Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 410 by Gary and Judith Backway

Year built 1998  
Location of boat whitsundays, Australia  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew 5-6  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1998  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, but with different specifications, and all the problems sorted out before delivery.  
Gear that's been added Sail pocket, new refrigeration units and cabinets  
Structural or complex improvements Drainage added to the cockpit lockers that leaked. Waterproofed the ignition panel with separate starter button and waterproof ignition switch. Larger alternator on motor. Repositioned batteries  
The boat's best features This vessel was bought as a charter vessel, and it is extremely good for this purpose because of the cabin design and cockpit layout and ease of sailing.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. As with other owners, we experienced problems with the refrigeration system. It just did not work. We have had the whole system replaced with separate compressor units for both refrigeration and freezer. In the freezer cabinet we removed the 3 sided evaporator unit and replaced it with a 4 sided stainless steel unit, which now makes ice and keeps icecream frozen. In the refrigeration section, a semi eutectic plate was added with a small circulating fan. With the two units running and no salt water pump, it draws approximately half the amount of power as the original system. It is now great. The catches on the refrig door were not positioned properly for them to work as designed. There were other wsrranty problems, which have now all been addressed.  
Sailing characterisitcs We have yet to sail our 410, but are looking forward to doing that in the near future.  
Motoring characterisitcs Okay, but maybe a three bladed prop would obtain the same results with fewer engine revs.  
Liveability 8 out of 10.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) As we are on the other side of the world, it is a major drama dealing with the factory, but they have been only too happy to return phone calls and discuss any problems. As far as addressing the actual problems, adjectives cannot describe our experiences. However, thanks to the charter company we have our boat with, all the problems have now been addressed and we have a very fine vessel.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any No comment.  
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