Hunter 170?

[Ron Brown]

My wife and I are looking for the right sailboat for use on Central Florida's many lakes. These lakes are mostly quite shallow, and may have public launch ramps but no seasonal slips. So...we're looking for a boat that's easy to launch, rig and retrieve for starters. Also very stable and safe, as we're brand new sailors. The Hunter 170 looks like a possible prospect. Any comments or suggestions from 170 owners?

 

[Michael Stuart]

HeyDiddlelyDee, the 170's right for me (&U)

I've had my 170 for two seasons, and about to start my third season (the water freezes up here). I think the 170 is very stable --broad in the beam-- and easy to launch and set up. I dock the boat once it's launched so my experience in the above is limited to about three ins and three outs. But each time it gets easier. I usually sail alone, which is easy to do with the 170, but it can easily handle 2 adults without stepping on one another. It took a bit to get used to handling the 170, but now I sail in all winds. I only sail on the lake, which is surrounded by high mountains, which, I think cause the wind to swirl and shift by 45 degrees instantanously. But I haven't turned over yet. (I guess you won't have the mountain problem in Florida). I have the motor mount and a motor which makes the going easy when the wind dies or is in the wrong direction to dock. Love the boat, would buy again. It looks marvelous (after all it's more important to look good than to feel good (Billy Crystal SNL)), and I think it sailes great too. Its hull is strong too. Good luck.

 

[Mark Cooper]

Great boat

I had a 170 for more than a year and loved everything about it. It's a very stable boat for its size and lots of fun to sail. Good beginner boat.

 

[Don C.]

Just bought one

I just bought a 170 and took delivery the day before yesterday. I had an O'Day 26 for 10 years and am looking forward to having some fun in a "smaller" boat. The only options that I got were the reef points (for when the wind starts to really blow) and the motor mount. I had the opportunity to tour the factory here in Connecticut last week and to meet the owner. The factory was clean and well organized. I was convinced that this is a real quality boat.  Good Luck!

 

[Terri Cyrocki]

So glad to hear it!

I am so glad to hear this feedback. I just got back from putting a deposit on a Hunter 170. We went to buy a sunfish, and decided to upgrade. Then, of course, I decided to look up info on the net. What a surprise! I'm very happy to have such a wonderful site. And informative too. Can't wait to get my boat in 3 weeks! You will be hearing from me again...