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Review of the Hunter 170 by Collin Casey

Year built 1999  
Location of boat Houston, Texas  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1999  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Probably not. Nothing against my boat, but I think I would have purchased a slightly larger one. Say about twenty to twenty-three feet.  
Gear that's been added I have added a compass and a wind vane. recently I tried a new jib sheet design that allows me to have only one sheet to work with and allows me to tack without having to touch the jib at all. It just handles itself. Since I sail alone I also led the main halyard to the rear of the boat along the cockpit floor as well as routing the outhaul on the opposite side of the boom and using a cheeck block I made it so I could adjust it from the rear of the boat. In short I can do everything from the back of the boat allowing me to keep my hand on the tiller at all times. Next I think I am going to attach an anchor davit of some type on the bow.  
Structural or complex improvements  
The boat's best features The Hunter 170 is extremely an extremely dry boat that is very easy to set up and sail. I think those are some of the best features.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I had a lot of problems with the factory sealant used at all attachments to the hull. As a result I had water leakage into the bilge and cup holders that didn't stay in place. To correct the problem I went back and resealed everything. No problems since then. I wrote Hunter about the problem and I am dissapointed that all they said was thank you for bringing it to our attention. I didn't expect anything for my time and trouble but I thought an apology would have been nice. I have also noticed that sailing upwind is not much fun with this boat.  
Sailing characterisitcs Downwind sailing is alot of fun. I wish I had bought the spinaker package with my boat. I do find however that getting the jib and main to go wing and wing is quite easy with my Hunter. Unfortionatley this boat does not do well to windward but all other points are okay.  
Motoring characterisitcs I have noticed that motoring with the Hunter 170 is not fun at all except on the open bay. With the keel at least partially down and steering with the rudder the boat is easily controlled. But when leaving the ramp where quarters are tight even with board down is difficult. You can's steer with the rudder because by the time you get forward motion to allow you to stear the boat is already on the rocks. When steering with the motor the boat tends to slide or slip on top of the water even with the centerboard down.  
Liveability Liveability is not really an issue on a boat this size.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) They are very slow to answer questions like about the leaking fittings and they still have not so much as apologized for having the problem or that I spent the time and money to reseal every fitting on the boat after only the second sail. I would of liked to had an apology. I have been making many modifications with more planned and I am sad to say that everytime I have called Hunter to ask a technical question they generally have not had the answer. I did find the designers name and phone number and I must say, he knows this boat like the back of his hands.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any No comment.  
Other comments  

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