Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 36_80-82 by Ernie Rodriguez

Year built 1982  
Location of boat Punta Gorda, FL  
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?  
Owner bought the boat in 1984  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Very Definitely.  
Gear that's been added Most recent addition was central air conditioning. 15000BTU KING unit from Largo, FL.Replaced the kerosene stove with an LPG system, a Force 10, two burner with oven, broiler. Installed a two 10 lb. propane tank locker behind the aft pulpit, outboard.Installed a 12volt Adler Barber refrig system. Relocated the batteries to the starboard side, providing easier access to batteries and easier access to engine compartment.Autohelm 3000 and 4000 pilot.Interphase GPS, and Interphase Fish Finder ( depth sounder, boat speed, log, and water temperature with split screen for GPS interface, providing lat-long display as well as a plot of your course, waypoint range and bearing)Replaced engine alternator with a 108 amp Delco alternator from an 1988 Oldsmobile and adapated it to work with a Balmar regulator. Battery system monitored by a Heart LINK 2000. Added engine instruments to monitor engine oil pressure, water temperature, fuel gauge, battery voltage, and hour-meter.  
Structural or complex improvements Added an anchor storing structure to the bow in order to stow/deploy both a Delta Plow 35 and a Fortress.Replaced original canvas dodger with a  
The boat's best features A fast sailing vessel, easily sailed, and value for the dollar.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. If I just had a little more room and a larger auxiliary engine......  
Sailing characterisitcs Great sailing below True wind speeds of 15 knots. Above 20 to 25, reefing is the only way to go, but usually a nuisance., so only sail with the head sail, unless beating into the wind is necessary. Excessive weather helm was reduced by raking the mast forward, which required shortening the jib stay.  
Motoring characterisitcs Tendancy for engine to over-heat when pushed to above 2500 rpms, otherwise satisfactory performance..good speed, good milage.Propellor was changed from factory installed two blade,16 inch dia. 15 inch pitch, to a three blade 15 inch dia, 13 inch pitch. This propellor tends to load the engine more than it should.(max rated engine speed is 3400rpms, but with this prop max engine speed is 3000 rpms, ideal would be 3200 rpms) A 12 inch pitch may be a reasonable compromise, but an 11 inch pitch requires high engine speed for comfortable cruising.  
Liveability Very comfortable for two persons traveling for an extended cruise. Our maximum cruise duration has been about two months at a time. (Including a cat)Six person is limit, but only for a very short time. Four can cruise comfortably.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Not very helpful.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Purchased boat from a Hunter dealer. Boat was two years old, but practicaly new. Previous owner used the boat very little. Dealer was very helpful in boat purchase.  
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