1984 34

[Mr Mac]

My wife and I were out and about here in So. Alabama (Orange Beach area) and we came across some gents who are all part owners in a 1984 34 sloop and are putting her up for sale. We are in the market for a boat and the 34 is the shortest we would consider as we are looking at a live-aboard situation for a couple of years and are still learning the sailing process so this will be our weekend cruiser down here in the Gulf. That said, the Cherubini Hunters are, by all accounts, fine sailing vessels and I actually like the layout.

We took a tour of the boat and, while she appears to be in excellent condition (mechanical, electrical and plumbing), their price point at $35,000 seems high to me.

Some of the positives include an onboard heating/AC system, the typical gauges (depth, speed, wind) and a GPS (not a chart plotter) but no radar and the auto pilot is missing the belt for the drive so I don't yet know of its status. The boat itself isn't anything to write home about but, on the other hand, she seems sturdy and the owners offered us a sail to prove her seaworthiness.

The interior has new upholstery but the foam feels original. The sole, we were told had just been refinished but it looked somewhat worn though not in bad shape. The stove has been converted to LPG and the sails we are told are in good shape. The bottom was repainted in 2011 and the engine is supposed to also be in excellent shape (visual inspection yielded no real issues and I know my way around a diesel).

I have looked around and boats in this size and age rarely get this kind of money unless they are fresh from a complete refurb.

If I can ever get the photos off my wife's cell phone I'll post them.

So, am I wrong? Is this boat worth the $35k ask or are they the ones looking for a sucker?

 

[Kermit]

I can't specifically answer your question but I have had a little experience dealing with multiple owners. They seem to want to hold out for all they can get since the money gets split. Plus you have all those egos involved. It may be their boat but it's your money. At least until you give it to them. Good luck.

 

[splax]

A critical point is the compression post remediation. If this had not been done the boat will show signs. If it has ask for references on the work and maintenance records for the mast, rigging, and engine. Internal systems should have checklists and receipts from repairs. If exterior canvas (mainsail cover, pedestal cover, bimini and dodger), interior cushions and upholstery, and engine are all acceptable with internal systems such as potable water, head, batteries, refrigeration, stove/oven, and electronics are good, then $30,000 is probably fair. This is a good boat if kept maintained. There are several around for sale at a good price.

 

[kloudie1]

Yup.. one in pretty good shape that has been well maintained and has had the compression post beam fixed and no leaks from the fixed portlights would be in the 28-30 range.. remember, his asking for 35 is only a start point for negotiations.
Lots of rigging on the mast so look closely at the upward facing swedge fittings on the shrouds and stays for evidence of rusty stains and cracking at the top lip where the wire exits. Have fun!

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

FYI, the Hunter 34 is not in the Cherubini family. I have had mine for 15 years and I do concur with Splax and Kloudie. It is a very good boat once the compression post problem has been remedied. That been said, in the great shape my boat is in, and with all the equipement I have added as well as new sails, I could not let mine go for that kind of money because I would not find another one I like as much. A few years back I singlehanded for 9 months and found it roomy but I wonder if it wouldn't be a little small for a couple permanently living aboard.

 

[Mr Mac]

Thanks for the info, all! I didn't know about it not being a Cherubini design (not sure why I was thinking it was).

I do plan on going back to the boat and discussing all of those things with the owners to include the compression post repair status. I will also see when the latest survey was completed.

My next question will go to how these boats sail. Every sailor is different and no waters are the same. We will be in the Gulf of Mexico and eventually venture off to the Virgin Islands and beyond. We had a Hunter 25 and it handled beautifully! If this 34 handles anything like that I may go in with an offer...

 

[srhummer]

The 34 handles Great!! I love the way she sails in low wind and have also had her out in a real blow with life jackets and harnesses on. I would also do some research on the rudder problem and know which shape is good (longer or shorter) don't remember but I knew it 6 years ago when I purchased mine. I also am not sure this is good for a couple living aboard. Lay down in the V and the aft berth (some call it the cave). I do not fit in the V so my wife sleeps there, we could not fit both of us if we tried. I like the aft berth but my wife will not sleep there. She says she feels like she couldn't get out. One in each place works for us, but some would have issues. I love my 34 and like to take her places - but not sure I could live on her full time for "a couple of years". As to price I agree 30k ask for what you describe is about where I would price mine with those mods and the following: roller furling, lazy jacks, working autopilot, TV and battery monitor with 220ah House bank and separate start battery. I also installed a removable 6 Gal (diesel) day tank which I use for day sails / weekends and use the main tank only when cruising. Have not had a fuel issue sense. Also a new Racor filter and new sails Main 2 years old and 140 genny 3 years old, 110 is older - on her when I purchased the boat, had it checked and set up for fuller when I installed it, but only been lightly used. I am soda blasting the keel this winter, sealing it up, and fairing it out before I bottom paint. Hope that gives you some info, sure I left something important out but then who can remember it all.

 

[SteveB]

Mr. Mac, Bought my '84 five years ago for net $28k--purchase price $30k but PO agreed to about $2k in addressing survey items. I'd find a reputable surveyor. Helps with negotiation. Look at reviews and past posts on this site especially from long-term owners. Wealth of insight. Check the bottom/keel closely. Agree she sails well in light air, but sailed her in 25+ and she's fine. Reef early with shoal draft keel and you improve VMG. Doesn't point as high as I would like but probably me not the boat. Good luck and stop by Charlotte Harbor on your way to the BVI!

 

[Mark48]

I think the price is high, it is still a buyers market. I would want a complete survey including the sails. As someone else said $35 is the asking price. Negotiate!!!! I am happy with my H 35 85 vintage.

 

[YVRguy]

H-34

My buddy and I paid about that much for our 1986 but asking price was more like $45. You can probably get it for $30K?

FWIW, our compression post is in perfect condition. I was very worried about that when we bought it but it seems not all of them suffer from this problem.

I would think the 34 might be a tad small for a live-aboard situation. When I go sailing with my lady we generally fold down the table in the main cabin as it's the only bunk that is comfortable for two people to access and sleep in. Converting the table back and forth every day might get tiring. The V-birth is too small for two people - especially over the long term. The aft birth is bigger but half of it has extremely low clearance and would feel claustrophobic for most people. If one person needs to use the head, guaranteed you will both be awake. I'm 6'3" and it's a bit of acrobatics just getting myself out of there.

In all other respects she's a great boat for the money.

 

[a65sailor]

That is only the starting price! The previous owner of my 1983 H34 had it listed at over 20,000. Upon inspection the compression post was bad and he just wanted to be done. I bought the boat with a zodiac dinghy a 4 stole outboard and a 2000 watt Honda generator for $8000.