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Review of the Hunter 40.5 by Ed Poor

Year built 1996  
Location of boat San Francisco, CA  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 23-30 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? Yes, it has been a pleasant learning curve. Most of the problems have been caught in time through a very contentious commissioning dealer. Minor problems have also been handled internally with Hunter defraying cost in a fair settlement arrangement. Overall hard to find anything comparable for the dollar invested  
Gear that's been added Added: Garmin 175 XL GPS; Furuno Radar (helm repeater); Autohelm Wind Point - Wind Speed indicator, using SeaTalk interface and connected to an Autohelm 7000 Autopilot (33,000 displacement), which allows steering from the GPS route plan or wind vane indicator course; Dodger; Bruce  
Structural or complex improvements 450 AH electrical house capacity with monitoring  
The boat's best features I think that maybe the sail design and handling capabilities get overshadowed by the magnificent interior layout and appointments. Very impressive.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Leakless period. The boat definitely benefited greatly from the deck spray leak test. It was originally destined for shipment to Finland. Design flaws: Refrigerator capacity requires at least a two-plate system. DC system minimal for all but day sailing. Not impressed with the aft side toe rail flanges.  
Sailing characterisitcs Good stability in rough conditions with shallow draft. 13.5 beam enhances livability but affects sailing characteristics somewhat. In the mast furling a must for really enjoyable single-handing.  
Motoring characterisitcs I stern into the slip with an occasional 35 knot direct cross wind. Nuff said.  
Liveability Best feature by far. Nothing in four years of major city boat shows that even came close.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Purchased new in Florida, exchanged papers in Delaware, and touched the water for the first time in California. Im amazed that I had anything close to a normal enjoyable sales experience  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Couldnt have done this with out the help of Cruising Specialist in Alameda, and Dave Thomlinson their Service Manager in particular  
Other comments  

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