I take exception to the reports of "inferior quality" of Hunter (and others makers) on the board. WHile the original poster certainly had/has his share of things to contend with, many have nothing to do with the inherent quality of the boat or the maker.
High expectations and misinformation lead many buyers to expect perfection. Perfection does not exist. The buyer should and could of, investigated many of these "issues" prior to purchase. For example, I am sure that any hunter dealer will allow a serious buyer to examine closely the anchor well, hatch, placement and such and will likely - for a fee - redo/replace/redesign or point you to another model of their boat.
This has been true whether one talks about the hull, the electronics, the keel, the appliances, etc. It is not really fair to pin on the manufacturer, especially one that produces mass market boats at a specific price point.
Were this a conversation about a custom builder, perhaps the critique has merit. But this is hunter, one of the largest builders and anyone can see the boats and their quality (or lack there of, in some opinions) and how well they hold up.
Sadly the comment about hiring a surveyor is a reality anyone who is buying a NEW boat must assess for himself. I used one in 1999 when buying a NEW Beneteau 36CC. When I was going to buy a catamaran, new, last year, I was told in NO uncertain terms that it would not be allowed, I took my business elsewhere and bought a used Hunter. Is the knowledge a surveyor has worth the $$ to you the buyer.
There are quality, commissioning, and expectation issues with any new boat. It is up to the dealer who sold the boat and behind him the manufacturer to make sure the customer has been treated fairly.
Given the information presented by the parties involved, there is more than one side of the story, and many expectations and emotions involved. If one thinks he can build a better boat and present a better delivered experience to a repeat customer, he is free to do so.
As a buyer of a new boat, it is truly caveat emptor whether that boat says Hunter, Swan, Beneteau, Tartan or any other maker on the paperwork...
all the best guys, heading to my ole' home away from home Hunter 42 for a few weeks R&R