The Hunter 43 Legend Review 2020
Over the years, the Hunter 43 Legend has lived up to the high expectations of even the more arduous requirements of sailors in the Mediterranean. Offering a superb technical performance without degrading the convenience of comfort, it can sail gracefully through a stiff breeze and below decks; you will also find a standard which surpasses the interior of even the most luxurious vessels on the seas.
Source: Dick Simon Yachts
Fabulous Function
Source: Dick Simon Yachts
The Hunter 43 Legend has no varnished wood on deck but is nevertheless just as appealing to sailors. It has a sturdy construction, which makes it fully functional and a sea-worthiness which guarantees an ease of sailing. In terms of the construction, the Hunter 43 features an anodized, double-spreader factional right, and a full batten mainsail. There is also a furling foresail and a bull-wing keel with a draft of not more than five feet. The chain plates anchor perfectly to the frame system while the deck hardware is also heavy duty, with everything bolted and well-fitted to the backing plates.
Spacious Below Deck
The most liked feature of the Hunter 43 Legend is the comfort of the third stateroom. It has upper and lower bunk beds and this makes it easier to sail for long periods, even with space for single people on longer trips. The boat is very easy to use and the American Sailing Association even uses it for classes due to its speed. The available space for people onboard is also an advantage and so too is the level of natural light and ventilation entering several hatches with opening ports. The headroom is generous enough to accommodate even tall sailors with its 6 feet, 6 inches size while the functional galley also provides enough workspace and double-basin stainless sink, refrigerator with separate freezer, and a range oven.
Abundant Locker Space
Fortunately, there is enough space concerning lockers with a large water capacity of 120-190 gallons. Some have a well-fit 75-gallon water tank in the bow, two 45-gallon tanks, and a 25-gallon tank. This depends on the owner’s preference. Usually, the 45-gallon tanks convert into waste holders. This amazing boat has an electro scan sewage system, which negates the need for a holding tank. This is possible even though the boat is capable of having one.
Powerful Engine
The Hunter 43 Legend was built and was design by Hunter Marine USA. It has 42 feet and 5 inches LOA. It also has a beam of 14 feet, and an LWL of 38 feet. The maximum draft is 11 feet, 8 inches and the displacement is around 238000 pounds. In addition, the ballast weight about 7600 pounds. It was originally equipped with the inboard, 40 horsepower Yanmar freshwater-cooled diesel engine. Then it upgraded into a 50 to 55-horsepower Yanmar 4JH2-E-FWC diesel. It has about 088 engine hours and 3-blade propeller. It has a direct drive and inboard engine type. This is a larger model than the standard, offering higher compression, different injectors, and other modifications. It also features radio, autopilot, and log-speedometer. Aside from those electronics, there are also depth sounder, compass, and CD player. A wind speed and direction, navigation center, VHF, plotter, and GPS are also included.
Best Practices for Maintenance
The Hunter 43 Legend has been on the market for quite some time. This can mean that the original standing rigging is likely to require a replacement. It is important to check the through hull fittings and seacock. The boat internal halyards also require inspection. The same applies to the boat electronics and the holding tanks. Be sure to inspect the engine, as there are no means of recording hours of operation or maintenance. The overall condition of the Hunter 43 Legend will depend on the long-term charter. It will also vary based on climate where it was sailed year round. This subjects it to direct engine wear and tear. Safety is extremely evident with the built of its cockpit and wraparound windshields, which must have regular inspections. Many owners also consider refitting an original mainsail reef system with a Dutchman system.
Source: Dick Simon Yachts
Even in 25 knots of the wind and large waves, it is easy to handle and this makes it a great choice even for people with little sailing experience. It is extremely maneuverable and predictable while the large rudder makes backing into the slip even less challenging as compared to most boats. Overall the Hunter 43 is well equipped and durable, with enough comfort to make sailing in the Mediterranean an adventure to remember.
