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Review of the Hunter 33 by John Driscoll

Year built 2004  
Location of boat Oriental NC  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2004  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Not yet sure. If all problems are solved, then yes.  
Gear that's been added Folding wheel.  
Structural or complex improvements  
The boat's best features Cost effective  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Sailing and racing downwind and boat speed when racing.  
Sailing characterisitcs Swept back spreaders interfer with sailing down wind. Roller furling sail has no roach--slower than non furling sail; would prefer a back stay and straight spreaders since sail has no roach. Poor enging cooling--alarm comes on >2500 rpm(29hp engine) All speed made good data (speed data as function of wind speed and attack angle) had to be generated--factory had no data. PHRF is ~160.  
Motoring characterisitcs Poor engine cooling with alarm comming on at >2500 rpm(29hp, 3cyl Yanmar diesel engine)  
Liveability Nice but leaky aft cabin. Bunk is hard to get out of, especially for 2 people.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Good. They own up to the problems and pay to fix them quickly.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Bad in the beginning but improving. Paint on propeller and shaft lasted only ~4 Mos..  
Other comments Arch leaked water into aft cabin through the canves snaps. Mast step leaked. Mast was removed, step resealed and now OK. Isolation transformer instaled backwards and had a loud buz. Was replaced. Engine mounts mounted backwards. Excessive vibration caused throttle and shift cable to fall apart while underway. Engine overheat alarm comes on at rpm >2500. Problem not yet solved. The 33 is a new model and bugs need to be worked out. Assemblers did not follow provider manuals. Better QA and QC inspection procedures needed. Knot meter water wheel must be cleaned of salt brine every week.  

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