Design and Construction
The Xcite's hull is the heart of its appeal. Hunter built it through a patented Advanced Composite Process, layering thermoformed UV-protected plastic over a urethane foam core and finishing with an inner mat of fiberglass. The builder claimed the flexible outer skin absorbs an impact's energy by flexing on contact, while the foam layer supports that skin and diffuses the blow, and the innermost fiberglass backing holds the structure intact anchor. Hunter further asserted the foam grants enough positive flotation to keep a water-filled hull or a 200-pound sailor afloat, making the boat unsinkable. The deep outer finish is a practical bonus: scratches sand and buff out without a professional, so owners can refresh the surface themselves.
Rig and Handling
This is a cat-rigged boat with a two-part mast that, combined with the 115-pound weight, makes cartopping straightforward. Standard equipment is a 46-square-foot training sail, and buyers could opt for a 54-square-foot Mylar Turbo sail; the Turbo adds a full top batten and places its extra eight square feet up in the head for more drive. Aluminum spars, a boom vang, and an adjustable outhaul come as standard, confirming the Xcite is a real boat rather than a toy. A kick-up centerboard and kick-up rudder let it skim over shoals and launch from almost anywhere. Testers found the cockpit wide and uncluttered, a layout that suits nervous beginners and keeps gear clear.
Accommodations
There are no cabins or berths to speak of on a boat of this size; the Xcite is a daysailer and trainer first. Its role is as an entry-level vessel for kids and novices, or as a simple, durable auxiliary kept at a summer place. The wide cockpit and easy rigging argue for spontaneous outings, and the unsinkable construction removes a layer of worry for parents and lake-house owners alike.
Refits and Ownership
Ownership is light by nature. The deep scratch-resistant skin means cosmetic refresh is a DIY sand-and-buff job, and the two-part mast plus cartop weight mean no trailer or yard storage is required. The standard aluminum spars and vang are minimal systems, so there is little to maintain beyond the centerboard and rudder pivots. For a sailor wanting a second boat that lives on a roof rack, the Xcite fits the bill.
The Verdict
The Hunter Xcite succeeds as a forgiving, nearly bombproof introduction to sailing and a take-anywhere spare boat. Its composite hull and positive flotation make it a rare thing among small dinghies: a vessel you can lend to a child without dread. It will not thrill a racer, but it was never meant to.
Pros
- Unsinkable construction with foam-core positive flotation
- Deep outer finish that owners can repair themselves
- Two-part mast and 115-pound weight for easy cartopping
- Wide, uncluttered cockpit suited to novices
Cons
- Does not approach the performance of a Laser
- Minimal sail plan limits it to training and casual use
