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Review of the Hunter 37-cutter by Wally Smith

Year built 1979  
Location of boat Nassau, Bahamas  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
How the boat is used Blue water, extended passages  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1988  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, Its a great cross between cost and livability. Its cost is down because it is little known just how good this boat really is. But you haveto take my comments with a cup of saltwater as this is the first and only boat I have ever owned. I fully intend it to be the last boat I ever own as I will retire to it and cruise. I skipped the small boat stuff and went to this forgiving large boat that has taken care of me.  
Gear that's been added Two gps, generator, water maker, enlarged the icebox and added refrig., autohelm autopolot and guages.  
Structural or complex improvements Removed the quaterberth bulkheads, turned the nav. station outboard, removed and replaced the original table, reset the engine control panel to port by steering wheel. removed the water heater and replaced with a point of use 110v underthe sink. removed the galley storage cabinets. recovered the galley countertop with ss sheet and starboard. removed and replaced the engine sound attenuation. tripled the storage batteries. rebuilt the rudder bearing surfaces. replaced the deck teak with marine tuff.Plan to rebuild the bow area to allow windless and storage for chain under deck forward of v berth cabinet. Plan to change out the original ports as they are not strong enough.  
The boat's best features stability under sail. boat sails upright and fast. Tracks exceptionally well. has excellent storage for fuel and water and dry goods.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. ports are cheap and continually break.upper rudder post bearing too weak and not tied to hull directly. Engine vibration bad until I reset Skeg to correct angle and placement.  
Sailing characterisitcs Many and varied: surfing at 11kn on the GPS in 20knts apparent crossing the banks from Exuma to Nassau. Crossing the Stream on a hard reach against confused 4ft seas and feeling safe and content.exceptionally easy to singlehand. reefs go in easy and boat stays fast and upright. goes good with asymetrical spinnaker and main.  
Motoring characterisitcs Motors along without a problem. the 30hp yanmar is not quiet enough and the vibration liveable. The two bladed prop is sufficient to buck 20knts and 5ft seas and maintain 5knots.  
Liveability I've lived aboard for four years and feel that, while its not a luxury yacht, it is adequate until I stop working then it will be more than adequate.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) don't know them  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any painless  
Other comments  

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