[Brezzin]

I like to think that I have a little bit of knowlage regarding sailing. Maybe not so much in the construction but I have to tell you this.

1) I toured the Hunter factory about 3 weeks ago. (before I ordered a 49) It was not a "setup" in anyway, shape or form. As far as a "hair curling" story, well I doubt their isn't a business around that has not had them.
I was very impressed with what I saw. I can also tell you that I felt the Hunter employees took pride in what they were doing and turning out a quality product. Hunter's employee ownership certinly does not hurt.

2) I took the 49 (hull #1) out for a test sail in 15-20 knot winds (LI Sound)in late September. all I can tell you is that it felt like I was in 8 to 10. The Henderson Hull just cut through the waves. A first class ride. I loved the way it handled at a number of different points of sail. I really loved how it handles in close Quarters. Will it be a pig in light winds? Probably but what heavy displacment boat isn't.

3) I looked at a number of other boats in this size range and you know what, they all use the same parts like Lewmar winches, Harkin roller furlers, etc. etc.

4) When I told my racing freinds I was buying a hunter 49. They said why not a Pacific Seacraft or a Saber. Why a Hunter? my answer is simple, Value.
The Hunter is made every bit as good as those other boats and had the features that I was looking for at a discount of 20% or more. Please don't even give me that Price = Quality as justification for any purchase. Try the buying power that they have between Hunter, Mainship, silverton and Luhrs. Add in the design and enginering colabrative of that group and you can get a pretty good product at a pretty good price.

For the record, I've been sailing for close to 30 years and have owned a number of sailboats including a 1982 Hunter 33 (great boat). I still crew aboard a couple of different boats for racing.


Dave