Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 34 by Jim Lynk

Year built 1985  
Location of boat Juneau, Alaska  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Racing  
Normal wind strength less than 10 knots  
Average size of crew  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1992  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. Overall it does the job.  
Gear that's been added Lots of sails. Spinnaker rigging, more rope clutches, autopilot, GPS, Anchor winch.  
Structural or complex improvements Putting on rigging for spinnaker seemed complex to me.  
The boat's best features Sails in light wind, Attractive inside, reasonable to both race and coastwise cruise.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I have to reduce sail way before other boats. The front of the sliding hatch leaks and will be really hard to fix. The electrical wiring is run in=betwen the cabin shell and the hull. When these two shift around the wiring is trapped or cut. The bilges smell bad no matter what I do. The mast step is slowly sinking into the deck  
Sailing characterisitcs Good in light air. Does not sail well at 35-40 knots with roller furling and two reefs. In open ocean with following seas waves slam on the bottom next to the rudder.  
Motoring characterisitcs Generally ok. If you let go of the wheel you will do 360's. If you have no way on and the wind catches the bow you will not be able to counter it with power. That is, the motor/propeller is insufficient to counter gusts when you are standing still. Not enough power to make more than two knots into a four foot sea and 20-25 knot wind. Some pounding.  
Liveability Separate head and sink a good idea. You can wash up while someone else is on the head. Bunk under cockpit is hard to get in and out of. Cockpit nice to hang around in. Galley is well designed. Table is booth-like and out-of-the way for passengers walking from stern to bow. Nice looking inside. There is no insulation, so spring and fall are cold even with a heater, and lots of condensation drips from hatches.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Thank God they are still in business. a real plus. They sold me some sink parts that would have been hard to find. They help me find other parts and replacements. Their support number guys are helpful and friendly. They won't let you see blueprints of the boat.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any  
Other comments  

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