We have one, mostly good, minimal bad, no ugly....
We have a 1997 h40.5, the last one out of the factory. We bought it new as a '97 leftover. Fully loaded; we were told that the factory looked around on the last couple of boats and grabbed everything in their inventory that was 40.5 specific and loaded them up. Your questions: Problems? Well, the only HUNTER problem was an aft port side toerail leak into the aft cabin. Apparently it was a model class problem according to my dealer. They fixed it before delivery and we've had no issue since. The only leaks we have are at one or two opening ports and that is only if you blast them directly with a hose at full pressure. No leaks at sea. Non-Hunter-manufactured problems were numerous. The OEM Guest charger is crap. We had about 3-4 of them before we had one that worked. And 4 years ago one of it's outputs packed it in. Hunter used a Volvo MD22L in that boat in 1997. It is just a great running engine except that it smokes slightly at all speeds and temperatures. I complained and Volvo replaced the entire engine after the first season. Apparently lots of other owners of a variety of boats had the same issue. Well, the replacement smoked too, but not as bad. Bottom line, if the one you are looking at smokes, don't get excited. I have come to believe that it is just a class issue with that Volvo. The smoke is very light and you really have to look for it, but it's there. I only mention it because it was a big issue for us. Don't make it a deal-killer. It's not. I had a chafe issue with the topping lift on the Z-Spar mast, but finally corrected the problem this spring. I can send you pictures of the problem and it is easily fixed if the mast is down. I fixed it swinging at the top. It was enjoyable and fun. Email me from the owner's directory for pictures. We had a variety of other OEM equipment issues within the first year but every one was resolved promptly and satisfactorily by our dealer. The boat sails great IMO. Our salesman told us that she would "charge to windward". She does. We have just the standard UK sails. One item that you will want is an electric winch to haul up the mainsail. We put one on at the outset and it has been great. Another must-have item is a low-friction track system for the mainsail. We put on a Strong Track. Very happy with it. In 1997 Hunter used an aluminum holding tank. It needs to be replaced NOW. If the metal tank is still installed you are on borrowed time. The good news is that Triple-M in Maine knows how to make these complicated tanks in poly for a reasonable buck and you can install it yourself with all new hoses in a weekend. I have installation details and pix. The Hunter factory has been able to supply me nearly any part I need. However, I haven't needed very much. I wouldn't worry about replacement parts. Our Bimini is separate from our dodger. The Bimini was made by AmericaSeam and was the OEM to Hunter. The dodger was made by a local canvas guy near my dealer. I am still using both original items. Feel free to email me from the owner's directory. We could also talk on the phone if you would like. I'll probably be able to think of a few other minor issues given some time. We were just at the Newport Boat show last month. We can't find another boat we like better.
