Hunt Harrier 36 IPS Boat Test Notes
Lenny Rudow provided these detailed notes after reviewing the Hunt Harrier 36 IPS model.
August 2, 2012
Watch the Hunt Harrier 36 IPS Video Boat Review
Videographer Paul Cronin captured the IPS drives in action, with an underwater camera.
Overview
Build a highly customizable pocket-yacht that’s available with three different power options, including traditional inboards, jet drives, and in this boat, IPS drives.Concept
- Couple the classic Ray Hunt designed deep-v hull with modern power systems.
- Allow the owner to arrange and accessorize the boat as they desire.
Construction
- Vacuum-bagged and cored hull and deck.
- Beefed-up hull bottom around IPS drive units.
- Trimmed as desired, with teak or stainless-steel accents.
Performance
- 1.4 miles to the gallon at a cruise of around 30 knots make the IPS boat the most fuel-efficient of the bunch.
- Top-speed is 34 knots, which is slightly less than the inboard and jet top speeds.
Handling
- There’s only one way to describe docking with the IPS drives: WOW!!!
- Steering with the joystick is a joy. Seriously. If you played Pac Man as a kid, you can run this boat.
- On plane, handling is very much like other versions of the Hunt Harrier 36; it carves turns while banking in, leans a good deal, and responds quickly to the wheel.
Features
- This is one of the smallest IPS boats around; if you like this power system (and you will) there are few other options in this size range.
- High level of customization in the bridgedeck arrangement and trim level. You can also get the boat with or without a full hard-top.
- Gotta love that Ray Hunt deep-v hull—it handles waves like a boat with several more feet of LOA.
