H33 1981 or H31 1987

[Sylvaintu]

Hi everyone, I am currently looking to buy a sailboat and my choice has narrow to 2 boats...
1st: A H33 1981 seems in pretty good shape, some minor delamination on the deck.
2e: A H31 1987, that seems to be in pretty good shape.

I am going to do a survey on the boat, but would like to know what is the best boat (construction, durability ect) I am going to sail on lake Champlain NY.

Price range is 15000$ to 18000$ CDN for both boats since the H33 is more equipped, and comes with a dinghy.

Any advice are welcome, thankyou.

I am a french Canadian by the way, my english is not perfect, thank's for your comprehension

 

[Benny17441]

The most costly things on a boat besides the hull are the engine, the sails, the electronics and the riggin. I would choose the boat with the best engine; the one with fewer hours, clean condition and good maintenance records. I would also choose the boat with the best sails; usually the newer ones. The electronics can be tricky, newer electronics are a plus but would not pay a premium for old electronics. Has the standing rigging been replaced on either boat? Check the condition and that of the lines in the running riggin. Dodgers and bimini tops are a nicety. Take propane system over CNG If that is a choice; if not non-pressurized alcohol over pressurized. Both boats are built strong enough for many years of operation so any differences among themselves can be considered a non-issue. Both boats are vintage enough to be valued for size and condition and not for model year. Good luck.

 

[wufibugs]

I didn't see an H33 in 81 on the Hunter website, which may be incomplete. That seemed to be offered only in 1982 after which the 33 became the 333. The H31 was made from 83-87. I second Benny's insights. If that extra 2 feet went into the head, I would give that boat strong consideration.

 

[Ed H]

I didn't see an H33 in 81 on the Hunter website, which may be incomplete. That seemed to be offered only in 1982 after which the 33 became the 333. The H31 was made from 83-87. I second Benny's insights. If that extra 2 feet went into the head, I would give that boat strong consideration.

That boat is listed under this heading: 33_77-83
I had to make that same decision 5 years ago. I went with the 1981 Hunter 33 and have no regrets. Sails like a dream and we have the regatta trophies to prove it. :dance: We love the cockpit layout- lots of good places to sit. And the interior is not bad. I actually prefer to sleep in the large quarter-berth.

 

[Sylvaintu]

Thankyou for your answers, I am going to make an offer and have the h31 surveyed. It is a SD version, and seems to be in better shape than the h33. The more powerful engine is also part of my decision.

 

[braol]

I'd make a low-ball offer and get the H33. Unless the H33 was perfect that looks a bit overpriced. Especially with any delamination I'd say 10k max. Remember that some delamination on the deck is not the end of the world. With the savings over the newer/more expensive boat you could get a boat yard to glass the offending section of the deck and put a few thousand into your pocket.

I agree that a boat's value (unless near new) is really a function of condition rather than age. (I tell my wife this on her birthday every year. )