I am considering a 1983 Hunter 34. I haven't sailed her as of yet and would like some feedback on this model from anyone that knows anything about the boat. Handling, weather sensitivity, design, etc? Thanks in advance.
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Jack
Check the archives!
Michael: Most of the feed back on these models are very good. Lots of room for the money. Good sailing boats etc. There was a retro-fit on the rudder that should be checked out to see if that was done. If not, I'd deduct the price for the retro to have it done. Check out the deck area around the mast. The cross member and the compression post should also be checked out. When you find your surveyor, try to find one that is familiar with this vintage of Hunters. New interior cushions will run in the $1200-2000 range to replace. You can get estimates on sails from Sailnet or the HOW site in case the sails need replacing. Just about a perfect size boat to keep you from getting BBF (big-boat-fever) very soon. Do you home work and you'll be a happy owner of a great boat.
Michael: Most of the feed back on these models are very good. Lots of room for the money. Good sailing boats etc. There was a retro-fit on the rudder that should be checked out to see if that was done. If not, I'd deduct the price for the retro to have it done. Check out the deck area around the mast. The cross member and the compression post should also be checked out. When you find your surveyor, try to find one that is familiar with this vintage of Hunters. New interior cushions will run in the $1200-2000 range to replace. You can get estimates on sails from Sailnet or the HOW site in case the sails need replacing. Just about a perfect size boat to keep you from getting BBF (big-boat-fever) very soon. Do you home work and you'll be a happy owner of a great boat.
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Bill
Love mine
I am the third owner of a 1983 H34, puchased a year ago. Paid a surveyor to get a thorough assessment before committing, for which I got the assurance that she's sound. There are a few quirks: list to starboard due to weight of batteries on that side; blind bilges that appear to be rotting the cabin sole--mostly little challenges that I enjoy dealing with. This website has been a great resource for such watchouts incl. how to deal with them. But I love her. She sails great, easy to solo, turns on a dime, backs up straight as an arrow under power, lots of cabin space. In short I heartily recommend the model/year. Of course, get the survey. Good luck.
I am the third owner of a 1983 H34, puchased a year ago. Paid a surveyor to get a thorough assessment before committing, for which I got the assurance that she's sound. There are a few quirks: list to starboard due to weight of batteries on that side; blind bilges that appear to be rotting the cabin sole--mostly little challenges that I enjoy dealing with. This website has been a great resource for such watchouts incl. how to deal with them. But I love her. She sails great, easy to solo, turns on a dime, backs up straight as an arrow under power, lots of cabin space. In short I heartily recommend the model/year. Of course, get the survey. Good luck.
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Bruce
I'd buy mine all over again
I agree with all the others. The critics are not all wrong, but go into it with a survey and your eyes open and I think you will be pleased. Bottom line for me is that I have had mine for 7 years and would buy it all over again. Bruce
I agree with all the others. The critics are not all wrong, but go into it with a survey and your eyes open and I think you will be pleased. Bottom line for me is that I have had mine for 7 years and would buy it all over again. Bruce
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Charlie
Levitt Home
The Hunter 34 is like a Levitt home. If you can afford better there is better. On the other hand I loved my Levitt built, award winning 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in the burbs. I also love my Hunter 34. They both have some warts but ..... I can tollerate a few warts. In summary, I would rather have a home and/or a boat with a few warts than not have the perfect home and not have the perfect yacht.
The Hunter 34 is like a Levitt home. If you can afford better there is better. On the other hand I loved my Levitt built, award winning 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in the burbs. I also love my Hunter 34. They both have some warts but ..... I can tollerate a few warts. In summary, I would rather have a home and/or a boat with a few warts than not have the perfect home and not have the perfect yacht.
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Clyde Lichtenwalner
18 and counting
This is our 19th year with our H-34. Just visited her tonight on the way home. She is fine for a boat soon to be 20. I think the '83s are the best of the series. Later boats were cheaped out by eliminating self tailing winches and making other "improvements." We have had no reason to upgrade. Follow the advice in the archives of this site and be prepared to get more than you expect fot the bucks out.
This is our 19th year with our H-34. Just visited her tonight on the way home. She is fine for a boat soon to be 20. I think the '83s are the best of the series. Later boats were cheaped out by eliminating self tailing winches and making other "improvements." We have had no reason to upgrade. Follow the advice in the archives of this site and be prepared to get more than you expect fot the bucks out.
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Tom Mercer
Have to agree with Bill
Great choice! We have three kids, and this was our first boat. Couldn't have made a better choice. However, Bill makes some valid points. She has her quirks and requires attention, but sails like a dream!
Great choice! We have three kids, and this was our first boat. Couldn't have made a better choice. However, Bill makes some valid points. She has her quirks and requires attention, but sails like a dream!
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Jerry Villines
Good Boat
I sail Always FOR SAIL, 1984 H34, out of Ft Myers Beach with my wife. We sail to the Keys regularly in 2-3 week trips. We took a 6 weeker to the Bahamas. We try not to do things that are uncomfortable but sometimes my judgement is bad and we have sail her in 6-8 seas. She has done quite well and we trust her. I don't think I would go too far into blue water but we ar eplanning a counter clockwise Carribean/gulf trip down the Bahamas-BVI-Windwards-Venezuela-Panama-Mexico-Texas and back.
I sail Always FOR SAIL, 1984 H34, out of Ft Myers Beach with my wife. We sail to the Keys regularly in 2-3 week trips. We took a 6 weeker to the Bahamas. We try not to do things that are uncomfortable but sometimes my judgement is bad and we have sail her in 6-8 seas. She has done quite well and we trust her. I don't think I would go too far into blue water but we ar eplanning a counter clockwise Carribean/gulf trip down the Bahamas-BVI-Windwards-Venezuela-Panama-Mexico-Texas and back.
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