Hunter 320 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Hunter 320 emerged at the turn of the millennium, with production commencing in 2000. While the exact end year of its production run is not explicitly stated in all records, models are primarily listed from 2000 to 2001, indicating a focused production period for this particular iteration. The Hunter Design Team, responsible for many of the company's yachts, conceived the 320 as a development of the earlier Hunter 310, incorporating updates and improvements.

During this era, Hunter Marine's manufacturing ethos, influenced by founder Warren Luhrs' background in efficient powerboat production, emphasized building sailboats that combined robust construction with innovative features to enhance the sailing experience. The company was known for moving towards more comfortable cruising designs, prioritizing spacious interiors and user-friendly layouts over purely racing performance. A signature feature integrated into many Hunter models, including the 320, is the distinctive B&R rig with its swept-back spreaders, which allows for a larger mainsail and simplifies sail handling by eliminating the need for a backstay.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hunter 320 is characterized by its balanced sailing performance, making it a pleasant vessel for a variety of conditions. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 16.63, the boat demonstrates moderate light-air performance while still being manageable as the wind picks up. Its ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.374 suggests decent stability, allowing it to stand up to a reasonable amount of wind. The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 168.15 indicates a relatively lighter and more performance-oriented cruiser for its size, contributing to a lively feel on the water.

Owners generally describe the Hunter 320 as a boat that points well and particularly enjoys reaching. While some note it can be "a little tender" in certain conditions, it is widely considered to stand up well to sail. The boat often features a B&R rig with a Selden mast and two pairs of spreaders. For many, the optional in-mast furling system is a significant advantage, greatly simplifying sail handling, particularly for solo sailors or those with less experienced crew. Though generally praised for its sailing characteristics, one owner noted it can be "a little slow with the three blade prop and the wing keel" and reported a PHRF rating suitable for a coastal cruiser rather than a dedicated racer. The hull speed is calculated at 7.13 knots, reflecting its design as a comfortable cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall of just over 31 feet, the Hunter 320 is lauded for its surprisingly spacious and thoughtfully designed interior, a hallmark of Hunter's design philosophy emphasizing comfort. The boat's creative layout is particularly notable for offering two private staterooms, each secured with solid privacy bulkheads rather than mere curtains, a feature that enhances liveability and privacy.

While specific details of the interior finish and materials would typically vary with individual boats and owner customizations, Hunter yachts of this era generally featured a practical blend of fiberglass and wood trim, prioritizing durability and functionality suitable for coastal cruising. The 320 provides ample water capacity at 50 gallons and a fuel capacity of 28 gallons for its Yanmar diesel engine, facilitating comfortable overnight and extended trips. Owners describe the boat as having an "adequate size" for its class. Compared to its successor, the Hunter 326, the 320 featured respectable but slightly less upgraded woodwork and cupboard configurations.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hunter 320 consistently highlight its strengths as a solid and comfortable coastal cruiser. Many appreciate its overall design, describing it as a "great boat" that is "fun to sail" and offers generous room for its size. The in-mast furling system is frequently cited as a valuable feature, making the boat particularly easy to manage, especially for single-handed sailing or when sailing with less experienced individuals. Its ability to point well and its enjoyable performance on a reach are also commonly praised sailing characteristics.

However, some owners have noted specific areas for consideration. A few have described the boat as being "a little tender" in certain conditions, though still manageable. Practical issues reported by some include steering problems, with one owner experiencing a broken rod end in the pedestal steering system, and original holding tank sensors sometimes failing. Despite these minor points, the Hunter 320 generally garners positive feedback for its overall value, solid construction, and suitability for its intended purpose as a comfortable and capable cruising yacht.