Hunter Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997
Contact us
Hunter OEM Parts
General Marine Parts
 
 

Review of the Hunter 33.5 by Jason Wankerl

Year built 1993  
Location of boat Menominee Michigan  
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 2002  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? It has been a great boat and we love sailing her, but, the love of our life (my wife's included) was the 356 we saw at the Chicage Strctly Sail Boat Show. I would have waited until we found a used one. As a substitute, because we couldn't find a used 356, the 335 can't be beat. Sails very nicely, lot's of storage, and very generally a very impressive boat.  
Gear that's been added Dodger, Bimini, and full enclosure, and a new chart plotter/radar combination.  
Structural or complex improvements none  
The boat's best features A well thought out design. My wife would not let me buy a boat that did not have lots of sunlight entering below, and a convenient to use gally. She also likes the large amount of storage. We have received many compliments on the spaciousness below from our fellow sailor friends. Others, who typically cruise on racing type sailboats have commented that they like the high freeboard and how it keeps you out of the water when well heeled over.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. We have experienced cracks on two of the permanent windows. We have managed to stop the leaks with some clear caulk, but I will be ultimately replacing them. Since these are made from Lexan, the same material that fighter jet canopies are made from, I was surprised to see them crack. Because the cracks radiate from a central poing, I suspect that the previous owner dropped or banged something rather pointed on the windows. I guess even Lexan is not impervious to damage.  
Sailing characterisitcs We only run with single reefing on the main (a double reef). This boat has a large main so when it is time to reef (15-18 knots of wind) you might as well put in a double. If the wind builds even higher, we just drop the main and sail on either full or reefed jib depending wind speed and course. We have sailed with a full jib, at 45 degrees to the wind, with a wind of 30 gusting past 35, and heeled no more the 25 degrees. That was a fun ride. If you don't reef, that large main can produce some exciting times. We learned the hard way, with a full main, 20-25 knots of wind on a close reach. We heeled over 45 degrees on several occassions. The boat handled it fine, but my wife never let me forget it.  
Motoring characterisitcs She burns about 1/2 gallons of diesel per hour at 3500 RPM's, and travels at about 6 knots. The only negative thing I have encountered was heading to windward in approximately 35 to 40 knots of wind under power. When we got slightly off the wind, it was difficult to get her back. We did carry a full enclosure which provided lots of windage so I can't blame the boat but at one time on that trip, I considered heading down wind to a protected bay to let the wind die down before continuing. Be careful when hiring someone to work on the Yanmar 3GM engine. We had a problem with the fuel pump, located internally, and the mechanic did not realize the you have to be careful to fully engage the governer assembly with the pump. If you don't do this a runaway condition can develop if the linkage disengages with the engine running, and engine damage can result. We were lucky, as the mechanic noticed and corrected the problem. I have heard of this happenning to others aw well.  
Liveability The boat works well for extended trips with my wife and I, and for not quite so long trips (3-4 days) for 4. The forward berth is a bit short for anyone taller that 5'10, and the rear berth is a bit tight for anyone prone to experiencing claustrophobia. We upgrade the aft berth with a hospital quality, closed cell foam pad for extra support.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I tried to replace an interior flourescent light that Hunter no longer uses, they recommended several places to look for one, and gave me the name of the original manufacturer. Whether that was good service or not, you will have to decide for yourself, but it did not get me a replacement lamp. The manufacturer not longer makes that style.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any We bought our boat directly from the previous owner. We paid for an independant survey, even before our loan officer requested one. I would hight recommend all buyers get an independant survey unless they are experience boat repair persons or surveyors.  
Other comments  

Contact
About
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Limited Liability
Advertise Here
Copyright 1997-2024 SB Owners, LLC
All rights reserved.

Other Sailboat Owners web sites:
CatalinaOwners.com | HunterOwners.com | MacgregorOwners.com | OdayOwners.com | SailboatOwners.com | 10,000 Boat Names |