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Review of the Hunter 34 by Bill Travis

Year built 1983  
Location of boat Herrington Harbour, Chesapeake Bay  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 1993  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? For Bay sailing in generally light air, I haven't seen a newer boat with the Hunter 34's combination of performance and accommodations for anywhere near the price. The tall masthead rig gives you plenty of light air speed. The 4' 3" shoal draft lets you into places where others can't go. It features three double berths and a single quarter berth. Three cabin privacy.  
Gear that's been added Recent sails. NorCold refrig. Anchor locker wash-down kit. Electronics  
Structural or complex improvements More cosmetic than structural. Painted hull navy blue with white cove stripe and water line. Painted deck white. Added new navy canvas (dogger, sail covers, etc.). Added teak door and top to center dorade box with stainless low profile dorades. Varnished the interior. New cushions. Brass fixtures. Looks great for a 20 year old boat! People ask what kind it is.  
The boat's best features Light air sailing (<15 Kts)is great in this boat. The sleeping accommodations, galley. This boat has been virtual hassel free.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Certain aspects of the construction didn't take into account facilitating repairs. The rear poly water tank (under aft lazerette)which now leaks is inaccessable and not replaceable without reengineering. The center water tank (under port settee)which also developed a leak was not accessable without major work taking the settee apart due to settee being built outside the boat with screw heads on the inside. The water tanks develop leaks because the air vent outlets are positioned too low on the side of the tank. So, when you fill the tanks full, air is trapped, popping the poly tank's seams.  
Sailing characterisitcs As mentioned, light air is just great and get get a lot of this on the Chesapeake. This is not a heavy air/big seas boat. Winds much over 15 kts. kill most efficiencies due to broad beam, tall rig, shallow draft. 20 - 25 kts. takes true skill to depower and control the boat. 25+ and your in trouble.  
Motoring characterisitcs The Yanmar 3GMF has worked flawlessly, with typical upkeep for 20 years. Still runs strong and burns no oil. I use Mobile 1. Cruises @ 6 kts. @ 2,700 rpm. Uses 1/2 gallon of fuel per hour at cruising speed. 20 gallon tank provides 40 hours of motoring (most of a summer!).  
Liveability Again, great accommodations. Very roomy. Excellent Bay family cruiser. Not an offshore boat.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) N/A  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any N/A  
Other comments  

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