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Review of the Hunter 40.5 by Mickey McHugh

Year built 1997  
Location of boat Kemah Texas  
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 1997  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? We have not been disappointed in any way and highly recommend the 40.5 to anyone looking at a 40 foot cruising/racing, EASY to handle, well made boat.Lots of bang for the bucks.  
Gear that's been added Two more house batteries, second anchor (33 lb claw with 42 foot of BBB chain and 300 foot of line), Gennaker from North Sails, Garmin 120 XL GPS, and a second VHF at the Nav Station.  
Structural or complex improvements  
The boat's best features The 40.5 handles so well under both sail and engine power we have felt confident in all situations we have encountered so far. NO surprises and easy docking in adverse conditions.Sail handling is simple due to many 40.5 features such as;All control lines are lead to a well-laid out cockpit with a line organizing system.Electrical halyard winch, just push a button. A MUST!Great visibility of sails and forward due to large wheel allows helmsman to sit near the rail.Headsail - Reduced head sail area because of the fractional rig, tacking is easier.Rolling furl using PROFURL allows reefing of the genoa and easy dousing under heavy winds.The drum in below the deck and reduces windage.Inboard shrouds allow pointing closer to the wind.Mainsail - Single line reefing of the main from the cockpit with two sets of reefs.Dutchman mainsail flaking system makes lowing the main easy because it just folds up right on top of the boom automatically, you have to see to believe it.The shallow draft gives us a good feeling getting around the shallow Galveston area bays. We have touched down numerous times and the wing bubble keel allows us to come right off every time. KNOCK-ON-WOOD.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Forward door and floor boards over the bilge had to be sanded down to fit properly. The anchor locker drain was too high and left 3 inches of water in the well, had to fill that in. The VHF coax cable could not be connected to the back of the radio because the steering column was in the way. Dealer replaced the radio with no problems.  
Sailing characterisitcs Points close to the wind with little or no weather helm. Stands up well in strong winds. Seems like we are always passing the larger boats.  
Motoring characterisitcs Piece of cake, turns and stops on a dime. Excellent gas mileage  
Liveability It was the main reason for purchasing the 40.5 due to the layout and modern features that my wife says must have come from a woman's touch.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Always willing to help and professional.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Ship  
Other comments  

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