Hunter 20 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Hunter 20 falls within a significant period for Hunter Marine. Having established itself with the Hunter 25 in 1973, the company, founded by Warren Luhrs, was expanding its range to cater to various sailing needs. While Hunter shifted its broader design focus towards more comfortable cruising designs in the early 1980s, the Hunter 20 was specifically envisioned by designer Cortland Steck as a dual-purpose daysailer and small cruiser. Its brief two-year production run from 1983 to 1984 reflects Hunter's dynamic approach to its product line during this era, continuously introducing new models.

A notable design feature of the Hunter 20 is its lifting or swing keel, which retracts from a maximum draft of 4.0 feet to a shallow 1.25 feet. This design significantly enhances its trailerability and allows access to shallower anchorages, a key advantage for a boat of this size. The boat is rigged as a fractional sloop, a common and efficient setup for small sailboats, contributing to its ease of handling. The hull is constructed of solid fiberglass, offering a robust and durable structure typical of Hunter's manufacturing ethos focused on reliable construction.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a small sailboat designed for daysailing and light cruising, the Hunter 20 offers straightforward sailing performance. With a hull speed of 5.28 knots, it is designed for enjoyable outings rather than high-performance racing. Anecdotal evidence suggests the boat handles predictably, making it suitable for both novice and experienced sailors. Its fractional sloop rig allows for manageable sail handling, providing a balanced feel at the helm. The swing keel, while enhancing versatility, also contributes to the boat's stability when deployed, allowing it to stand up to a reasonable breeze.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall of just under 20 feet, the Hunter 20 is praised by some owners for feeling larger than its dimensions suggest, largely due to a "pop top" feature. This clever design element significantly increases the interior headroom and volume, transforming the cabin for more comfortable use at anchor or dockside. While specific interior details are scarce, typical accommodations for a small cruiser of this type would include a V-berth forward, a small galley area, and perhaps a porta-potty or compact head. The emphasis would be on maximizing usable space for overnight stays, likely with basic amenities. The solid fiberglass deck and hull construction indicate a no-nonsense, functional approach to its interior finish.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hunter 20 often highlight its practicality and the enhanced interior space provided by the pop-top as significant advantages, making it feel like a larger vessel. As with many boats of its vintage, the condition of a Hunter 20 today often depends heavily on its past maintenance. Some owners note that older models may require restoration or attention to areas neglected over the years. However, many common issues encountered are considered correctable, aligning with the general sentiment among Hunter owners that these boats offer a good balance of value and functionality for family sailing and cruising.