Hunter 22 Buyer's Guide
The Hunter 22 is a pocket cruiser built by Hunter Marine in the United States from 1981 through 1985, offered with either a fixed fin keel or a centerboard. As a trailerable design just over 22 feet long, it appeals to shoppers wanting a boat they can launch for a weekend and store at home. Any example on the used market will be at least four decades old, so the condition of original fittings matters more than the spec sheet.
Layouts on the Used Market
Both keel and centerboard versions share the same interior plan: a double V-berth forward, two straight settee berths in the main cabin, and a head tucked under the V-berth on the starboard side. The galley straddles the companionway ladder with a single-burner stove and sink on both sides. With a 7-foot-11-inch beam, the cabin feels roomy for weekend cruising, and the four-berth count is genuine rather than nominal.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
Used Hunter 22s often carry a bimini and air conditioning as owner-fitted comforts, the latter a notable addition on a 22-foot hull with only 12 gallons of water capacity. Beyond those, the boat's original outboard motor remains the propulsion, and factory kit included a stove and cooler. Buyers should focus less on creature upgrades and more on whether the structural and rigging basics survive.
What to Inspect
Owners report that weather helm becomes annoying in winds over ten knots, and testers suggest this traces to carrying a full main when the breeze builds weather helm annoying above ten knots. At a viewing, sail the boat or have the seller demo her trimmed; if the tiller loads up heavily without reefing, understand you will reef early. The outboard prop tends to come out of the water and cavitate in waves, so check the transom mount for cracking or flex and confirm the engine tilts and locks cleanly outboard prop cavitates in waves. Reviewers judged the build to be lightly made with brittle plastic hinge gear and modest fittings, so work every hatch, inspect hinge bodies for crazing or snap failure, and budget for replacing worn items lightly made with brittle plastic hinge gear.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
Hunter 22s are found in the United States. For a viewing, run this short list:
- Sail or observe her reefed above ten knots to judge weather helm.
- Inspect the transom outboard mount for stress and test prop engagement.
- Work all hatches; replace any failed plastic hinges.
- Confirm centerboard retracts fully if that version is offered.
- Verify galley stove and sink intact on both ladder sides.
Price & volume trends
Monthly asking-price and listing-volume trends for the Hunter 22. The line shows the median ask each month; the bars show how many listings appeared.
Monthly breakdown · 4 rows
| Month | Listings | Median ask | Δ vs. last mo. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 25 | 1 | $5,000 | — |
| Apr 25 | 1 | $975 | -80.5% |
| Jun 26 | 2 | $3,500 | +259.0% |
| Jul 26 | 1 | $10,000 | +185.7% |
Where they're listed
Hunter 22 listings appear across 1 country. United States has the most listings with 3.
Country view
3 listings · 1 country| Country | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $3,500 | 3 | 3 | 100.0% |
Comparable models
Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.
Similar boats to compare
3 similar designs| Model | LOA | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalina 22 | 23.83' | $ 6,500 | 79 | 25 |
| J-Boats J/22 | 22.5' | $ 10,000 | 10 | 4 |
| Hunter 22You are here | — | $ 3,500 | 3 | 3 |