Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 22 by JO Potter

Year built 1983  
Location of boat SC  
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?  
Owner bought the boat in 1996  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Most definitely. I am relatively new to sailing (since 1993). I learned on a Paceship 17 daysailer and was always afraid of capsizing it so I didn't sail it in gusty conditions. The Hunter 22 is a very safe boat and head above heels over the Cat 22 (its closet competitor). Compared to the Cat 22, the H22 has much more cabin space and storage area. I also prefer the center sheeting of the main and the operable cabin windows. Even though I could have gotten Cat 22's for about $1500 less, I feel the H22 is a better buy and better built boat.  
Gear that's been added None. The previous owner had it well equipped with a bimini, toe rails, a 110 and 155 jib and life line  
Structural or complex improvements None  
The boat's best features Cabin Space, Storage, design, ease of sailing  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Mast light doesn't work (short somewhere) and I have not considered it worth the expense to take the mast down or trouble shoot the problem. I simply raise a little battery powered Coleman camper light when I'm under power or anchored. Its a cheap fix.  
Sailing characterisitcs The boat is very sensitive to wind conditions. With the 110 up and winds around 15 mph, the boat will round up into the wind in a heartbeat. Took a while to get use to that. I scared many a powerboat who was coming at me in gusty conditions the first few times I had the boat out.In 10mph winds with the 155 jib up the weather helm is less pronounced.I've gotten the boat up to 5 knots in 15 mph winds. Usually can make a steady 4.5 knots.This boat loves to heel, but I've never been able to get the rails in the water.  
Motoring characterisitcs With a 5hp motor I can make 4 knots at full power  
Liveability Fine for two people. Daysailing gets a little tight with 4 people if you're doing a lot of tacking. I wouldn't recommend more than an overnighter with 4 people. Its a perfect 2-3 person boat  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Not applicable  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Not applicable  
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