Boat Purchase-Concerns

[William Kirch]

I am purchasing a 1983 34' Hunter. The survey is next week. Anything to make sure is looked at such as delamination, osmosis, mast compression that are problems for this year and size. Your help would be appreciated.Bill Kirch

 

[Bob Tully]

Pre-Purchase Concerns

William The Owners Review's on this page provides a good average of things to look for. I've owned my 1983 34' for 10 years or so and they seem to be consistant. The only other area I would recommend close attention be given is topside deck areas where sealant or caulking was used. A few examples are ports, lites, and deck fittings such as holding tank pump out and water fill fittings. If the sealant failed and was left unattended for a period of time water migration could cause soft spots in the coring material. This is also true along the toe rail, steering pedestal and cockpit drains. Investigation is simple, randomly sound the deck with a small plastic head hammer. The sound tells it all.  I had one area around the holding tank deck fitting which I caught early. I removed the fitting, remove the soft coring material and filled with fiberglass filler. So far so good (been 9 years now).  I had one small blister which I feel was caused by hitting a sumerged object early in the season and minor delamination occured. Again this was an easy fix.  Best Wishes  Bob Tully

 

[John K Kudera]

Remember, these boats are Teenagers!

I have a 84 34 that we bought 10 years ago, we have maintained the boat, and have repaired or replaced just about all of the systems. Most all parts are available somewhere.Find a surveyor who is somewhat aware of the 34, I have had no mast step problems, but did have the leaks at the ports both fixed and opening. And the various deck fills. We also re bedded the v berth vents.We like the boat very much and would buy another with out question.Good Luck,John Kuderas/v 50/50 Forked River NJ

 

[charlie]

things to check

we bought a 1984 that had been on land for 2 yrs. replaced the compression post(it was just a couple of 2x4s) resealed mast step, replaced cabin sole due to leak around mast. replaced water heater rewired bilge and mast wires, redid rudder with stronged glass and put another 3 inchs on it. well worth the time effort and money put into it. great boat that will last us a long time.

 

[Barry Olsen]

The Rudder !

Eventually water gets in there. Up north it will freeze during winter and leave you with cracks. Have it checkedBarry