2004 Hunter 216

[Jeff Prideaux]

When considering a 2004 Hunter 216, what are the things to look out for.I understand there have been some improvements since the earliest ones manufactured. For example,1. The early ones had a problem with the rudder material tending to swell over time. The later ones had this problem corrected. Is there an easy way to tell if the boat has the preferred rudder assembly material?2. The early models did not come with the non-skid on the cockpit 3. The early model 216's came with a trailer that had some design problems associated with launching and retrieving the boat. Is there an easy way to spot whether the trailer is of the later (improved) design vs. the earlier deficient design?Are there other thinks to look out for (improvements of the early vs. more recently manufactured Hunter 216's?Thanks,Jeff Prideaux

 

[Lamar Sumerlin]

2004 Hunter 216 - Retrofit item review

Hi Jeff,For my 2004 H216 my dealer did the following things using parts supplied by Hunter to correct the problems:1. Changed out the rudder bearings2. Install the non skid material3. Changed out the spreader brackets4. Provided a canvas mast boot with snapsIn my experience, the rudder was difficult to move with the faulty bearings that absorbed water and, depending on how long it has been in that condition, may be noisy when moved about. A H216 that has not its bearings changed out should feel as if it is binding. With the new bearings, my rudder is very easy to move.It should be fairly apparent if non-skid has been applied to the floor of the cockpit area.The retrofitted spreader brackets are made of a heavier gauge material than the spreader brackets that came with the boat. I don't have my original brackets so unfortunately I can provide details. I assume Hunter has provided these spreader brackets on the 2005 models so one way may be to look at a 2005 model as a basis of comparison with the 2004 you are considering.If the canvas mast boot is not on the boat you are considering, you could contact Hunter about getting one for the boat. Without this boot, I think you will have leaks around the mast at the top of the cuddy cabin.My trailer was manufactured by Venture as I think most of the other trailers were based on what I read on this forum. I can send you a photo of my trailer if you will provide an e-mail address. I've not been sucessful posting pictures here. I've not had any real problems with my trailer but then I don't trailer my boat a great deal. A review of the archives or hopefully a response from others that have had the problems will be helpful to you. From what I have read, I came to believe that many of the trailer problems may have been due to poor setup by dealers.