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Review of the Hunter 34 by David Conner

Year built 1983  
Location of boat Andros Island, Bahamas  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
How the boat is used Multi-week coastal cruising  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1994  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Probably.I can't turn my clock back.  
Gear that's been added Roller-furling jibStanding and running riggingAdler-Barber refrigeration4-golf cart batteries, 1-D8 battery13 gallon holding tankAutohelm 3000GPSRadarWind generatorReverse cycle heat pumpStereoBarbequeNew propane range/ovenRacor fuel filter  
Structural or complex improvements Radar archDinghy davitzAdded zinc to keelReplaced bronze shaft with stainlessand reconditioned prop and new strut  
The boat's best features Easy solo sailing.Ease in balancing sails to eliminate weather helm.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Changing the oil in the Yanmar is a greasy bear!Portlights tend to leak and windows spiderweb.Checkvalve on the sump is easily clogged open.Cockpit doesn't completely drain.  
Sailing characterisitcs Sails extremely well up to 4-6 foot seas even with a 200 lb. dinghy on the davitz. We'vecrossed the Gulf Stream four times so far.  
Motoring characterisitcs Straight  
Liveability Pipe Dream's been a liveaboard for 2-1/2 years...The V-berth is too short.The dinette makes an extremely comfortable bed.The aft cabin (we call it "the envelope") doesn'thave adequate height over the mattress.Not enough storage cabinets.Cushions are forever sliding off when heeled overmore than 15 degrees.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Excellent customer service oriented organization.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Bought through broker and many of theoptions selected weren't included at delivery. But I really liked the boat andit sailed well.  
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