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Review of the Hunter 34 by Robert Jacoby

Year built 1985  
Location of boat Northern Calif  
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 5-6  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1998  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, I think this type boat is excellent for short inland waters. The boat has lots of room and easy to sail. I think the price makes this boat one of the best for the buck.  
Gear that's been added  
Structural or complex improvements Yes, I converted the dining table so it will allow people who are seated on the long bench type seat across the isle to eat at the table. I then shortened the table so I could make it a wrap-around. This brought the boat up to the current dining configuration on most new boats. It also allows up to 10 people to sit around the table when it is folded out. Great improvment. Change #2: I also never cared for the rear sleeping area on the 34. I do not like having to enter the bed from the head position. As a result, I cut out a section of the paneling that separates the sleeping area and the starbord side storage locker. I framed the portion cut out allowing for an additional 3' or leg space. This allowed me to turn the bed sideways and enter it like a normal bed (from the side). It also increased the rear berth by allowing additional seating area. I now love the configuation.  
The boat's best features The best feature has to be the room inside. The boat has a great layout.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I have have little problem with the boat. I have some vibrations and smoke while running the engine. After a rebalance failed to solve the problem I went to a fixed 3 bladed prop. 12X15. This resolved the problem. The boat runs like a dream. Real smooth. No more smoke either.  
Sailing characterisitcs The boat sails well. It seems to be the fastest boat when we go cruising with several other boats. Vision32, Catalina 36, Ericson 30.  
Motoring characterisitcs See Above. I had a hard time finding out the size HP of the motor. The engine plate shows it to be 3 Cy..20 horse. But the dealer said it was probale a 27 HP. They didnt make a 3 cylinder 20 HP.  
Liveability I spent 2 weeks last summer with my wife and 2 kids and had lots of room. The rear sleeping atrea was the only drawback. I have since fixed that problem.See above  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) No.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any  
Other comments  

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