Decisions, decision!!!!

[chinny]

Hello everyone,I'm desperately looking for information relating to a mid-80's Hunter 34. I've been all over the map recently with trying to find the 'perfect boat' for Maine cruising with the family. Although I personally love more traditional lines in a sailboat, my wife has convinced me that the interior arrangements are too dated and not practical for a family of four. This brings me to this wonderful vessel. Any and all information I may gleam from you folks (current owners and past) would be fantastic. I seeing that you get alot of boat for the money. Am I right??Thanks in advance,Chinny

 

[bob G.]

Owner Reviews

On this site there are currently 90 owner reviews posted, up at the top go to owner reviews, then on left hand margin click on 34, then click on Owner Reviews. I own the 34's little brother a 1985 H-31 and have nothing but good things to say about the boat. I'm sure you will get some good feed back from this site also as there are a lot of very knowlegable regulars here that are 34 owners. Research the earlier model problems with the "too small rudders", check into the compression post problem, and don't worry about the leak stories, as they are all relativly easy to fix. Good boat for 4 people, your wife is right

 

[Bob G.]

Correction

Sorry, at the top of this site click on "boat info first"

 

[Daryl]

h34 Comments

Although you seem to get a lot of boat for the money it is often said you get what you pay for and there is no free lunch. There are reasons these cost less than some others= the keel is iron and will rust forever= the rudder is poorly designed and prone to failure- the wood compression post will rot from water leaks and the deck eill sag- the cabin will leak- some or the original hardware is junk It's a good performing coastal cruiser but you may end up putting money in it or doing a ton of work (trust me I know these things)

 

[Dan Johnson]

Your perceptions...

are pretty much on track. Daryl's moderated his criticisms of this boat, but if you search the archives you'll find many favorable comments. Almost all the problems this boat has have been well documented, with reasonable cures well founded. There are a number of boats in my marina that are of the same vintage and have similar problems that are not unique to Hunter. Compare this boat to newer versions and you'll see how well it really is made.We've had ours (an '83) for three years and find it an incredible value. Routine maintenance is no greater than others its size. Have it thoroughly surveyed and then make your decision.

 

[chinny]

Looks like the positives outweigh????

Points well taken. I think I too, am well versed at boat 'issues' having owned many over the years. Something has to give (it always does) and I think that the 34 footer seems to be a fantastic compromise. Sure, if I had my way, I'd buy a Hinckley 42 Sou'wester.....Not going to happen. Not unless I hit the Powerball that is. Thanks for all of the advice related to this boat and I'll continue to look for more posts that help guide me the way to happy Hunter ownership.Chinny

 

[B737]

H34

I am selling my 1984 H-34. Great boat!! Clean and well kept. I can email pictures and details.

 

[chinny]

Decisions.

I would love to see them! Let me guess. You're a pilot for United? Just guessing by your title on your post. Can u include an equipment list as well with approximate engine hours? Thanks in advance.Chinny

 

[PrincessoftheLake]

I loved mine

My husband and I owned a 1985 Hunter 34 for three years and really enjoyed it. It's a great light air boat but I always put the first reef in at 10-12 knots of wind. Yes, the boat does have the issues nentioned and that is something you should keep in mind. The only reason we sold it was because we got such a great deal on the 1995 Hunter 40.5 we have now we couldn't pass it up. My husband has a son with a wife and three growing boys. The 34 got pretty crowded after a couple of days so it made sense to get something bigger. If it had just been the two of us I would have put some serious money into upgrading it. I hope it works out for you!

 

[dick12062]

340

wmy wife and i love our 34---but a family of 4 better be small ones as the bow bunk is less than 5 ft. thus you get into converting the dinette to a bunk for the older one with all the encumbant logistics--and four people on one head requires frequent trips to the pump out unless you can mascerate.

 

[B737]

Chinny

Give me a few days I'll have all the information and get some good pictures. Out of town.....Yep UAL.