their technical help has been excellant  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any After a slow start in responding to problems meaningful discussions ensued and since that time the dealer has been very helpful.  
Other comments  

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