Hunter 212 Information, Review, Specs

Designed by Chuck Burns, the Hunter 212 was conceived as a day sailer and cruiser, making her suitable for both short excursions and overnight stays. Her design priorities centered around a light hull and the characteristic Hunter rig, aiming for a boat that was easy to manage and transport.

History and Design

The Hunter 212 was in production from 1996 to 2002, emerging during a period when Hunter Marine was well-established in the recreational sailing market. The company, founded by Warren Luhrs, applied insights from powerboat manufacturing to create efficient sailboat designs, making sailing more enjoyable and accessible. While Hunter Marine evolved over time, shifting from purely racing boats to more comfortable cruising designs, the 212 embodies a continuation of their commitment to user-friendly boats.

The Hunter 212 was designed by Chuck Burns, an American designer, with the specific goal of creating a trailerable sailboat that combined the rigging and performance of a daysailer with the comfort and overnight capabilities of a mini-cruiser. This design philosophy aimed to offer a boat that was easy to launch, retrieve, and store, thus lowering the barriers to sailboat ownership. There is no information to suggest significant variations or different marks of the Hunter 212 during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hunter 212, with its fractional sloop rig and centerboard keel, offers a balance of performance and stability suitable for its intended use as a daysailer and coastal cruiser. Sailors have noted that the 212 can be surprisingly speedy on a close haul compared to other boats in the 21-25 foot range. Its light hull, combined with the typical Hunter rig, contributes to its performance characteristics.

The centerboard keel is a key feature, allowing the boat to navigate both coastal and inland waters with a minimum draft of 0.83 feet when the board is up, extending to 5.0 feet when fully deployed. This makes it highly adaptable for exploring shallow anchorages and makes trailering much easier. Owners generally find the boat handles day sailing conditions well, particularly in areas like Lake Washington and Puget Sound. While it's considered a good boat for learning to sail, some owners have noted that the tiller might be "underengineered" for the stresses a boat of this size can encounter. The 212 is not a "cat boat" as some might assume, but a fractional sloop with a mast positioned conventionally near the bow, and a standard jib.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall of 21 feet, the Hunter 212 aims to provide basic accommodations for overnight stays, fulfilling its mini-cruiser ambition. The interior typically features a cuddy cabin layout, which, while compact, offers shelter and some utility. Key interior features generally include basic cabin lighting, running lights, and an electrical panel for essential systems.

Based on common layouts for boats of this size and reviews, the interior likely includes a V-berth forward, which can serve as sleeping space for two adults. A small, open salon area would follow, possibly with bench seating that could double as additional berths. Given its dimensions, headroom is limited, and amenities like a dedicated galley or enclosed head are typically minimal or absent, often consisting of space for a portable toilet. Storage would primarily be under berths and within small compartments. While direct information on finish quality and materials is scarce from search results, Hunter Marine's general ethos suggests a practical and robust fiberglass construction, with a focus on durability for recreational use.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hunter 212 often praise its low maintenance characteristics and suitability as a learning boat. It is frequently described as a good choice for day sailing and coastal cruising, with some owners also using it for occasional overnights. The boat's trailerability is a significant advantage, allowing easy access to various sailing locations. Many appreciate the included Harken hardware and Doyle sails, indicating a reasonable level of outfitting for its class.

However, some common concerns and areas for improvement have been noted by owners. The tiller's perceived robustness is a recurring point of discussion, with some suggesting it is "underengineered." There have also been reports of gelcoat cracks, particularly around areas like the deck, which some owners have had to address. While generally considered seaworthy, some discussions on forums suggest that while adequate for protected waters and coastal hops, its performance and build might not be suited for very heavy weather or offshore passages. The collective owner sentiment suggests that the Hunter 212 fulfills its role as an accessible and enjoyable small sailboat, particularly for those prioritizing ease of use and trailering.