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Review of the Hunter 33_77-83 by Bill Steele

Year built 1981  
Location of boat Madinsonville LA  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Multi-week coastal cruising  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2000  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? No. I was looking for a larger boat at the time I bought the H33 but things did not work out. I decided to get a smaller boat that I could handle myself. I found the H33 for $23,500 which was a good price. My budget was $38,000 so I figured I could get the boat and make the upgrades I wanted and have a decent coastal cruising boat that I could sail solo. I ended up putting a lot of money into the and by the time I completed the list I realized that I could have gotten more boat for the same money. I would not mind the H33 for log-term use if the cockpit was a bit larger, the v berth was more roomy, more HP than the 2GM, and the boat had just an ounce of shear to add to its characteristics. Don't get me wrong, the H33 is a great boat. I was the one who made the mistake of putting money into her instead of looking for a H33 that already had someone put money into her that was looking to sell her! Ther are some good H33s on the market that are cheaper with more for the dollar than was mine. As it stands I am looking at doing some coastal cruising with my 11 year old daughter and wife when my son finishes HS. I think the H33 will meet our needs even though I could have bought more boat for the money if I was less compulsive.  
Gear that's been added addded bimini and dodger all new canvas- wheel, winches, hatches, handrails new cruising sock made to order autohelm Furlex roller furling for head sail water heater Port side winch and line stoppers for 2 haylards Recovered interior cushins and wall coverings painted deck with antiskid small bow roller - relocated chocks & ancor cleat  
Structural or complex improvements I took out the bookshelf in the V-berth. It robbed the V-berth of space. My wife and I enjoy the V-berth for sleeping and it is a bit narrow for me with the shelf. After taking it out I had more room to roll over in the berth. It was an easy job and added a lot for sleeping comfort. I also replaced the packing gland which involved pulling the shaft.  
The boat's best features Lots of room below with a great design for a 33 footer. The table swings out of place, has a roomy stand up head and shower, a comfortable nav station and quarter berth. Has lots of room for storage. Sails great and is a perfect solo sailer. All lines led to helm for ease and safety.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The back stays get in the way. I am considering splitting them higher to increase the angle at which the enter the cockpit to give me more room to get around the helm. Another option is to go to split backstays. Th main sheet traveller is in my way. I am considering building a stainless steel arch over the dodger and run the sheet there and make it a boom gallows as well. I need to change the bow layout to accomodate an anchor roller. I have added a small roller but need to beef this up later. I have continued problems with rudder leak. I can live with it even though I do not like it.  
Sailing characterisitcs Sails great but has weather helm. I am learning how to better trim it. I have considered adding inner forstay sail (cutter rig) especially for heavy weather for heaving to.  
Motoring characterisitcs Slow to weather and waves. I am still uncertain concerning RPMs. With the 2GM I understand that 2600 to 2900 is full throtle. Others say that 2200 is tops? Everyone knows that backing is a pain and I have considered a 3 blade prop.  
Liveability Very comfortable boat. Would love to have more room to lay out in the cockpit. Once I get rid of the mainsheet in the cockpit and change the angle of the bck stays the cockpit will be more liveable. The interior is great!  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) N/A  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I have bought boats through dealers and individuals. I do not like brokers. They are out to make money and after the sale have little interest in you. I do not like the pressure from the brokers. Plus, the boat will cost yu more because they have to make money somehow. Unfortunately, the brokers have the listings!  
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