Sea Trials

Despite the fact that there's a full-size aft stateroom directly below it, the 40's T-shaped cockpit is roomy. The low trunk profile allows excellent visibility forward from the pedestal-mounted helm even when someone like me, two inches short of six feet, is seated. High coamings provide good back support.

All sail controls feed to the cockpit and are within easy reach of even a singlehander on helm watch. Further, halyards run neatly through "tunnels" at each side of the companionway hatch so you won't trip on any lines. For some, the wider-than-usual bridge deck might mean a bit of a stretch to reach the companionway ladder. I thought it a handy place to lay items needed quickly while underway, and out of the wind. I'm not particularly fond of a mainsheet traveler mounted on the bridgedeck. But in the case of the 40, it's located high enough so the mainsheet won't be easily kicked loose by cockpit passengers. A transom ladder (standard) facilitates boarding swimmers or from a dinghy.

For rigging, the Hunter 40 employs an arrangement patented by the company called the B&R (Bergstrom and Ridder) system. It eliminates babystays and running backstays, thus assuring, says Hunter, better control and faster tacking. Later, underway off Newport Beach, I would come to appreciate the savings in both time and effort in this system. It's a savings not especially critical in cruising, perhaps, but vital in around-the-buoys competition.

The B&R system consists of swept back spreaders and X-shaped cross over shrouds on both lowers and uppers. While some performance downwind may be lost by the spreader arrangement (because the mainsail can't be flown as far forward) the boat gains on upwind agility from the tighter sheeting angle allowed for the headsail. And because the 40 can use a smaller spar section with the B&R, there's less windage and less interference with the leading edge of the mainsail.

Below, Hunter has performed a near-miracle in space utilization. Even for a 40-footer, the interior layout is unusually spacious and suggests bluewater cruising in style and comfort. With its aft stateroom assuring utmost privacy, its two heads and ample water capacity, the Hunter would also make a fine charter trade candidate.

I've often wondered whether two heads are really justified on a boat only 40 feet long. But if the 40 is sailed short-handed, by a couple, for instance, the forward one could well be used for additional stowage.

The main salon with its two settees wraps around a central folding table which itself wraps around the mast compression post. The teak and holly sole and wood paneling and trim provide a warm look throughout; the standard AM/FM cassette stereo piped through four speakers is as audibly pleasing.

SECOND IMPRESSION

The Hunter 40's aft cockpit, aft stateroom configuration is not a new idea. European boat builders have been doing it for years, and the Americans are just beginning to catch on. The advantage of this layout is roominess and slick looks. The typical tradeoff is a bigger bustle and higher freeboard, with compromise speed. Yet Hunter seems to have added just the right amount of volume in the top and bottom so there's no apparent loss in performance or unsightly "too-tall" gunwales. They have blended lively handling with a large interior. But, like a luxury car that aspires to sports car performance, there's an "almost but not quite" feeling. The cockpit seems a little exposed to the elements and the expansive aft double berth would be a rollicking ride while sleeping underway without lee cloths to hold you in place. Beneath the looks and mannerisms of a race boat beats the heart of a cruiser. Yet the combination of features adds up to an appealing package for the cruising sailor who wants some racing flair and an occasional flirt with club competition.

The swept-back spreaders that improve upwind performance but prevent full flying of the mainsail dead downwind do not present a problem to me. I'd rather sail on a series of faster broad reaches anyway. Whether it's a tradeoff for the spacious layout or simpler rig, this Hunter finds the right mix.