Hunter 15 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Hunter 15 can be traced back to Hunter Marine's commitment to creating sailboats that balanced performance with comfort and ease of handling, a hallmark of the builder's ethos since its shift in focus in the early 1980s. Designed by Chuck Burns in collaboration with the Hunter Design Team, the Hunter 15 was specifically envisioned as a "novice sailboat," aiming to provide an approachable and forgiving platform for those new to the sport. Its production began in 2008, continuing the legacy of Hunter Marine, which would later become Marlow-Hunter in 2012. Notably, the Hunter 15 was initially marketed and sold as the Hunter 146, a detail that reflects a continuity in its design and purpose within the Hunter small boat lineup. A distinctive design element of the Hunter 15 is its use of the B&R rig, a system pioneered by Hunter that eliminates the need for a backstay, a feature that contributes to easier sail handling and larger mainsail area.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a centerboard dinghy with a fractional sloop rig, the Hunter 15 is engineered for responsive and straightforward sailing. Its lightweight displacement of 340 pounds and a reported sail area of 107.0 square feet provide an agile feel on the water. [1, The fractional rig design incorporates smaller headsails, which simplifies sail management, making it less intimidating for beginners. With a versatile draft ranging from a mere 0.5 feet with the centerboard retracted to 3.0 feet when fully deployed, the Hunter 15 offers excellent flexibility for launching from shallow areas and navigating skinny waters, while the deeper draft provides improved upwind performance. Owners have noted that the Hunter 15 is quite capable, with one user reporting that the boat can achieve speeds of approximately 6 knots in calm conditions with auxiliary power. The main sail is constructed from durable Dacron, designed for longevity and ease of trimming across a range of wind conditions. Its characteristics make it a popular choice for sailing camps, indicating its suitability for teaching and skill development.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact size, with a length overall of 14.5 feet and a beam of 6.5 feet, the Hunter 15 is fundamentally an open cockpit daysailer designed for on-the-water enjoyment rather than extended cruising. It does not feature standing headroom or an enclosed cabin typically found on larger vessels. The layout prioritizes an open and uncluttered deck, providing ample space for its crew during sailing. While direct details on specific interior storage compartments are limited in available specifications, small boats of this type generally offer minimal, if any, enclosed storage, typically a small cuddy forward, suitable for stowing personal gear or safety equipment.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hunter 15 (and its predecessor, the Hunter 146) generally value its affordability and ease of use, making it a popular choice for those just getting into sailing or seeking a simple, fun boat for day trips. However, some discussions among owners of the Hunter 146 have brought to light a recurring concern regarding hull cracking, which was noted as a common issue for that model. Despite this, the fiberglass construction of the Hunter 15, being an evolution of the 146, is appreciated by many for its low maintenance compared to other small sailboat materials. The strong community surrounding Hunter boats provides a valuable resource for owners, offering a platform for sharing experiences and addressing common queries.