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Review of the Hunter 34 by Chris Behre

Year built 1984  
Location of boat Hampton, Virginia  
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?  
Owner bought the boat in 1998  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, it was a great boat for the money we spent. We looked at a lot of comparable boats and decided the Hunter 34 was the best value. We looked at a number of 34s and picked one that was in need of some TLC. It has been a labor of love bringing it back into shape and cruising it at the same time.  
Gear that's been added We converted the Kenyon stove to a two burner propane stove top. Wish I had converted the Kenyon to propane but I didn't know at the time that was possible. Added Autohelm 4000 plus. Took me awhile to get it right but once I cut the length of the power lead down to within specifications in the instruction book, it has been great. It came with a bimini and we just added a dodger. A great addition because it keeps rain water off of the companionway hatch. I added refrigeration and a third (starting) battery. Works good for weekends and keeps the icebox cold between cruises. Placed DC outlets in both cabins and two in the salon for portable fans, portable cd player, and other DC plug ins.  
Structural or complex improvements Conversion to propane (see above). I decided to hang the propane tank on the aft stbd side stern rail. Stays out of the way and reduced the complexity of building a propane locker.  
The boat's best features Cost, size below decks, this Hunter owner support site. Yanmar 20 hp a great engine. All lines leading into the cockpit make it easy to sail single hand. I like the big wheel but it gets removed to the port side stern rail whenever we have company at anchor or in port.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Considering the age of the boat (1984) very little unexpected problems have occured. I have replaced the original head and water pump. The topside deck has a few delaminated areas but they have not caused any problems. They just creak and crunch as you walk across them. They decks look fine and don't leak.  
Sailing characterisitcs I read many owners comments before buying a H34 and I would agree with all of them. The boat is tender and must be reefed early. Sailing in the lower Chesapeake we normally sail with a reef (if the wind FORECAST is for over 15 knots). We have not tried a double reef, but at 25 plus we just drop the sails and motor. Very slow downwind and worth tacking 30 degrees either side of the wind.  
Motoring characterisitcs Superb. Six knots with 2800 RPMs. About half a gallon an hour. Backs to port but once you have some way on in reverse and put the transmission in neutral, it is very responsive.  
Liveability We used the aft cabin as our choice cabin last year but we are now using the v-berth. Our guests will have to live with the very low ceiling in the aft cabin. I'm not ready to live aboard, but it is very comfortable for 2-4 people for a couple of weeks. Six would be too many. The best berth by far is the dinette folded down to a berth.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Never tried. The Hunter Forum answers all of my questions. Now after I move up to that Hunter 450...  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Norton's in Deltaville, VA sold the boat originally and brokered my purchase. Great people! My son bought his H30 through their brokerage a few years ago and had the same kind of experience.  
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