Hunter 146 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Hunter 146 entered production in 2003, reflecting Hunter Marine's ongoing commitment to offering a range of sailboats, from comfortable cruisers to smaller, more agile daysailers. Hunter Marine, under the leadership of Warren Luhrs, consistently applied production line efficiencies honed in powerboat manufacturing to their sailboat lines. While the company became known for its cruising designs, the 146 demonstrates their continued focus on accessible sailing. The design, attributed to Chuck Burns and the Hunter Design Team, aimed to create a novice-friendly sailboat, emphasizing ease of use and forgiveness on the water. This ethos aligns with Hunter's broader philosophy of balancing performance with comfort and straightforward handling, a hallmark of their brand during this period. The Hunter 146 was later marketed as the Hunter 15, indicating a slight rebranding or evolution within the same design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a fractional sloop with a centerboard keel, the Hunter 146 is designed for straightforward and enjoyable sailing. Its light weight and reported sail area of 107 square feet suggest good performance in light to moderate winds. Owners frequently praise its ease of rigging and de-rigging, making it highly convenient for quick launches and retrieves, and it's even manageable for single-handed sailing. The boat is noted for its ability to move well in light air.

However, due to its dinghy-style hull and light displacement (340 lbs), the Hunter 146 is quite sensitive to crew weight distribution and motion, with some owners describing it as "tippy." It can heel easily and tends to round up (turn into the wind) in heavier gusts, which can be a forgiving characteristic for new sailors as it naturally de-powers. The centerboard design allows for a minimum draft of 0.5 feet, enabling easy beaching and access to shallow waters, while its maximum draft of 3.0 feet provides adequate lateral resistance for sailing. Its lightweight construction also makes it easy to pull ashore or trailer.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact length overall of 14.5 feet and designation as a sailing dinghy, the Hunter 146 offers a functional, open cockpit layout rather than enclosed accommodations. The design prioritizes simplicity and an uncluttered space for day-sailing. The cockpit is often described by owners as "roomy," providing ample seating for its size. The open design and rounded edges make it easy to move around within the cockpit. As a daysailer, the 146 does not feature a traditional cabin, galley, or head. Storage would typically be limited to small, open compartments or dry bags for personal items. Ventilation is naturally excellent due to its open nature. The hull material is typically "other," often implying fiberglass or a similar composite, reflecting Hunter's production methods.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hunter 146 consistently highlight its simplicity, ease of use, and low maintenance as its primary strengths, making it a "carefree" option for sailing. Its ease of setup, sailing, and trailering are frequently lauded, even for single-handed operation. Many appreciate its forgiving nature for novice sailors and its ability to be sailed effectively in light winds.

However, common discussions among owners revolve around the boat's inherent tippiness, a characteristic of its lightweight dinghy design. While this can be a learning curve for new sailors, it contributes to the boat's responsiveness. Some discussions on forums mention potential issues with the build of older models, suggesting potential for cracking in the plastic hull in some cases, although this is not a universal experience and may be related to specific manufacturing batches or age. Despite these points, many owners would repurchase the boat, emphasizing its enjoyable and straightforward sailing experience.