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Review of the Hunter 40.5 by Vito Ciaravino

Year built 1993  
Location of boat Mystic CT  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Multi-week coastal cruising  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1993  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, I think at the time the boat was a great buy. The price of the boat has risen steadily in the past few years. However Its still a lot of boat for the money.  
Gear that's been added I have added a st50 wind machine, st6000 autopilot, Rayton radar, Hild 10-40 headsail, Max prop 3 blade feathering prop. The hild 10-40 has really helped when roller furling the stock saild did not furl very well.The max prop added about 3/4 of a knot under sail.  
Structural or complex improvements none  
The boat's best features Sailing performance, Especially when you foot off a little the boat really performs well. Interior layout and space, the boat is very confortable and the systems work well. This summer my wife, dog and I spent 11 days cruising Marthas Vineyard and the Elizabeth Islands we found the boat to be a confortable and enjoyable home.I also like the sail handling systems of the boat. Especially the single line reefing and the duchman systen. The boat is easily laid out for daysailing. An asy boat to get ready to sail and an easy boat to put away once you are finished.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I have experienced leaking Through the mast step. Specifically where the various mast wires enter the boat. These leaks have been minor and I think I may have found a solution. I also experienced a leak in the aft cabin. This leak is coming from the wiring in the steering column.It only happens in very heavy and wind driven rain. I have not found a solution for this problem yet.  
Sailing characterisitcs Ive found the boat to be quite fast especially off the wind. Ive raced the boat with some success. Fast boat slow skipper. The boat does not track as well as it should, the price to pay for all that beam carried well aft. This spring I spend a few hours sailing the boat at over 8 knots with sprints well over 9 knots in wind of about 20 knots.  
Motoring characterisitcs Good motoring charecteristics. Ive added a 3 blade feathering prop really helps in reverse. The boat is extremely easy to manuver in tigth quarter. I believe this has a lot to do with the large rudder.  
Liveability Very confortable, spacious and good systems. However you need to upgrade from standard battaries.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) The few times ive deatl with them they have been helpfull and easy to deal with.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I purchased my boat from sailing specialties they were professional and curteous. All the equipment they installed has worked flawless.  
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