Our boat is a 2004 Hunter 44 Deck Salon (DS). The deck salon model involved raising the deck to provide more headroom and light into the salon. We looked a a number of boats before settling on this model. Some of the features that attracted us to this model were the fact that it had two cabins and two heads. ( For non sailors the head is the bathroom.) It also has a large galley (Kitchen) and very nice nav station (something like your desk at home). It has a winged Keel and draws 5 feet of water. In the salon is a U shaped dining table on the port side across from the settee which is like a couch. The navigation station is on the same side as the settee and the galley is on port side with a pantry, microwave propane stove with oven and plenty of storage and work space. Each head has an enclosed shower and both cabins have private access to their respective heads.
From the salon, you go up the companionway to a large cockpit that is covered in front by a dodger and overhead by a Bimini. The wheel and electronics are original equipment which we supplement with an iPad. All of the lines and sheets lead back to the cockpit so everything can be done from there except for the anchor. The Bimini and dodger provide cover in case of bad weather. Behind the helm is a seat that lowers down into what is called the sugar scoop or a flat area on the stern that is like a swim platform. Above the sugar scoop is a davit where the Highfield dinghy and 15hp Tohatsu outboard.
