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Review of the Hunter 33_77-83 by Bill Kroll

Year built 1977  
Location of boat Middle River, MD  
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? No  
Owner bought the boat in 1992  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? I would certainly buy this boat again. We bought it in 1992 for $12k and had to replace the Yanmar for about $5k in 1995. It has the room and feel of boats up to 36 feet and all the featured that were important to my wife and me. We were looking for headroom in the cabin, a closed in head that had enough room to manage things. Wheel steering and stability in rough seas. We feel the boat offers all of that and the comfort for extended weekends.  
Gear that's been added The problems that I have had have been minimal and I have been able solve with the exception of one. I replaced the head with fresh water holding tank model. I have gone back and forth between a 2 blade and a 3 blade props and settled on the 2 blade, which is original to the boat. It pushes the boat along nicely up to 7 knots. I have a few cracks on the deck and various dings that you would expect. We recovered the "70's" looking cushions and added a stereo system with a 300-watt amp and 4 speakers. I installed the outside speakers in the storage area in the back of the starboard and port cockpit seats, out of the way and the weather...no holes to drill as well.  
Structural or complex improvements Replaced the original Yanmar with a new 20hp Yanmar with the inner-cooling unit. It's been trouble free...  
The boat's best features The handling with the deep keel always for stability and it points very high into the wind. The layout in the cabin is ideal for day sailing, then converts nicely for sleeping and eating. The aft head area is ideal; the galley area is compact and functional. We took out the stove/oven and replaced it with a microwave.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The one thing I cannot repair is the SR Mariner wind indicator and wind speed. I have replaced the generator on top on the mast but cannot locate the reason it will not respond. Perhaps the next step is rewiring. Any suggestions are appreciated  
Sailing characterisitcs Points well, down wind is difficult. Been in 40 knot wings with 6 foot waves and the handing was fine. We made port in an hour with the waves coming over the cabin at times. The water drained well and I never felt out of control.  
Motoring characterisitcs The 2 bladed prop makes backing up more difficult but I am willing to deal with that given the better performance in forward.  
Liveability My wife says its fine for 3 days but after that "forget it" That's her, not the boat...  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Have not dealt with Hunter but would like the original manual that went with the boat.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any n/a  
Other comments Good value for my investment.... Seems to be worth today what I paid 10 years ago. I have no desire for a larger boat or the thought of spending a lot of money for the newest model. I look at it as a hobby and a sport. I enjoy keeping things working and looking good, while sailing on the bay when the wind is right. For me, it beats a condo at the beach anytime.....  

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