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Review of the Hunter 33 by Andy Kling

Year built 2004  
Location of boat Salem, MA  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
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 2004  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Sure, I would make sure it arrives at the dealer waaaayyyy before you want to splash though.  
Gear that's been added Main and foresail furling, bimini, dodger, remote VHF mic, ST60 upgrades, Raymarine Chartplotter with GPS and Radar, solar powered vents, traveller, cockpit accessable rigging, upgraded house battery bank. Also added the 29HP engine with three blade prop.  
Structural or complex improvements Nothing too complex. Probably the best improvement is the Raymarine chart plotter and radar. Sailing in New England can be challenging when the fog rolls in. I have had a couple of pre-dawn departures and these aides were invaluable.  
The boat's best features Ease of sailing, manuverability, price point. Sales process was pretty easy as well.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Had the dealer install a PC interface to the Raymarine equipment. They never could get it working but they never charged me for it which is fair. As mentioned before in other reviews, Hunter needs to pay attention to *Quality Control*. Too many things got by them, like loose engine mounts, visible bedding material on all of the windows, etc.  
Sailing characterisitcs Sails well through most oints though the missing roach on the furling main means you have to be aware of balancing the foresail and main. Sails are OK but already show wear after one (pretty busy) season. I expect to need to replace them after another season or two. Points pretty well and boat speed on a reach usually had us passing those around us. Downwind problems with B&R rigs are well known.  
Motoring characterisitcs Never owned a diesel before. Still learning but we are pretty pleased when we need to fire up the iron jib. Took a two week trip up the Maine coast and used the engine quite a few days when the wind or tides were against us. In one thunderstorm off of the Isle of Shoals I did get over anxious and rev'ed the engine too high and it over-heated. It cooled down quickly though and all was well. I am pleased with the fuel consuption rate too. We only needed to fill up once in the two week trip up to Maine. We do carry two five gallon spares tied up in the aft-most locker just in case... Remember to periodically clean out the raw water intake filters or you will overheat.  
Liveability As I already said, we took the boat on a two week trip and it was fine (Lets be real, it's a 33 footer, not a 40+ footer). Used the shower several times while anchored in remote locations and was very pleased (and clean!). Happy with the Galley, the oven works surprisingly well! Cockpit is too cramped though we are trying the folding wheel this year to see if that helps. It has been said that this boat is good for two to cruise, four to day sail, and six for drinks. I think that about sums it up pretty well.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) This part will not be good. My first semi-direct dealing with Hunter was in trying to get my boat delivered to my dealer. Many delays, missed dates, and excuses before it finally made it. What was most frustrating was the boat was finished and sitting in their yard! On three other occasions I have called Hunter support (customer service). The first time they answered my question promptly while on the phone. The next two times they did not return my call (I had to leave a message). After a few days I called back, I was put off with a 'still researching' answer. I have never gotten answers to my questions nor a returned phone call. I probably will never call them again and prefer to deal directly with my dealer  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I bought from Seacoast Marine in Newburyport Massachusetts (www.seacoastmarine.com). After the delivery delays were over I was very pleased with their service. They had a reputation of growing pains in their past but new personnel, including a new service manager, has resolved those issues very nicely. I still deal with them directly and I am very pleased with the pre- and post-sales support. The few issues I had have been dealt with satisfactorily. I would recommend them.  
Other comments Why is the Microwave not a 12 volt model? I did not get an inverter with the boat so it sits idle. It's not that I need or desire it, it just seems strange. I guess it would be usable for those people with slips...and I am on a mooring.  

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