Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 34 by Jim Gorman

Year built 1985  
Location of boat Scituate, MA  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? Yes  
Owner bought the boat in 1985  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Absolutely !  
Gear that's been added Added a retro-fit in-mast furler for the main and a larger Hood headsail furler; Radar, GPS, Loran, autopilot, AM-FM-Stereo with CD- cockpit speakers, television.  
Structural or complex improvements Yes: The original design used a 2 x 4 piece of long leaf yellow pine for a mast compression beam. When the first one failed (dry rot at bottom)and caused damage to the cabin top, Hunter stood behind the repairs fully (in spite of the fact that the boat was 5 years out of warrantee - tip of the hat to Hunter !!) Unfortunately (my fault for not thinking ahead, it failed again because the repairs were made to original specs. The second time I had a structural aluminum 2 x 4 fabricated and installed. END OF PROBLEM !!  
The boat's best features Comfortable and spacious interior - seems like a lot more than 34 feet ! Easy handling, turns on a dime, fast for its size.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The traveller is going to be replaced over this year's lay-up. Been planning on doing this for years because the single purchase is insufficient for the sail area. Cracks are beginning to appear around the sheet winches - need to review and perhaps rebuild the base areas with stronger backing plates.  
Sailing characterisitcs A little too tender in winds in excess of 20 Kts - could use a little more ballast.  
Motoring characterisitcs The Yanmar 25 is a little light for the weight of the boat but, fuel consumption is the envy of the rest of the sailing world - nine tenths gallon per hour at 5.5 knots (2,700 RPM)  
Liveability Could use a little more hanging locker space but, that would otherwise compromise the spacious interior.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Fabulous ! Most obliging and courteous.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Fine fellow, unfortunately he went "belly-up" about six months after I bought the boat. (actually, my wife bought the boat for me as a present when our youngest graduated from college)  
Other comments If I had it all to do over again, especially after sailing her for 20 seasons, I would stand in line to buy it again.  

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