Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 34 by vinn gambino

Year built 1984  
Location of boat huntington ny  
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 2003  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? yes, for 30k its a great sailing toy. it was well worth it. if i was a salesmen, i could sell 100 of these a year with just one ride.  
Gear that's been added the best additions ive made were two jam cleats next to each winch on the cabin top. the port side is for a quick release of the main sheet when wind gusts hit, and the starboard one is for the boom vang for the same reason. both can be adjusted from the rear seat while soloing. fine tuning both of them while at the helm is easy!  
Structural or complex improvements no  
The boat's best features cabin room, very lively and exciting sailing. price value. future style, and design way before its time.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. the floors have taken a beating all these years from getting soaked by the bilge water. a dripless stuffing box would be the best design improvement, the next time around! drain holes, and a new check valve in the bilge have improved this condition. leaking windows are a poor design also. they do not drain?  
Sailing characterisitcs either by design, or flaw the h34 is very light on its feet, and has no problems reaching hull speed in light winds, when other similar sized boats are searching for more canvas to keep up. ive sailed in some other medium sized boats that had benign, and linear speed curves, and they seemed quite boring, but the h34 explodes with gran prix excitement in just 11 knots apparent. at 13 knots its pure adrenaline!!! on the other hand with smaller head sails, 120% or less, the h34 can be tamed for a more casual sailing family, that are just passing time on the weekends. the average sailor can also double reef the main, and roll the jib down to a 80% and be able to handle 30 knots in a pinch, like i have. just dont expect to enter the sydney to hobart race.  
Motoring characterisitcs i use a 15X13. at wide open 3450 = 7 KNOTS+ at 2100 expect 5 KNOTS. when backing up, the keel, and rudder need at least 2 knots to hold a steady course.  
Liveability i love the roominess and the airiness. i hate interiors that look like subway cars. putting the dinner table on one side makes it more intimate, and guests can leave to the head without folding down a table! 2 privite berths, and a seperate washup sink is a great idea when the head is occupied. shaving, and brushing ones teeth allow more people to get ready to go ashore.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) no  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any no  
Other comments i wish hunter would just build one good racer/criuser to compete with the likes of j- boat, or beneteau first, in the 37' to 40' range. this would establish the hunter name with the major players in the world of racing, and would inturn improve status, and resale value.