I'm getting ready to start searching for a new (used) boat. I previously had a '93 Hunter 30 and am looking at either a 33.5 or 336. The 33.5 is very similar to my prior 30, however the design and space seems great in the new 336 layout. Any input from someone who may have sailed or experienced both would be greatly appreciated. We would sail either inland lake in Charlotte or take to the coast at Charleston. Thanks!
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Gary Wyngarden
The Nod goes to the 335
I chartered a 335 and then a 336 on two different occasions. Then I bought a 1992 335. I liked the below decks layout of the 336 as well as the cockpit. However, the 336's that I chartered both had very large mains that were difficult to handle. Raising the main was a real chore and reefing wasn't easy either (and I'm 6'2" and 200 pounds). My recollection is that their masts are 9 or 10 feet higher than my 335. The 336's I chartered carried jibs, not genoas and most of the sail area was in the main. I have three different jib/genoa alternatives on my 335 plus an assymetrical spinnaker and thus have a lot of sail configuration options. I love my 1992 335. The only thing I wish it had was stern rail seats. These were only introduced with the 1993 model year. The split backstay on mine makes it impractical to add them now. The 335 should be also less expensive as an older boat. Both are good boats. Good luck!
I chartered a 335 and then a 336 on two different occasions. Then I bought a 1992 335. I liked the below decks layout of the 336 as well as the cockpit. However, the 336's that I chartered both had very large mains that were difficult to handle. Raising the main was a real chore and reefing wasn't easy either (and I'm 6'2" and 200 pounds). My recollection is that their masts are 9 or 10 feet higher than my 335. The 336's I chartered carried jibs, not genoas and most of the sail area was in the main. I have three different jib/genoa alternatives on my 335 plus an assymetrical spinnaker and thus have a lot of sail configuration options. I love my 1992 335. The only thing I wish it had was stern rail seats. These were only introduced with the 1993 model year. The split backstay on mine makes it impractical to add them now. The 335 should be also less expensive as an older boat. Both are good boats. Good luck!
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Colin
336 my choice
Have just come back from 1 week on a 335(mine) and 1 week on a 336. The 335 is a tad faster than the 336 and sails slightly better. As Gary mentioned the main on a 336 is huge, however, with a roller furling main and a larger Genoa I would take the 336 every time. Much improved people space especially in the cockpit area.
Have just come back from 1 week on a 335(mine) and 1 week on a 336. The 335 is a tad faster than the 336 and sails slightly better. As Gary mentioned the main on a 336 is huge, however, with a roller furling main and a larger Genoa I would take the 336 every time. Much improved people space especially in the cockpit area.
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Gary Wyngarden
Struggle to Raise the Main
Bill, I would suggest you also review the article in the Ask a Hunter Owner Menu entitled Struggle to Raise the Main. It's written by Don Curt of Atlanta and dated 8/8/00. Don has a 336. Gary Wyngarden S/V Shibumi 1992 335
Bill, I would suggest you also review the article in the Ask a Hunter Owner Menu entitled Struggle to Raise the Main. It's written by Don Curt of Atlanta and dated 8/8/00. Don has a 336. Gary Wyngarden S/V Shibumi 1992 335
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Stephen Ostrander
Both good boats
First, the vitals: the mast height on the 336 is 56' vs. 53'-5" for the 33.5. The 336 carries 575 sq. ft. of sail vs. 520 for the 33.5. The 336 is newer and has a different cabin and cockpit layout. For me, a 336 just wasn't in the budget, so I went with the 33.5, and I love it, no regrets. My next boat will probably be a 35.5 or a 37.5--I guess I'm just a Legend kind of guy. (A Legend in my Own Mind?)
First, the vitals: the mast height on the 336 is 56' vs. 53'-5" for the 33.5. The 336 carries 575 sq. ft. of sail vs. 520 for the 33.5. The 336 is newer and has a different cabin and cockpit layout. For me, a 336 just wasn't in the budget, so I went with the 33.5, and I love it, no regrets. My next boat will probably be a 35.5 or a 37.5--I guess I'm just a Legend kind of guy. (A Legend in my Own Mind?)
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Doug
Our is the 335
We have the 33.5 and like Steve O., the newer boat was not in the budget. We decided to spend less initially and put the money into the things we wanted on the boat, like new sails, electronics, creature comforts etc. We love our boat and see it taking us well into the future (no 5footitis as of yet). My understanding is that the 33.5 and 35.5 have more of a cruiser/racer hull configuration and do better in lighter winds and overall performance. If creature comfort and room is most important, the 336 may be the best choice. If squeezing that extra 10th of a knot out of her is your concern the 33.5 should be the decission. Note: we have added a very roachy UK tape drive batmain and a UK tape drive 150 genny. Together for light/mod winds we have around 660 sq. ft of sail area and have no problems going 7 knots (confirmed by both knot log and sog reading on gps simultaniously)under sail in winds ranging between 13-16 kts. Weeeeeee! Doug
We have the 33.5 and like Steve O., the newer boat was not in the budget. We decided to spend less initially and put the money into the things we wanted on the boat, like new sails, electronics, creature comforts etc. We love our boat and see it taking us well into the future (no 5footitis as of yet). My understanding is that the 33.5 and 35.5 have more of a cruiser/racer hull configuration and do better in lighter winds and overall performance. If creature comfort and room is most important, the 336 may be the best choice. If squeezing that extra 10th of a knot out of her is your concern the 33.5 should be the decission. Note: we have added a very roachy UK tape drive batmain and a UK tape drive 150 genny. Together for light/mod winds we have around 660 sq. ft of sail area and have no problems going 7 knots (confirmed by both knot log and sog reading on gps simultaniously)under sail in winds ranging between 13-16 kts. Weeeeeee! Doug
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Ron Barrow
Count my vote for the 33.5.
I like the more "traditional" 33.5. The sail plan, rigging, deck layout, and interior configuration all seem to be more adaptable, flexible and "seaworthy". (Can I say that since I sail primarily on a lake?) I like the wider side decks for moving forward to manage the head sail or gybe a spinnaker. While main sail controls further aft on the boom can be a plus, the pedestal mounted traveler on the early 336's just doesn't provide the needed control. The cabintop mounted traveler and mainsail controls on the 33.5, though mid-boom, provide more utility. Neither cockpit is great for racing but the 33.5 is better. The "hot tub" design on the 336 is probably great at dockside or on a light/moderate day, but in a blow, the more traditional design will be more comfortable. The big, full-battened, roachy mains on the newer Hunter models seem hard to conntrol as well as difficult to raise. I see a few 29.5 sailors who are accomplished at the art of twisting the sail to spill off enough wind to stave off reefing in what most of us consider moderate conditions. The 33.5 sailplan will indeed be similar to your '93 Hunter 30. You will be way up on the learning curve when it comes to knowing what to do to make the boat go, under control. Consider spending savings from purchase on upgrading: 1. Sails if older boat 2. The mainsail traveler car to gain additional purchase. 3. Mainsail blocks to Harken or Lewmar for less friction and more power. 4. Feathering prop. 5. Air Conditioning in your part of the country. 6. ST 40's for primary winches, exp. if you use a larger headsail and/or race. Or, buy a 35.5 or a 37.5 pre 1996. I admit that Hunter has lost me as a prospect for "new" gelcoat. Good Luck! rb
I like the more "traditional" 33.5. The sail plan, rigging, deck layout, and interior configuration all seem to be more adaptable, flexible and "seaworthy". (Can I say that since I sail primarily on a lake?) I like the wider side decks for moving forward to manage the head sail or gybe a spinnaker. While main sail controls further aft on the boom can be a plus, the pedestal mounted traveler on the early 336's just doesn't provide the needed control. The cabintop mounted traveler and mainsail controls on the 33.5, though mid-boom, provide more utility. Neither cockpit is great for racing but the 33.5 is better. The "hot tub" design on the 336 is probably great at dockside or on a light/moderate day, but in a blow, the more traditional design will be more comfortable. The big, full-battened, roachy mains on the newer Hunter models seem hard to conntrol as well as difficult to raise. I see a few 29.5 sailors who are accomplished at the art of twisting the sail to spill off enough wind to stave off reefing in what most of us consider moderate conditions. The 33.5 sailplan will indeed be similar to your '93 Hunter 30. You will be way up on the learning curve when it comes to knowing what to do to make the boat go, under control. Consider spending savings from purchase on upgrading: 1. Sails if older boat 2. The mainsail traveler car to gain additional purchase. 3. Mainsail blocks to Harken or Lewmar for less friction and more power. 4. Feathering prop. 5. Air Conditioning in your part of the country. 6. ST 40's for primary winches, exp. if you use a larger headsail and/or race. Or, buy a 35.5 or a 37.5 pre 1996. I admit that Hunter has lost me as a prospect for "new" gelcoat. Good Luck! rb
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