Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 34 by Rob Webley

Year built 1985  
Location of boat Wellington New Zealand  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 23-30 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2000  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes we love our choice for our torrid sailing conditions we encounter up to 50knots and frequently 15-30 knots ."Moana Lani" gives us a lot of pleasure .And one day would like to move up to a 40 . Iam in the marine industry and sell US built power boats and love the quality and finish US built offers .  
Gear that's been added Dodger which is essential /two GPS /vhf radio/depth finder/fitting anchor windlass at present/new main at christmas/stainless steel boarding plat form with swim ladder/220 volt additional stove for shore power use.  
Structural or complex improvements no  
The boat's best features Hih top sides /large cockpit with massive storage impressive use of space ,could be compared to 36-38 NZ bulit yachts for space  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Freezer but thats minor and needs attention  
Sailing characterisitcs Responsive we encounter a following sea up to 6m(20') but generally 2.5m long swell and havnt yet broached .This is on our return trip from South Island through the notorious Cook Strait to the North Island a distance of 52 miles port to port but 22miles head to head .Prevailing Northly. Up to 7 knot tide flow so we try and get the the top of the tide at the benefit of a assisted ride south .  
Motoring characterisitcs Great motor that Yanmah but still find reverse a little awkward  
Liveability Great we are to live aboard whilst we build another house which should take around 3 months. in our local Marina .Then we intend to sail to Tonga with in 3 years .  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Not delt direct  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any They shouldnt have had the listing as they didnt have any positive Knowledge to offer we bought on our own judgement.  
Other comments We love it and would like to see more in our part of paradise I have read them mentiond in Australia "Cruising Helmsman" the 340 that is.