Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 33_77-83 by I rv Muldowney

Year built 1981  
Location of boat St. Joseph, MI  
The boat is sailed on The Great Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 1983  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? DEFINATELY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  
Gear that's been added Roller furling, shore water, and minor odds and ends. North Sails radial cut "NORLAM" 155 Genoa. Best sail I ever had.  
Structural or complex improvements Had the bottom "peeled", and the INTERLUX barrier coat system installed about 6 years ago due to blisters. They were not bad nor too many, but felt I should do it while I could afford it. Besides, it wasn't going to get better on it's own.  
The boat's best features Great light wind boat. The "aft head"; you don't have to fight your way forward in rough seas when you have to go. Good head room troughout the cabin. Personally I prefer my rough gelcoat non-skid. It's much more secure under foot than the embossed diamond (slipery)pattern. The engine is very accessable, compared to most boats.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Replaced the rudder damaged in a grounding. The post bent just above the rudder. The replacement rudder, obtained from Hunters original supplier is a piece of CRAP!!! It started cracking from day one. I have tried to fix it, but it keeps on cracking. I'm about ready to put the OLD one back on, it is of sturdier construction. I would like to add adjustable Genoa tracks, but unless they can be successfully added (somehow) onto the toe rail, their isn't enough deck space.  
Sailing characterisitcs Great in light wind! Doesn't like to point up as high as she should, but this is due more to the lack of "in-bord" Genoa tracks. But at 60 degrees I can take on any 36ft to 38ft boat. I can tune my mast and rigging to the point that she will sail "hands off", but you can't fill the bow water tank more than 2/3 full. The old style low "free board" also helps in my opinion. I've been out in 40K winds (under very little sail) and 10ft. waves, and she never let me down.  
Motoring characterisitcs The 15 hp YANMAR is a GREAT engine, but UNDER POWERED for this boat. I can't get above 5.4K in calm water. The boat maneuvers very good under power.  
Liveability Big cabin; great head room; LOVE the aft head; the carpeted hull liner adds both temperature and sound insulation; and the berth cushions are thicker than most new boats. One of the best features is the ventilation. With 11 opening ports and 2 cabin top hatches, it stays cool. Lots of storage and a big ice box.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) No dealings so far.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Very good!!!!!  
Other comments I LOVE IT!!! Fast boat!!! Easy to sail!!! I've had it for 18 years, and while we all would like a bigger boat, I'M SATISFIED!!!  

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