Baybyter wrote:

I have some concerns about this model and would like your opinion:

It appears the lock nut and packing nut on the stuffing box are plastic. Any
problems here?


I really don't trust ANY plastic under the waterline. I'd watch that
part carefully.

It also appears that the stuffing box does not drain to the bilge creating the
problem of how do you drain what drips from the stuffing box while the engine
is running?


If you have space, put a bilge pump in, but some sort of drain should be
there, possibly a pretty small one.

The B&R double spreader rig would seem to prevent you from sailing dead
downwind or you risk chafing your main. Does this mean you must only sail on
alternating broad reaches to get downwind?


You will take a hit downwind. A cruising chute will help make up the
difference and it's a pretty light boat anyway...

Personally, I would limit the small Hunters to protected waters; they
are lightly rigged, and as evidenced by the plastic stuffing box, the
equipment is marginal in my opinion. I've seen some fail well before I
would expect such problems, so you have to stay on top of inspections
and repairs.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/