Hunter 170 Information, Review, Specs

Hunter Marine, founded by Warren Luhrs, built its reputation on applying efficient production methods, honed in powerboat manufacturing, to create sailboats that balanced performance with comfort. During the Hunter 170's production era, Hunter was known for producing comfortable family cruisers and luxury bluewater yachts, and this ethos of robust construction and innovative features also extended to their smaller daysailer line, ensuring a well-built and enjoyable sailing experience.

History and Design

The Hunter 170 emerged from a collaboration between Hunter Marine and JY sailboats, with production commencing in 1998 and continuing through 2010. The design philosophy behind the Hunter 170 centered on combining simplicity and comfort with toughness and performance. This resulted in a contemporary-looking vessel that prioritized ease of handling and a surprisingly spacious feel for its size. A key design feature is its open transom, which not only contributes to the boat's roomy cockpit but also facilitates easy re-entry from the water.

Constructed using Hunter's Advanced Composite Process (ACP), the hull and deck of the 170 are made of fiberglass foam core, contributing to the boat's light displacement of 480 lbs. The boat features a centerboard, a design choice that offers flexibility in draft, allowing for a minimum draft of 0.5 feet for shallow water access and beaching, while extending to a maximum draft of 4.92 feet for enhanced sailing performance. The centerboard is counterweighted, simplifying its operation.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the Hunter 170 is recognized for its stable and lively sailing characteristics. With a length overall of 16.83 feet and a waterline length of 12.08 feet, she is capable of a theoretical hull speed of 4.66 knots. Owners frequently describe the boat as stable and fast, capable of handling a significant amount of weight effectively. The Hunter 170 is often considered a "sport boat" for those comfortable with active sailing, rather than a purely staid family daysailer. It is also noted for being easy to right should it capsize and for facilitating simple re-entry thanks to its open transom. In lighter winds, the boat is known to move well, which is a desirable trait for a daysailer.

Accommodations and Layout

As a daysailer, the Hunter 170's accommodations are primarily focused on its expansive cockpit rather than an enclosed cabin. The design features a large, open aft cockpit, which is one of its most praised attributes, providing ample space for up to six adults. The boat's emphasis is on providing maximum open-air usability and functionality for day trips. While the does not specify interior headroom, the very nature of a 17-foot daysailer suggests no meaningful standing headroom or extensive interior living spaces. Owners have explored options for creating stowable space within the hull, indicating a very minimalist approach to internal storage. The construction utilizes fiberglass foam core for the hull and deck, and the hull-to-deck joint features a distinctive rubber "rubbing cap."

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hunter 170 generally praise its attributes as a versatile and enjoyable daysailer. Many consider it a "lot of boat for the money" and appreciate its appealing aesthetics, which depart from more traditional designs. Its stability, speed, and capacity to comfortably accommodate several adults are frequently highlighted as strengths. Owners also value its trailerability and quick setup, making it convenient for those who wish to sail in various locations. The Hunter 170 is often recommended as a beginner-friendly boat.

However, some common issues have been noted. Early production models of the Hunter 170 reportedly experienced problems with cracks developing in the hull, particularly related to the Advanced Composite Process (ACP) construction. There has also been a recurring concern among some owners regarding the boat's long-term durability, with a few reports suggesting they might "fall apart after 10 years," though this is not a universal experience. One owner also mentioned a small crack in the aft section of the centerboard well.