Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 33_77-83 by Mitch Simmons

Year built 1980  
Location of boat Myrtle Beach Yacht Club, Little River, S  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1980  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? In a heart beat!  
Gear that's been added Battery charger, ammeter/voltmeter, stereo, vhf, gps, depth/knotmeter, pedestal guard, teak cockpit boxes, underberth access doors, boom vang, boom down haul, boom topping lift, adjustable backstay, 150% genoa.  
Structural or complex improvements No  
The boat's best features The interior arrangement with the head aft and all the opening ports (11) and hatches (3). The cockpit arrangement also lends itself to relatively easy single handing.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Aft lazarette hatch has leaked since day one. 15hp Yanmar is not enough engine against a strong sea or wind.  
Sailing characterisitcs Boats heels readily in a breeze, but takes a set and refuses to go further. Have put the rail under once in 17 years of sailing this boat. Boat has never been seriously raced, but has never embarrassed me either. In 12 knots, boat will obtain hull speed under main and working jib.  
Motoring characterisitcs Needs more engine or perhaps different prop. Not a serious shortcoming, but frustrating when bucking a tide or strong wind.  
Liveability Exactly what my wife and I were looking for to accommodate to adults for long weekends and vacations in relative comfort.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) The only dealing with Hunter was in 1981 when I asked for a builder's certificate for documentation purposes. They were cooperative though a little slower than I would have liked.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Dealer was excellent and knowledgeable. Was big help in finding suitable berth initially. Took time to arrange sea trials of two boats before asking me to committ.  
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