Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 34 by Jim Frazier

Year built 1983  
Location of boat Los Angeles  
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 2008  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes  
Gear that's been added 130%, whisker pole set up, stern rail seats, biminy, new propane stove top & micro. New int. fabric, drapes, new VHF, new stereo, new int lighting, 1/2 standing rigging  
Structural or complex improvements New strut, stripped iron keel, ospho-kote and re-epoxied keel. replaced antiquated gate valves and through-hulls.  
The boat's best features Great for family of 5. Great starter boat for teenagers and wife. Nice displacement for open ocean and coastal cruising.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Check these models over well. Most haven't had substancial upgrades or modifications since production. We looked at 6 others before we bought. The iron keels need to have had basic regualr maintanace. Watch the old gate vales on your through-hulls. Have the boots removed on the speadders when you get your survey done. Classic potential problems here. Watch the chaffe on the diagonals where they cross, another classic issue or the B & R rig. I fought hard for a 4K survey allowance at purchase and got it. have the underwater metal scraped at survey as well. Make sure nothing is rosey-pink.  
Sailing characterisitcs Handles well in most winds. Reef at about 16-18. Tune the rig when you get it, it will aid the weather helm. Try a larger jib and a whisker pole set up for downwind reaching.  
Motoring characterisitcs Solid, had the shaft aligned though. Like the plastic tank, lets me keep an eye if the diesel starts to "green."  
Liveability Great for weekends and extended periods. Aft cabin a little dark and low on headroom. Added a cats-eye portlight for more light.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) 6 times now, mostly technical questions and replacement parts. Got back each time within 48 hrs. and got me to the right places.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Jim Cash, Commodore Yachts, MDR CA. Real advocate if you're a buyer. Real help pointing me in the right direction after sale when doing retrofits.  
Other comments Great value, great volume boat, but get a DETAILED survey becuase alot can be hid as well.  

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