Hunter 22, 'Smooth Operator'

by Vic
(North Carolina)

I recently bought this 1981 Hunter 22 in early March 2013. ‘Smooth Operator’ is my first sailboat larger than my little 12' Sunfish. This purchase came as a last minute split-decision versus the ubiquitous Catalina 22 of the same year. The Hunter 22 just appealed to me that little bit more.

The vessel was in fair to good shape with a solid outboard/generator and a trailer to tow the boat to my favourite inland and coastal waters and avoid those costly marina fees.

I'm slightly intimidated by the increase in size and complexity but I’m confident in the fundamentals and the search for adventure.

‘Smooth Operator’ has a humble 60lb centreboard that’s controlled by a line at the cockpit table. It’s ballast is 1100 lbs of lead placed along the keel. It has a clean Tohatsu 9.5hp outboard motor (with generator) that pulls double duty to recharge the single 12v deep cycle battery. The only instrumentation is a compass in the cockpit, just right of the companionway. Sails are a little tired but will work for now. Hull is clean and solid. Draft is 2 feet with the centreboard up and 5 feet with it down.

Work done so far:
• all equipment and gear inventoried
• untangled and inspected all rigging
• new grease for trailer hubs and tires
• recharged battery
• re-wired trailer lights
• removed cushion covers for washing
• cleaned cabin with 10% bleach solution
• added Stabil to fuel tank
• transfered all titles

Work yet to do:
• install auto bilge pump and switch
• fix or replace head
• clean decks, cockpit, anchor well, etc.
• replace cabin lights with LEDs
• test & repair some running lights
• reseal around chain plates
• acquire additional navigation equipment
• install VHF radio
• replace one mainsail batten
• fabricate gin pole or a-frame

Wish list:
• repair spider cracks and small chips
• repaint deck and hull
• bottom paint
• reseal all hatches and portholes
• new sails
• small solar panel
• install a radio/MP3 player
• new trailer tires
• join up and learn from fellow sailors and cruisers

I hope to have her in sailing order by late Spring 2013

I've really enjoyed your website and have found it very helpful. I’m looking forward to future articles.

ACE 6.5 Sea Siren

by Peter
(Whangarei NZ)

This is a 22ft ex racing boat designed by J Grant in 1986. I bought her as a bare shell with rigging sails and trailer. I then converted her into a cruiser, all be it a very fast one. This was my retirement hobby.

The trapezes that were on it have been stored away at home as you won't see this old pensioner stacking out. The sails are big roached main on 30ft mast with genoa and a large Doyle's flying headsail (gennaker). I am selling the symmetrical spinnaker as the gennaker is so good I can sail upwind at 7 knots in 10 knots of breeze.

She now has a galley 2 burner stove and sink and electric toilet and vanity. Accommodation can be for four in a large V berth and two 1/4 berths.
She has 80 litres of fresh water one tank is through a filter for drinking water. She now has a mainsail converted to loose foot.

Other things added were a Sony 4 speaker audio system, GPS speedo and log, a fishfinder, and an ST1000 auto pilot. A Vantage LPG gas detector, a Gasmate fridge and I've just installed a new Windex.

I am going for a cruise to Gt Barrier in a few weeks time. Cheers!