Design and Construction
The defining geometry is its twin-keel arrangement, letting the boat sail in shallow water and dry out upright. Beam is just over 10 feet, displacement near 9,900 pounds, and 4,211 pounds of iron ballast give a ballast-displacement ratio of about 42.5 percent. Maximum draft is 4.26 feet. The hull and deck are solid fiberglass, with a spade rudder behind the twin keels. Hunter Marine used an outward-facing hull-to-deck flange on this design.
Rig and Handling
The boat carries a deck-stepped mast with swept-back spreaders and a B&R rig that eliminates the backstay and adds sail area. Sail area is roughly 435 square feet on a fractional sloop plan, mast about 46 feet above water. An in-mast reefing system eases sail reduction in strong winds. The Yanmar 2GM20F diesel makes 18 horsepower through a shaft drive and reaches 6 knots maximum under power.
Accommodations
Below, six berths span three cabins. A large saloon has a U-shaped dinette converting to a double, a forward cabin has a V-berth and lockers, and an aft cabin has a double berth and hanging locker. The galley holds a two-burner stove, oven, fridge, and sink; the head has a marine toilet, washbasin, and shower. A navigation station with chart table and instrument panel, plus large windows and hatches, complete the layout. Two versions exist: standard with more headroom and storage, owner's with more living space and optional wheel, windlass, and sprayhood.
Known Issues
The in-mast reefing mainsail depends on a serviceable mast slot and furler. Twin keels take grounding loads on two appendages, so both keel-hull interfaces warrant close look. The deck-stepped mast puts compression into the cabin top, rewarding inspection of mast partners.
The Verdict
A purpose-built shallow-draught cruiser with an unusual rig and practical interior. Low production makes it scarce.
Pros
- Twin-keel hull enables shallow sailing and drying out
- B&R rig removes backstay and adds sail area
- In-mast reefing eases short-handed sail reduction
- Three-cabin, six-berth layout with full galley and head
Cons
- Only 72 built, fewer examples than mainstream Hunters
- Twin keels trade windward performance for draft
- Deck-stepped mast loads cabin top rather than keel
