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Review of the Hunter 34 by Richard Schaefer

Year built 1985  
Location of boat Marina del Rey, Ca.  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
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 2005  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes  
Gear that's been added Sails, GPS, VHF, Fatho, custom canvas and int. cushions.  
Structural or complex improvements no  
The boat's best features A lot of boat for the bucks. Fast in light air. Roomy for a 34. Running rigging led aft. Plenty of opening ports. Good tankage for the size. Galley well laid out. Plenty of interior lighting. Good size anchor locker and deck easy to move about on.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Professional Charter Captain of 25 years...if that means anything... Boat has the usual aft swept spreaders...makes down wind sailing a pain and damages sails - with little advantage gained. Blind bilge and no easy way of correcting. Water will stand between liner and hull - dumb design. Boat wasn't equipped with a pedestal guard or break - not smart. Compression post system poorly designed and uses substandard materials. Anchor roller undersized. Diamond standing rigging needlessly complex and expensive to replace. Again, with little or no advantage in sail performance. Vessel equipped with gate valves from the factory. Cheap and not smart. What'd they save? 10 bucks? Batteries are in a tough spot unless you're a 90 lb monkey. Cockpit is a little cramped and engine guages/idiot lights unprotected from weather. Should have come with manual bilge pump from factory and better access to aft water tank.  
Sailing characterisitcs Boat is fast in light air. Reef in anything approaching 15 knots. The usual 155 genoa is too much sail if you'll often see more than 10 knots of wind. 110 % lapper is the sail for this boat in 10 - 15 knots. Reef early and be prepared to use traveller and mainsheet to spill wind and reduce weather helm. A great sailing boat in 90% of the wind conditions most local pleasure sailors encounter. Watch the weather and don't try and cross an ocean.  
Motoring characterisitcs Seems to motor fine. Backs with the usual "walk" to port. Wouldn't mind a couple more h.p. Keep the Yanmar just under 2700 and she'll do 6 knots in fairly flat water and burn about .75 gallon per hour.  
Liveability Good for her size. Have family of five we spend 7-10 days on her every month in season - no problems.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Called them a time or two. They don't support their older boats at all. Not like Catalina.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Bought from the "Yacht Exchange" in Marina del Rey. Honest and professional - no worries.  
Other comments If you can pick one up under $25,000 in good to fair shape you can't go wrong. A "best buy" in my mind.  

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