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Review of the Hunter 34 by Ron Berkley

Year built 1986  
Location of boat Stockton, Missouri  
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 1997  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. A lot of boat for the money. It's been a great first-boat. We began our quest looking at the 28.5's in order to hold down cost and get adequate headroom (6' ) and soon found ourselves in the 30-32 range because we just couldn't find a cabin layout my wife liked in those smaller boats (I love that woman). Then we looked at the H34 and new immediately we had found THE BOAT. That is until the first weekend of ownership when we where graciously invited onboard the H37 next to us. Wow, what a few more feet can do. The dreaded two-foot-itis struck earlier than the experts had predicted.  
Gear that's been added Not yet. A new head and hoses are being installed in '98. Planning on a new main and headsail in '99. Will probably add a whisker pole in '98.Need more battery power and AC would be nice.I had a bigger list but my wife through it out along with West Marine and Boat US catalogs when she begain hearing the sucking sound cash makes as it head towards the boat. An aceptable sacrifice really given the alternative to hearing the sucking sound cash makes during assest separation and redistribution (can you spell divorce). Oh well, we do have a 34' and, all kidding aside, are really enjoying it with friends and family.  
Structural or complex improvements No, but may soon depending on the outcome of a compression post inspection. After reading the forums here, this seems to be a very problamatic, and costly, issue for Hunter 34's. Sure wish we had known about H.O.W. before we bought.  
The boat's best features Price, size and cabin layout. Cabin has good headroom (6' ) throughout. We like the ability to close-off both the forward and aft cabins. The aft berth, while difficult to get into and out of, is very spacious for two people.Having the head separate from the lavatory is convienent.The H.O.W. forum has been a great source of information.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. We fight a musty odor contantly. We assume this is due the blind bilges and will be working on the problem in '98.We are concerned about all the problems being reported regarding the compression post. Ours shows signs of a pending problem and is our single largest concern with this boat ($$$$).The cockpit is a bit small especially with the large wheel but is OK for four people. The T shape prevents one from one from laying down comfortably, unless your 4' tall.Lists to starboard and understand that is probably due to holding tank, hot water, fuel and batteries all being on one side. Some have found moving the batteries to under the aft setee solves the problem - another 1998 project.  
Sailing characterisitcs Being our fist boat we were not sure what to expect. Have have found it very easy to handle and goes well in light air. In heavier wind, we reef the main early with good success. Tends to heel badly and then headup abruptly when gusty. We're learning.  
Motoring characterisitcs Slow. About 4 knots at 2800. Very noisy when in the cabin. We have had the alignment checked but still think there is too much vibration.  
Liveability Great for two people. Ok with four. A word of great caution, whatever you do, don't invite your sister, brother-in-law and their 3 young children for the weekend!!!! I'm still in counceling from that one trying to a) figure out why I did it and b) how to ever get over it. At least we now know why we named the boat THERAPY.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) No experience  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any  
Other comments  

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