Hello All, I don't how it happened, but I caught a case of Big Boat Fever. While I love my '88 26.5, there are some things I'd like she can't provide, standing headroom, being on top of the list, so I've started looking for something in the 30'-33' range. My question to you is what are the differences between the 33.5 and the 336. I've compared the ratios, looked at the photos, read the owner reviews, now I'd like to hear from some of you in the know. I'm leaning toward an early model 33.5, but this is just because of cost. There are a lot more 336s on the market, so they would be easier to find. Will I be missing something with the 33.5 the newer 336 provides? What are the differences in the way they sail? How about below decks, comparable of entirely different? My next question, do you know of any for sale on the west coast, yes I've looked at the boats for sale here on the HOW site, and I will continue to do so. Thanks for your input, I appreciate what you have to say. Glenn
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Gerald McCombs
H30 G
You might also look at a 1988-early 1991 30G model as well, we moved from a 1988 H26.5 as well
You might also look at a 1988-early 1991 30G model as well, we moved from a 1988 H26.5 as well
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Marc Honey
33.5
I may get slammed, but I'm going through the same quest as you. From my research, the 336 doesn't have the same quality built in. My understanding is that the 33.5 is part of a relatively long run of "Legend" series of boats from the mid-80's to early 90's where there weren't alot of model changes every 2-3 years. Hunter 40.5, 37.5, 35.5, 33.5, 28.5 were all some of the BEST boats Hunter Marine has ever produced. I love my Hunter 28.5 and plan on moving up soon. I just wish they'd quit "dicking" around with all the model changes and work on improving models year to year. So the "new" 386 is now the "new" 41. What about the old 410? The 320, 340, etc. didn't last very long and all of a sudden we have the 306, 326, 356, 386, etc. I'm sorry, I just don't understand...
I may get slammed, but I'm going through the same quest as you. From my research, the 336 doesn't have the same quality built in. My understanding is that the 33.5 is part of a relatively long run of "Legend" series of boats from the mid-80's to early 90's where there weren't alot of model changes every 2-3 years. Hunter 40.5, 37.5, 35.5, 33.5, 28.5 were all some of the BEST boats Hunter Marine has ever produced. I love my Hunter 28.5 and plan on moving up soon. I just wish they'd quit "dicking" around with all the model changes and work on improving models year to year. So the "new" 386 is now the "new" 41. What about the old 410? The 320, 340, etc. didn't last very long and all of a sudden we have the 306, 326, 356, 386, etc. I'm sorry, I just don't understand...
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Frank Ladd
Marc said it first
I think the boats are a lot different. While I don't have either boat so I can't comment on the quality the 336 is a more modern design. some folks will like it some won't. Some manufacturers come out with new designs once in a blue moon. Others rarely update the models of boats they are selling. I think the 336 is a B&R rig with all that implies and the 33.5 is a tradition backstay type rig. Personaly I'd look for the newer model if i could afford it. If not I'd look for a smaller boat in a newer model.
I think the boats are a lot different. While I don't have either boat so I can't comment on the quality the 336 is a more modern design. some folks will like it some won't. Some manufacturers come out with new designs once in a blue moon. Others rarely update the models of boats they are selling. I think the 336 is a B&R rig with all that implies and the 33.5 is a tradition backstay type rig. Personaly I'd look for the newer model if i could afford it. If not I'd look for a smaller boat in a newer model.
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Andy
Glenn sails for ??
Glenn, why for you sail? Cruise, race, motor cruise in light air, with lots of friends, overnight? Do you anchor to swim/dive/etc? That may determine your choice We have a 29.5 (336 lil' sister) and love it for family cruise and overnights. Previous mentions features and others may make the 336 a better choice, but you may be more of a traditionalist. 336-no backstay, nice swim deck, spacious below and in cockpit. Happy HUNTERing!
Glenn, why for you sail? Cruise, race, motor cruise in light air, with lots of friends, overnight? Do you anchor to swim/dive/etc? That may determine your choice We have a 29.5 (336 lil' sister) and love it for family cruise and overnights. Previous mentions features and others may make the 336 a better choice, but you may be more of a traditionalist. 336-no backstay, nice swim deck, spacious below and in cockpit. Happy HUNTERing!
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Ken Palmer
Our new to us 33.5
We just closed the deal on a 33.5 last week in Toronto. We sailed her downwind from Toronto along the north shore of Lake Ontario, stopping at a couple ports to spend nights on or new boat. Yesterday we headed south to Rochester. The wind was from the east at 15 to 20, the waves were 3 to 6 feet. Our 33.5 sailed wonderfully. She sits high in the water, so even with some heal, we didn't get any water into the cockpit. She is a well mannered lady and sails well. I cannot compare the 336, but I would hope in general that a newer boat has better quality than an older boat. Sure there are going to be differences, but I don't think you are going to find many folks familiar with living on and sailing both the 33.5 and 336. Our previos boat is a 1981 H33. So you can see that we didn't trade up in size (much), but was really impressed with the 33.5 layout. You will be hearing more from me as we become more familiar with our new boat. I am sure that we will have many questions, and what better place to get answers then from here at H.O.W. Ken Palmer, S/V Lady Brandon (Soon to be renamed)
We just closed the deal on a 33.5 last week in Toronto. We sailed her downwind from Toronto along the north shore of Lake Ontario, stopping at a couple ports to spend nights on or new boat. Yesterday we headed south to Rochester. The wind was from the east at 15 to 20, the waves were 3 to 6 feet. Our 33.5 sailed wonderfully. She sits high in the water, so even with some heal, we didn't get any water into the cockpit. She is a well mannered lady and sails well. I cannot compare the 336, but I would hope in general that a newer boat has better quality than an older boat. Sure there are going to be differences, but I don't think you are going to find many folks familiar with living on and sailing both the 33.5 and 336. Our previos boat is a 1981 H33. So you can see that we didn't trade up in size (much), but was really impressed with the 33.5 layout. You will be hearing more from me as we become more familiar with our new boat. I am sure that we will have many questions, and what better place to get answers then from here at H.O.W. Ken Palmer, S/V Lady Brandon (Soon to be renamed)
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Steve O.
decisions, decisions
You not only have to decide between the 336 and the 33.5, there are differences between the early (1988) 33.5 and newer (post 1988) models. Mainly the opening ports, dinette layout, engine, walk-out stern design and higher price. One point of clarification: the 336 is a true B&R rig, while the 33.5 is a "conventional fractional rig". It has a backstay and V-braced rigging. The 336 has a completely different interior and cockpit layout, which you can see under "boat photos" on this web site.
You not only have to decide between the 336 and the 33.5, there are differences between the early (1988) 33.5 and newer (post 1988) models. Mainly the opening ports, dinette layout, engine, walk-out stern design and higher price. One point of clarification: the 336 is a true B&R rig, while the 33.5 is a "conventional fractional rig". It has a backstay and V-braced rigging. The 336 has a completely different interior and cockpit layout, which you can see under "boat photos" on this web site.
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Paul
336 - Many Choices
I am in my 4th year with a 1995 336. This boat comes with two different interior setups, and two different mainsheet/traveller setups. So, you can wind up with a very different boat depending on which options you choose. First and foremost, the 336 has the no-backstay B&R rig. This means that you have a very large, full-battened mainsail with a large roach. The headsail is a fractional 110 percent jib. This boat has swept back shrouds that make it impossible to sail lower than a broad reach because the boom can't be pushed out. In practice, even a broad reach involves the main laying (and chafing) against the diamond shrouds. After dealing with the 336's sailplan for four years, while racing on a more conventional Frers 33 once a week, it's more clear to me than ever that the B&R rig is difficult to manage, easily and quickly overpowered, is plagued with excessive weather helm, and has significant disadvantages downwind. The 33.5 seems to have the split backstay masthead rig that marks other Legend types. This sailplan is probably less powerful in light air than the B&R, but I believe it is easier to manage. This boat can probably be sailed wing-and-wing (the 336 cannot), and you might even be able to adjust mast bend. The 33.5 has a cabintop traveler setup, similar to many other boats in the same class. The 336 has this type of traveler on some versions, but many were made with an 18-inch traveler on the steering pedestal. I would recommend that you avoid the steering-pedestal mounted traveler on the 336. You'll have sheets flying around in the cockpit, catching on the throttle, ripping your GPS off its mount, etc. On the other hand, there are only two winches on the factory 336, so having the cabintop traveler must involve some serious winch gymnastics. So, I would try to find one with a mainsheet winch installed or be prepared to install one yourself. The 336 has an unusual interior setup available, where there is no bulkhead between the saloon and the vee-berth. You just climb over the setee and you're in bed. We have this, and like it. There is also a conventional interior available, with a forward bulkhead. When you look at these boats, the 336 will have a lot of appeal with its large, circular cockpit and just by the fact that it's a newer boat. There's a ton of headroom below, and the interior is bright and comfortable. I've never been aboard a 33.5 so I can't speak to that. Would I buy a 336 if I had it to do over again? Nope. I'd probably have a Catalina. Paul sv Escape Artist h336
I am in my 4th year with a 1995 336. This boat comes with two different interior setups, and two different mainsheet/traveller setups. So, you can wind up with a very different boat depending on which options you choose. First and foremost, the 336 has the no-backstay B&R rig. This means that you have a very large, full-battened mainsail with a large roach. The headsail is a fractional 110 percent jib. This boat has swept back shrouds that make it impossible to sail lower than a broad reach because the boom can't be pushed out. In practice, even a broad reach involves the main laying (and chafing) against the diamond shrouds. After dealing with the 336's sailplan for four years, while racing on a more conventional Frers 33 once a week, it's more clear to me than ever that the B&R rig is difficult to manage, easily and quickly overpowered, is plagued with excessive weather helm, and has significant disadvantages downwind. The 33.5 seems to have the split backstay masthead rig that marks other Legend types. This sailplan is probably less powerful in light air than the B&R, but I believe it is easier to manage. This boat can probably be sailed wing-and-wing (the 336 cannot), and you might even be able to adjust mast bend. The 33.5 has a cabintop traveler setup, similar to many other boats in the same class. The 336 has this type of traveler on some versions, but many were made with an 18-inch traveler on the steering pedestal. I would recommend that you avoid the steering-pedestal mounted traveler on the 336. You'll have sheets flying around in the cockpit, catching on the throttle, ripping your GPS off its mount, etc. On the other hand, there are only two winches on the factory 336, so having the cabintop traveler must involve some serious winch gymnastics. So, I would try to find one with a mainsheet winch installed or be prepared to install one yourself. The 336 has an unusual interior setup available, where there is no bulkhead between the saloon and the vee-berth. You just climb over the setee and you're in bed. We have this, and like it. There is also a conventional interior available, with a forward bulkhead. When you look at these boats, the 336 will have a lot of appeal with its large, circular cockpit and just by the fact that it's a newer boat. There's a ton of headroom below, and the interior is bright and comfortable. I've never been aboard a 33.5 so I can't speak to that. Would I buy a 336 if I had it to do over again? Nope. I'd probably have a Catalina. Paul sv Escape Artist h336
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