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Review of the Hunter 45 by Mike Wohlstein

Year built 1987  
Location of boat Annapolis Md.  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Multi-week coastal cruising  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1994  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. This is a perfect boat for us at this time in our lives. My wife and I still have real world jobs but love living "the mini dream". The boat has been upgraded, it looks great, sails great and lives great.  
Gear that's been added Inverter, more batteries, upgraded engine charging system, staysail, radar, computer, new nav electronics, SSB planned this year, new interior cushions, heat, air conditioning, new Hood S/L furler, propane gas conversion, New bimini, new dodger, sail cover. Complete renovation of holding tank and head systems.  
Structural or complex improvements The boat has a new 1996 epoxy bottom after extensive moisture survey found the boat to be bone dry below the waterline! I have added a Staysail ( can also be used as a storm jib) which is great for the ocean and when the wind is over 25 on the bay. The boat is very strong and I've never experienced any flexing up to 40 Knots of wind and the resulting Chesapeake bay chop. I have refaired the keel and reglassed one side of the rudder which was delaminated. The hull has been painted and clearcoated to a beautiful finish. Sun N Sail is a delight to the eye.  
The boat's best features "Sailability", value, strength and livability. We plan to cruise more in a couple of years and this will be "the boat". I don't know if it's going to the Southern Ocean, but it sure will be going to the Carrib. and island hopping.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The insulation on the refrigeration is totally inadequate. I would also beef up the refrigeration unit as well. And probably will. The primaries could be a little larger. The boat needs mid ship cleats on the toerail. The boat needs an electric halyard winch. The 2 blade prop needs to be replaced with a 3 blade. After 4 attempts I think I've gotten the portlights to stop leaking.  
Sailing characterisitcs Fast, dry, tracks well handles vey well up wind or off the wind. Downwind in light airs...start the engine. Did I mention this boat is FAST? THIS IS ONE FAST BOAT! The boat will pound a bit in a short chop, to be expected since it looks and sails like a big dingy. You have to pay to surf. With the 110 and full main we sail at 9 in 12-18 knots of wind. It will go much faster surfing.The boat is wonderful to sail, seaworthy and very livable. Did I mention the boat is fast? Fast Is Fun!!  
Motoring characterisitcs Terrible pull to the left. Might have something to do with the 2 blade prop and all the torque that 55hp turbo puts out. I'll be buying a 3 blade prop this coming year. Otherwhise it seems to motor fine at about 8.5 knots, 2900 rpm, 1.6 GPH.  
Liveability This is a roomy and comfortable home for one or two couples. A very livable boat.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Good and bad. It seems to depend on the business pressures at the time. Imagine that!  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any  
Other comments  

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