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Review of the Hunter 40.5 by Michael Yeargan

Year built 1995  
Location of boat Milford, Ct.  
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 1995  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Absolutely.  
Gear that's been added Autohelm Autopilot, Navcenter, upgraded batteries,replaced battery charger with inverter, replaced tape player with cd player, microwave oven in cabinet over stove, dodger, mast radar reflector, TV antenna.  
Structural or complex improvements no  
The boat's best features The total design of the boat. She is extremely comfortable above and below decks and is a real eye-catcher on the water or docked. We took a month long cruise to Nantucket last summer, lived on the boat the whole time, had dinner parties, sailed with guests, and I can't imagine any boat being more conducive to cruising pleasure. And besides that, she sails like a dream, whether beating your way through heavy wind and fog in Martha's Vineyard Sound or day sailing off Milford on Long Island Sound. Also love the ease of getting under way - and putting her away at coktail time! The sound system and speakers are excellent, a feature too often neglected in other boats. The "skylights" give such an airy open quality to life below. A great design, especially for the price!  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. A slight leak over the aft berth, only when it rains heavily. We keep a cover over the entire wheel-table console anyway, which stops the problem.  
Sailing characterisitcs She seems fastest tight to the wind or on a broad reach with 15 to 20 knot winds. With the roller furling and the lines led aft to the cockpit, a crew of two sail easily., We generally think about reefing at 28 to 30 knots. She is very steady in the water, even in extremely rough conditions, and responds well to the wheel with very little weather-helm.  
Motoring characterisitcs We probably motor more than we would like, but find the engine perfectly matched to the boat. Again, she responds well to the wheel and seems to be able to turn on a dime. The only engine problem we've had is a clogged intake line (seaweed), but was easily cleared as it was so accessable under the aft bed.  
Liveability After a month of living on this boat, we really didn't want to leave! The galley is terrific. It's great to have double access to the fridge and to also have a freezer. The three burner gas stove and oven make it possible to really cook well and there is plenty of storage. The dish storage rack above the sink is amazing in that even in really rough water and well heeled, the white plastic dishes have never fallen out! The seating with its ultra suede upholstery is easy to clean and so comfortable. The quality of light at night is warm and cozy, yet plenty ample for reading and never harsh. Both cabins are plenty large, do not feel at all claustrophobic, and yet feel private when there are guests aboard. The closets and drawers with there cedar lining are a real treat. The head/shower/vanity arrangement is as comfortable as any main-land bathroom, especially those of most marinas!  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Never dealt directly with Hunter, only our dealer, Sailing Specialties in Noank, Ct.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Sailing Specialties in Noank is terrifc! From the first time we met them at the Norwalk Boat Show, they were wonderful at guiding us through the purchasing process, gave us a good trade-in deal on our first boat (a Laser 28), and remain supportive friends willing to help or advise with any problem. I seem to remember there was a problem with the water heater when the boat was first commissioned. Rather than have us wait for the new one to come from Florida, I think they took one from another boat so as not to hold us up. Also, there were no hard-pressure sails tactics which was a great relief.  
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