Hi, I'm considering purchasing a '82 Hunter 33' Sloop and would like to hear from anyone who has any experience with this boat both positive and negative? Any issues with leaking (toe-rails, ports, etc.), engine, handling, under-sized gear that may need replacing (shrouds, winches, etc.), blistering issues, etc. Any information that would help me deciding on purchasing this boat or where to pay special attention when I view her would be great! Regards, Geoff
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Archives for H33 information
Geoff, your best source of good information on the H33 will be to take some time to search the archives. (Archives is under the forum pull down menu.) there is an absolute wealth of information there and you should be able to find several threads answering your very question. As you do, you'll find the names of dependable posters on this boat and can then search by name if desired. Tim Schaaf, though he no longer posts, probably has more experience with this boat and writes knowledgeably and kindly. Go to the forum archives, search for Tim Schaaf string in Title, author and reply, all three. That'll get you started. PS, I think its a great boat, and still a better boat than I am a sailor even after four years of trying to catch up.
Geoff, your best source of good information on the H33 will be to take some time to search the archives. (Archives is under the forum pull down menu.) there is an absolute wealth of information there and you should be able to find several threads answering your very question. As you do, you'll find the names of dependable posters on this boat and can then search by name if desired. Tim Schaaf, though he no longer posts, probably has more experience with this boat and writes knowledgeably and kindly. Go to the forum archives, search for Tim Schaaf string in Title, author and reply, all three. That'll get you started. PS, I think its a great boat, and still a better boat than I am a sailor even after four years of trying to catch up.
Terry Gave you great advice on the archives
The boat is great - you will find the most common problems are age related - portlights tend to break over time since they are plastic, leaks around toerail (that often can be easily fixed by tightening bolts. Some boats have a problem around the rudder stuffing box that leaks and is not easy to see unless you take the back partition off of the quarterberth. As with any deck-stepped mast, you want to look at both where the mast is stepped on deck and at both ends of the support post in the cabin to see if there are any problems. Also, the orginal holding tank is a bladder-type, which was not much good to start with and will contribute greatly to "boat odor" if it has not been replaced. You also want to search the archives for Terry Arnold and Sam Lust - these guys rebuilt/modified their boats and put a lot of good info in this site. The 2QM15 diesel is usually robust, but it is 20 years old, so you want to check that carefully.
The boat is great - you will find the most common problems are age related - portlights tend to break over time since they are plastic, leaks around toerail (that often can be easily fixed by tightening bolts. Some boats have a problem around the rudder stuffing box that leaks and is not easy to see unless you take the back partition off of the quarterberth. As with any deck-stepped mast, you want to look at both where the mast is stepped on deck and at both ends of the support post in the cabin to see if there are any problems. Also, the orginal holding tank is a bladder-type, which was not much good to start with and will contribute greatly to "boat odor" if it has not been replaced. You also want to search the archives for Terry Arnold and Sam Lust - these guys rebuilt/modified their boats and put a lot of good info in this site. The 2QM15 diesel is usually robust, but it is 20 years old, so you want to check that carefully.
Hey Geoff...
I have owned mine for 21 years now, purchased new and have enjoyed owning her ever since. There are alot of good qualities built into the Hunter 33, mine is the same model year.. 1982. As with any boat 20+ years old, there are things that wear out normally, have to be repaired or replaced, but the boat itself is a great sailing sloop, has nice lines, plenty of room for a boat of that era, and is probably one of the better built productions boats out there including in todays designs. On the negative, if someone has not maintained the boat well, there will be more expense after the purchase that may have to be done soon and all at once. There in lies the problem, cost on repair and replacement add up quick. However, a well maintained older boat is often times more reliable than a new one. Also, improvements & repairs can be made as they are needed. It would be good for you to do as much of the maintainence and upgrades yourself, that will get you more familiar with your 33. Good luck, if you get her, hope you will be as happy as I have been with mine.
I have owned mine for 21 years now, purchased new and have enjoyed owning her ever since. There are alot of good qualities built into the Hunter 33, mine is the same model year.. 1982. As with any boat 20+ years old, there are things that wear out normally, have to be repaired or replaced, but the boat itself is a great sailing sloop, has nice lines, plenty of room for a boat of that era, and is probably one of the better built productions boats out there including in todays designs. On the negative, if someone has not maintained the boat well, there will be more expense after the purchase that may have to be done soon and all at once. There in lies the problem, cost on repair and replacement add up quick. However, a well maintained older boat is often times more reliable than a new one. Also, improvements & repairs can be made as they are needed. It would be good for you to do as much of the maintainence and upgrades yourself, that will get you more familiar with your 33. Good luck, if you get her, hope you will be as happy as I have been with mine.
Thanks Terry and David
The advice I've received on this list has been great !! If I decide to go through with it I hope to be able to post some great stories
Thanks again, Geoff
The advice I've received on this list has been great !! If I decide to go through with it I hope to be able to post some great stories
Thanks again, GeoffHunter 33
You'll be real happy with it. I also have an 82 33 (#526) I've had it for 15 years and really have no desire to trade up or out. One of the most plesant features of the 33 is that you can single hand it easily. Dave Underwood is right about a well maintained boat. Feel free to contact me off list if you have any questions about the hunter 33. djohndrow@attbi.com
You'll be real happy with it. I also have an 82 33 (#526) I've had it for 15 years and really have no desire to trade up or out. One of the most plesant features of the 33 is that you can single hand it easily. Dave Underwood is right about a well maintained boat. Feel free to contact me off list if you have any questions about the hunter 33. djohndrow@attbi.com
fine boat
ive had a '81 hun33 since 1989 and shes a fine boat..only complaint is the stuffing boxes..prop shaft and rudder...they are a real pain to pack/adjust...have to stand on your head for the prop shaft and crawl on your belly for the rudder..but you get a lot of bang for your buck and nothing passes her when shes got a clean bottom
ive had a '81 hun33 since 1989 and shes a fine boat..only complaint is the stuffing boxes..prop shaft and rudder...they are a real pain to pack/adjust...have to stand on your head for the prop shaft and crawl on your belly for the rudder..but you get a lot of bang for your buck and nothing passes her when shes got a clean bottom
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