Hunter Owner Reviews

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

Review of the Hunter 33.5 by Ben L

Year built 1992  
Location of boat CT  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2006  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Definitely, very happy so far  
Gear that's been added New Dodger, bimini since original was getting tired, chartplotter at helm, battery charger  
Structural or complex improvements no  
The boat's best features the interior size of the boat is great , much bigger than many friends' 35 footers. we sail with parents and 2 kids and have plenty of room. you give up some room in the cockpit while at anchor due to the large cabin but works quite well while sailing. This model retains some more "traditional" lines which I like. Originally didn't like the walk thru transom but it has been a godsend with kids and dinghy - can't imagine life without.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. overall appears well made - nothing unusual given the age of the boat and prior owner was great at maintenence so quite pleased to date. Only repairs have been leaking holding tank hose and had to drill out 4 stanchions that froze with water damage trapping lifelines - (more info on this in the archives).  
Sailing characterisitcs as previosuly mentioned, very large main and very high freeboard leads to very early reefing if you are smart. Above 15 knts = single reef, etc,. I only have the stock 110 jib which ususally is OK but will upgrade with 135 for lighter air days. Downwind sailing interesting with fractional rig and swept back spreaders - have to be creful with main pressure on the spreaders. generally speaking, I love the way she sails and handles - tracks well, points OK. Decent speed off the wind.  
Motoring characterisitcs the motoring is fine. I have a 2 blade fixed prop and wonder if I wouldn't get more juice out of different prop setup but she powers well and I usually only run between 2500 - 2800 RPMS at 5 - 6 knts. Backing is fine an I've not noticed unusual prop walk. The 3GM30f YANMAR has been money. Starts and runs flawlessly. As per PO's advice, I am anal about fuel cleanliness which is usually the source of many problems. engine access is great.  
Liveability Fantastic for the size - great open, airy feel down below, many hatches, good ventilation, great headroom and space for this size boat - aft cabin setup quite nice except tight headroom. Flush deck hatches make lounging nice.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) so far they have been very helpful the 2 times I've called for misc parts.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I used Sailing Specialties - big Hunter dealer in Mystic - experience was fine - Fletcher Ryan was good to deal with  
Other comments Had a 25 O'day for 14 yrs so this is a nice step up for me. So far, for our needs (coastal cruising, long weekends,) this boat has met all expectations. This boat nails it in its size range for livability and sailing characteristics.  

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 |