Should I buy a Hunter 17?

[Don C.]

I'm interested in buying a Hunter 17. I had an O'Day 26 for 10 years and now want a a go-fast comfortable "adult" boat that I can keep in the driveway (I'm tired of Marina fees). How does the 170 handle and how is it for speed? Is it a well built boat? Any power boat waves come over the stern? How is the canvas on the "fore-deck"? Any information is appreciated! Thanks

 

[jordan egan]

170 buy it

It's a great boat. Very fast for a small displacement hull. Very dry as well. We have had ours in 4' seas in Galveston Bay and never took on any water from waves or wakes.I have owned seven sailboats of various sizes and types and this is the most fun so far.

 

[Mark Cooper]

Go for it

The 170 is a great little boat- fast and stable. Never had a problem with water coming in the open transom at all.

 

[Ken Kasper]

I just did!

Based in part upon advice from this board, I bought a used 1999 170 several weeks ago. I do not know how it handles in the water but it sure looks good in the driveway. FYI, Scott Hardy at The Boat Locker is selling a leftover 1999 with trailer for $6,500.

 

[Michael Stuart]

Looks great in my driveway, too

I bought a 170 two seasons ago. I have had great fun sailing it. As others have said, it is stable. Water comes in the transom only if the 170 is not moving, which happens when it's docked, becalmed, or in the driveway as mine is until the docks are put out for the summer. It does look good in the driveway tho. Make sure to get the motor mount and the mainsail cover. I'd pass on the cushions. The boat is easy to sail single-handed. Roller furling jib is excellent. No problems so far with leaks, as other posts have reported. The hull is strong and withstands dock-kisses.

 

[Tom Chulski]

I'd buy another one...

Beware of cup holders. Unless they've been resealed they're a potential problem. We know where my boat leaks; we're working with JY on fixing it. The only time we got water in over the stern was a day when we barely had way on and some ya-hoo with twin 250's dragged his quarter wave across our stern doing warp 9. We've been pleased. I'd buy another.