Article from Good old Boat

Hunter 22

Description

The Hunter 22 is an American trailerable family cruiser designed by the Hunter Design Team and built by Hunter Marine from 1981 to 1985 (approximately 1,200 hulls produced), replacing the earlier Hunter 22 (1973–1980) and often called the “Hunter 22-2” by owners to distinguish it. At 22 feet 2 inches LOA with an exceptionally wide 7-foot 11-inch beam and a light displacement of just 3,200 lbs (1,300 lbs ballast in the shoal winged keel), it was one of the roomiest and most volume-oriented small cruisers of its era. It features a fractional sloop rig with a deck-stepped mast (easy single-handed raising via gin pole), a fully battened mainsail of about 115 sq ft, roller-furling 150% genoa (total upwind ~210 sq ft), and an optional asymmetrical spinnaker. The water-ballasted (or fixed-wing keel) centerboard version draws only 1 foot 11 inches up and 4 feet 6 inches down, making it ideal for thin water and easy ramp launching. Below, a pop-top camper cover provides over 6 feet of headroom, with a spacious V-berth, two full-length settee berths that convert to a double, a quarter berth, enclosed portable head, and a small galley—comfortably sleeping five. Known for its huge cockpit, forgiving manners, foam flotation, and the ability to be towed by a mid-size car, the Hunter 22 remains one of the most popular and recognizable 1980s “big little boats” on American lakes and coastlines, with strong class associations and active racing fleets still sailing today.