H34 Gelcoat and rudder

[ScottFreeRick]

I am looking at a 1983 Hunter 34. There are a couple of things that have raised concern. First, there is a lot of crazing in the gelcoat, above the water line. From what I have read on the subject, it would appear it is caused by flexing of the hull. It does not appear to be deep cracks, but it does not look great. Secondly, I have read about the rudder on the 83 being replaced with a larger "performance" one, due to being under sized. How does one know if the rudder is the original or replacement. Thanks

 

[splax]

the grazing in the gel coat usually comes from poor helmsmanship when things are hit. if possible dive the boat and take video. I am not sure what were the rudder sizes on the '83, but the specs should be available so you can measure it.

 

[kloudie1]

Welcome aboard, ScottFreeRick.. lots of good info and a lot of downloaded material on the original fittings on your boat .. Gelcoat crazing in the H34 hull is not a "usual" problem, so a good inspection focused on that is in order. Unfortunately, I don't have useful info on the rudder..The original rudder dimension was a little shorter (I don't know the dimensions) and Hunter did provide a longer replacement for folks who went through the effort to get one.. The earliest '83 models were the ones affected and by late 83/84, the long rudder was standard..There has been some discussion on this forum, but I don't know at which HIN the long rudder began to be fitted..
Again, Welcome!