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Review of the Hunter 34 by Mike Barrett

Year built 1987  
Location of boat Havre de Grace, MD  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 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? I would absolutely buy this boat again. As a fairly new sailor, (previous 3 years sailing a 1990 MacGregor 26), I have been impressed at how easy it is to sail this boat. I don't have a lot of sailing knowledge from which to draw. I also haven't taken any courses on sailing, so I've been lucky to have purchased such an easy to handle sailboat. The one issue that I've had is keeping the batteries powered. I believe that the previous owners had installed a battery charger that has since given up. It's amazing that, even though I own a sailboat, the motor (or more appropriately, the electrical system leading to the motor) has given me the biggest headaches.  
Gear that's been added None.  
Structural or complex improvements None.  
The boat's best features Size and space (my now 3-year old has a great time playing down below along with my 7-year old while we are sailing). I'm not sure that sometimes they even know we've left the dock. They play hide-and-seek down there. I've only sailed a much smaller boat. However, I think this is a pretty quick boat, as long as you're not sailing downwind. I've been challenged with trying to get this boat to move quickly while downwind. However, I don't own a spinnaker yet...  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Just the batteries/motor starting. Once, the motor got overheated and we had to sail into the dock (I can't believe we made it without issues)...  
Sailing characterisitcs I love sailing this boat upwind or on a broad reach. She heels a bit, but never seems tender in less than 15 knots. I don't go out in much less, so I've never had any concerns on stability, etc. This is a stable boat, so I feel pretty comfortable letting my 7-year old walk just about anywhere. The boat turns on a dime. I have enjoyed learning maneuvers and simply getting her in and out of the marina without any issues. This is huge considering the jump in size from our old 26. I think this boat is much easier to handle.  
Motoring characterisitcs Fine, when the motor starts without issues (see battery issues above).  
Liveability ??  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) None.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Very positive experience with Tidewater in Havre de Grace. They don't trade smaller boats, so sell your small boat beforehand if you have one.  
Other comments Great boat. I don't think I'd need anything larger or faster. I will paint the hull this year to differentiate my boat from several others (there are quite a few out there)... I feel very confident that this boat can handle my novice mistakes and also allow me to enjoy a lot of sailing once I become more proficient and experienced.  

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