33 Hunter 78

[Mac Mccomish]

I have a deposit down on a Hunter 33 1978. I here there are a lot of problems with the deck core and also with the mast seat. I can't find any stress cracks on the deck at all. I have found some cracking problems in the cabin structure near the engine compartment. There is also a problem under the V berth. I open up both sides in the storage area and found the fiberglass braces from the hull to the bottom of V berth seperated. I am not sure if this is a structure problem or not. The fiber glass is only about 3/8 thick and then tapers of to nothing. I am getting a great deal on this boat if I buy it. If you have had any other problems please let me know what to look for.Thank you Macgmccomis@maine.rr.com

 

[Jim Logan]

Odd Problems for a 33

Without more specific detail it is hard to understand what might have happened to the boat. The cracks as you describe are not common to the 33, and sound to me like the boat either hit something, or was dropped on the hard - 33's have the usual old boat problems, but structural cracks and broken bulkheads are usually not among the problems mentioned on this or any other discussion board - I'd definitely get a GOOD surveyor and follow his/her advice. 33's are a good boat, but there are lots of them available at fair prices, so you shouldn't have to take a questionable one. See the archives on this site for lots of info on 33's.

 

[Ken Palmer]

Have it surveyed

You will hear this over and over again. These folks are professionals and know what to look for.I believe the 1978 H33 is a little different from my 1981 H33. Given that, I haven't heard of those problems you mentioned. This boat you are looking at is 25 years old, and bound to have some cracks here and there. If they make the boat unseaworthy, pass on the deal. If they are stress cracks from 25 years of operation, then ask yourself "Is it worth the low price?" I bought my H33 at a very good price because of some cracks in the hull caused by a cradle pad being too high on one corner. It had no problems for 11 years before I bought it, so I went for it and basically did nothing about these cracks. Seven years later, it is still sailing with no leaks or problems in that area.Did I get a good price? Yes. Did I take a chance? Maybe. Would I do it again? You bet.Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty

 

[Mac MCcomish]

Thanks

Ken Palmer thank you very much for you reply on my 33H. I now own the boat and am very happy with her. Cracke or no cracks.Mac McComish S/V ROSE