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Review of the Hunter 33.5 by Garth Russo

Year built 1988  
Location of boat Lake Hartwell, S.C.  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1995  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Absolutely. Lively Up has been a fantastic boat and we have no regrets for the purchase. Sails like a dream with minimal hands. Holds it's own against similar boats in friendly competition, and has handled some serious squalling on our lake like a champ.  
Gear that's been added Simple cosmetics, fans. Preparing to upgrade the old Sylva originals with ST 50 series instruments.Stereo added in the salon with cockpit speakers. Bimini and cockpit table.  
Structural or complex improvements No needs at this time. Would love to put a small bowsprit on the front for anchor management as the presence of a furler here clutters the area.Put a Lewmar hatch in the space formerly associated with a leaky deck port under the vang. A cut and paste operation of moderate cost, huge light and air benifits, and after 3 years, still no leak; opens aft so doesn't pick up huge air at anchor; put a solar driven vent in the hatch last year and that's holding up too.  
The boat's best features Sailing performance in moderate wind. Space and lines. Walk through transom, headroom and elbow room in the salon. Sink separate from head. Two private berths.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Bow area is congested with anchor locker and furler. Access to engine is tight, especially aft. Through hull for cooling water is difficult to access as is battery. The transom seat is difficult to manage/store. Lack of fuel gague is a nuisance.  
Sailing characterisitcs Handles best on a beam reach or a bit better to the wind in 12-18 kn. Spirited in gusty conditions, but stable as can be if one is patient. Early reefing of the main is critical to diminish weather healm / increase speed. We have to reef before masthead rigs do, but can leave a fuller foresail out. Sluggish in low wind conditions. Mast play is huge in real gusty or overpowered circumstances or if luffing. I suspect this is due to the fractional rig, but it is daunting none the less. Makes fair leeway due to the shoal keel.  
Motoring characterisitcs Motors well, but there is a bit more vibration than on other boats of similar size. We have an 18 Yanmar and power is marginal for anything but our lake conditions, we also have a two blade Maxi-prop and I'm sure that impacts our power. Backs like a dream.  
Liveability We spend weeks and still speak in loving terms to one another. The dog loves the space beneath the table and the transom. We frequently sail with another couple and find the two cabins to be very accomadating.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Have not.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Private purchase.  
Other comments  

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