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Review of the Hunter 34 by Erich Smith

Year built 1983  
Location of boat New Bern, NC  
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 solo  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in NC  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Possibly. When I bought EXODUS I wasn't sure if I was going to like living aboard. Therefore, I wanted something that had enough room and good sailing ability but could easily be singlehanded. I think the H-34 is a great boat for the money invested. I have no major complaints with the design. Having raced, delivered, worked on, and gennerally seen literally hundreds of other boats, I think Hunter could have beefed up the hull and deck fiberglass lay up with out major price increase. It is generally understood that Hunters are the Ford's and Chevy's (with McGregor of course being the Aries K-Car ha ha.) of the sailing world. Therfore, as the saying go's  
Gear that's been added GPS, Auto-Helm, New Compass, R/F 130% Genoa.Dodger with full cockpit enclosure...year round sailing!  
Structural or complex improvements The first owner had the recommended changes from Hunter to the rudder and the cutlass strut performed at Bock Marine on the ICW in NC. The changes seem to work well.  
The boat's best features Living space. Easy to single hand even in a blow.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Genrally, every thing was worked fine. I feel that the fiberglass construction could have been a little thicker at slightly more cost.  
Sailing characterisitcs I have sailed EXODUS in every type of wind condition from dead calms to gail force winds on the ocean and Pamlico Sound. She is tender and I will often leave the dock with a reef already set.  
Motoring characterisitcs Motors excetipnally well although the B  
Liveability EXCELENT! I have been a live aboard for almost 4 years. There is a lot of storage and she is quite comfortable. The mirror above the sink is at an exceptionally low level but one can brush his/her hair or other mirror needed activities while sitting on the toilet with the head door open. The setee and dinette births are the most compfortable in the boat. A cockpit table makes for great outside entertaining but difficult to negotiate when the need arises to go below. The galley is and excellent sea galley but is tight for even one large person no less for two average sized people.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Not very heplful for locating parts. I needed a new stanchion but they didn't have any that would and didn't know where I could locate one. I got a few off of a salvaged  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Bill Fluity at Mathews Point Marina, NC is an excellent broaker and is very honest.  
Other comments  

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