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Review of the Hunter 34 by Jerry Villines

Year built 1984  
Location of boat Fort Myers Beach, Florida  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
How the boat is used Multi-week coastal cruising  
Normal wind strength less than 10 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in Flor  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Certainly, I might do some things differently but the H34 is a good size for 2 (with occaisional guests) for extended cruises and short trips.  
Gear that's been added I have removed davitts (they get in the way and place too much weight too far back).  
Structural or complex improvements I plan to combine the dodger/bimini into a larger bimini to improve my view forward and maintain protection. I will incorporate a solar panel rack above the bimini.  
The boat's best features Size and sailability. At 34 feet I can single hand her or with minimal assistance take on just about any trip or docking situation.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Davitts, too heavy. 100 lbs. or more with dinghy at the very end of your boat and you don't float, or sail, level. Either tow your dinghy up close backwards or put it on the deck. The aft cabin would be best redesigned for storage and engine access. The forward cabin could be 3 inches longer.  
Sailing characterisitcs The boat sails well in light wind especially but can handle some pretty good blows too. I have sailed her in 20-25 knot winds with gusts a little higher and, once the sail plan is balanced with s double reef and minimal jib, she settles right in and slogs through 6-8 foot seas.  
Motoring characterisitcs Over coming inlet tides is sometimes a problem but over all the power is ok and the engine is reliable.  
Liveability Good, 6 weeks in the Bahamas last year with 5 days in a marina was comfortable. We will add solar panels to augment our 440AH house bank which will keep us out of marinas until we want to charge up.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) OK  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Sailor's Wharf in St Pete is good and I would recommend them for any budget. See Jim Gordon unless he has already left for an extended cruise.  
Other comments Good all around boat for those of us who coastal cruise from 2-3 days to 2-3 months. I am planing a yearlong cruise with sights on a longer 3-5 year trip.  

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