Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 54 by Joe Thomas

Year built 1982  
Location of boat Toledo Ohio  
The boat is sailed on The Great Lakes  
How the boat is used Blue water, extended passages  
Normal wind strength less than 10 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2000  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Ask in 2 years  
Gear that's been added NO In fact I have only taken gear off of the boat  
Structural or complex improvements Yes My boat went down in a Hurricane in the 1998 season somewhere in Florida. Major Damage Everything except for the bare glass hull was removed. The glass was ground and I am starting to re-glass the inner skin of the hull. The entire boat will be built next  
The boat's best features I have yet to find a best feature.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Some of the fiberglass work was done poorly, some structual some just cosmetic. The plumming/electrical/and basic design work is all a little suspect. MAJOR CONCERN to current owners!!!!- ALL DECK HARDWARE NEEDS TO BE INSPECTED. Much of the hardware is not fastened well. This should be of major concern to you!!  
Sailing characterisitcs Boat will probably not splash until 2002.  
Motoring characterisitcs  
Liveability  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I have dealt with Hunter directly, they have been helpfull. I also tracked down an old glass worker who was at Hunter in the early 80's.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any  
Other comments Since I am basically re-building the boat from the hull up I would be happy to answer any questions anyone may have regarding this model or just boat restoration in general. My plans for the boat will include a reglass of the hull, additional stringers/stiffeners, total redesign of the layout a water ballast system lengthen the mast different deck layout new in-hull spin pole just like the J-160's Hopefully I'll see you on the water in 2002