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Review of the Hunter 37-cutter by Frank Ireton

Year built 1979  
Location of boat Solomon's Maryland  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
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? We had a 19 foot West Wight Potter before this. A wonderful Bay boat but like living under a card table on the weekends. The shoal draft (4ft) of our Hunter makes it an ideal boat for us since we like the gunkholes. It is a bit of a cultual shock to go from a 19 foot boat to a 37 foot.Bottom line is YES in all caps. It was a bit daunting when we first climbed on but the third time we went back to it in the yard that day we knew it was the one for us.  
Gear that's been added We have replace all of the original ports. They leaked quite badly. The only problem we had was the wood inner core around the front ports in the main cabin did not extend down far enough to screw the new windows into. We laminated new plywood into the slot and it works fine.Replaced the compass last year and installed a new VHF. The boat already had a LORAN. Will install a GPS within the next two years.  
Structural or complex improvements The previous owner had replaced the holding system with a bladder type tank and a manual pump out with an attached y valve. To make a long story short, it stunk. I have replace it with a 9 gal poly tank under the vee berth. I glassed in a shelf to place the tank and hardware on. I also replaced the gate valve and put a maceator pump on the downstream side of the system. This required changing out the 1.5 inch through hull for a 1 inch through hull.A previous owner had done cabinet work and changed the shelfs behind the berths in the main cabin into cabinets.  
The boat's best features The layout. Privacy and room afforded by the cabins. The galley is comfortable to work in and the layout lets you brace yourself while underway.As I mentioned above, the shoal draft makes it a wonderful Bay boat. We like the cutter rig because of the ease of changing sail.The co-owner said she would not have another boat unless it had a shower. Something about standing on the deck under a solar shower did not suit her.We like the sailability of the boat. It is quite easy to handle under most circumstances.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. LEAKS!!!! The toe rail and all upper deck fittings leak. Access to the toe rail boats are a real detriment to working on it. The main traveler needs to be reseated and the bolts look like it will be a major chore to work on.Other than the holding tank problems above, no.  
Sailing characterisitcs We have been becalmed and blown around. The boat seems to handle okay in most air. It is a bit sluggish in light air but then it is not a light air boat. We have had a couple of pretty good blows to sail in and the boat gives a lot of confidence in its handling.  
Motoring characterisitcs We have the original equipment Yanmar with a two bladed prop. It has handled times when we have had to beat into 4-5 waves on the way home. We top up the fuel once a year, needed or not. About 35-40 gallons for the two summers so far.  
Liveability After a 19 foot boat it is a palace. We have had another couple with us several times and not felt crowded. The cockpit does become a bit crowded with more than four on board.The longest time we have spent on the boat so far has been a week. Looking forward to more time.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) No. Did sign up for their owners registration.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Bought from a dealer/broker. We had two problems. One was that he waited until the day we were to take delivery that he needed a certified check for the closing costs. A bit of a bind on a Saturday. The other problem was that he did not submit paper work for a title search with the Coast Guard in a timely manner. We were trying to get delivery over a four day Fourth of July weekend and could not take delivery until Friday which meant a two day motor trip down the bay instead of a four day sail. A matter of timing on his part.  
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