H34 or H35 Legend, that is the question

[paul werenko]

Hello Hunter Folks,
My wife and I are searching for a reasonably priced cruising boat and have gotten into a back-and-forth discussion about the merits of the H34 ('83 through '86) vs. the H35 Legend ('87 through '89). Keep in mind we will be living aboard for about 4 to 6 months a year in southern florida and will be extending our range into the islands, Cuba, the southern eastern seaboard, the gulf coast, as well as into mexico in time. We have both lived aboard in the past for many years at a time and are looking for a boat that is relatively easy to resell in a few years. Our questions are basic and your input will be appreciated, especially if coming from owners of either who care to support their contentions with experience. We are rapidly moving towards a purchase and helping us to settle this argument would be of great help. And yes, we know that the real answers are "they are both great boats, it depends upon the condition of the boat and the price you pay"... yup, we know that one... how about the things we dont know... Thanks in advance.
1) State the reasons to chose one over the other. Paint freely.
2) Based upon the differential in price of the two models, will one likely see less percentage depreciation that the other.
3) What would one expect to pay for one of these in good condition, ready to go sailing.
4) What do you hate about the other one.
5) What is the best thing about the one you like.
6) Tell us about noticed maintenance issues with either.
Looking forward to some things we have not already come upon through this very informative, helpful website. Again, thanks in advance p and z

 

[Alan]

Wow, where to begin!
I've owned both. The most significant difference between the two boats is the rig. One is a masthead B&R rig the other a standard fractional rig. This means the horse power comes from the genoa on the H34 masthead while the main is the power plant on the L35.
The H34 has a tendency to develop a lot of weather helm in bigger wind. Of course, there are strategies available to help control this but you need to be mindful of them.
Other pros & cons:
Iron keel vs Lead keel - I prefer the lead
Ergonomically I prefer the layout of the 35 and especially the head in the 35
On deck the walk through transom is much more user friendly.
Sailing the 35 is faster than the 34
The 35 will cost more than the 34 but will also return more at sale time. In my opinion that's a wash.

If I had it to do over again I wouldn't hesitate to take the 35 over the 34.

Cheers and good luck

 

[Hugh4753]

I agree on all points with Alan. You didn't say what price ranges are and since I haven't looked recently not sure what the differences are. My boat is a '94 35.5 and it's a great boat in every way I just don't get a chance to use it enough. And as a result have begun to think about selling. Let me know if you'd be interested. Only con I can really give is that the cockpit gets a bit small when there are more than 2 or 3 people aboard.

 

[kloudie1]

Random Thoughts in no specific order:
Original stoves.. 35 had a CNG which while safe can be a bear to get serviced/refilled; easy to convert to propane, though. No propane locker on either boat.
Keels.. agree, lead is better but if shoal draft, think about whether you want a wing keel versus a blade.
Head.. MUCH better to have head as in the 35, close to the center of (pitch) motion, instead of in a bouncy place.
Tankage; many 35’s had thin aluminum tanks that hole through .. The 34 has poly tanks.
Galley; I like the big double sinks and more counter and storage space of the 34.. the galley is more user friendly; but not a problem on the 35 if you’re not into cooking too much.
The scooped stern of the 35 is a nice feature if you swim off the boat a lot.
Probably talking under $30K ish for a great shape 34 versus under $50K ish for a 35 in great shape; both with AC and autopilots and working instruments .. Lotsa reductions out there for your “sweat equity”
Alan has some good points.. When I was looking, (1990-1991) the 35 was new and out of my price range so I didn’t have the option.. Over the years, I could have moved to a different boat but found the 34 to fit the sailing I do very well. The only real maintenance issue I’ve had with the 34 is the deck beam/compression post problem that has been discussed here a lot. Another real annoyance of the 34 is that the companionway slider leaks into the cabin over the sink.. A dodger fixes that if you can put up with the reduced access.
In a nutshell, both great boats.. the more modern layout of the 35 would be easier to live with, I think. .. But I see it as the old Crosby Stills Nash .. “Love the One You’re With “

 

[paul werenko]

Rapid Repliers! Wow, you folks have offered up some great advice and thoughts. Definitely some things in there we had not known/heard of/contemplated.
Alan, you mentioned you prefered the lead keel and I can assume it has to do with material density for a lower c/g but maybe you have another reason... do tell. Loved your comments about the rig differences and powering/depowering. Excellent.
Hugh, we are having both a 34 and a 35 surveyed over the next two weeks and are feeling pretty darned good about both at this time. There is about a $6k difference between the two at asking price (yeah, we know! that's nothing!) but feel that after the surveys the difference will become $10k-ish. (meaning that the 35 will stay closer to asking and the 34 will drop more based upon things we can already see). However, time and a moisture meter will tell! More info to come as info comes back to us.
Kloudie, wow, your thoughts echoed ours this morning as we discussed this over coffee. You touched upon the two things we have seen with the 34's (the compression post and the leaky hatch that needs a dodger) and dont mind addressing things, actually will enjoy it, but just want to know ahead of time so we have the time/funds to deal with it correctly. We have designed/built boats from the pencil and paper on up and are not put off by work and epoxy, but the intention is sailing right now so we are trying to get a handle on just how much west systems to bring on board along with our snorkle gear and all your thoughts and time in response is invaluable. We will be happy with either boat, totally dependent upon survey info, but feel like we are looking at two great boats and either way, we will find the same bays, the same heavy weather, and the same dolphins on the bow.Thanks again to all of you and we will be back with more questions in the days ahead. Thanks, thanks, thanks. Hope to see you at anchor this winter. paul and zandra

 

[Ed Schenck]

Those guys really nailed it I think. As an owner of an old boat that walk-through transom has a lot of appeal. In and out of the dinghy becomes a problem as we get older. And I do like to swim off the boat.

But I didn't like what Claude wrote about the tanks and the galley. Those aluminum tanks will definitely leak and a double sink and galley room are important to me.

The note about the keels is that the iron rusts and requires a lot more work when it comes time to haul and paint. Still I envy you the fun of finding a "new" boat.

 

[Jim Haynie]

One more thought. If you plan to single-hand a lot (as in one of you sails while other sleeps) also consider the 37 from 1987-about 1991. Reason, Traveller is at base of companionway and easy to get to from helm. With autopilot moving the helm it is VERY easy to tack or change gears in the 37 and a lot more difficult in both 34/35. Add extra cleats mid-ship and easy to dock by yourself too. Aft berth is mounted in line of travel rather than athwart ships, which is far more sea friendly for sleeping underway. Rig is more traditional with slightly swept back sidestays, but not B&R with deep angle, so you can use the main downwind to some effect. So, if you plan to SAIL a lot, these are advantages, but if you really want a nice party boat at the dock these good sailing features become obstacles for easy travel. I've loved my 88 37 and would not trade for any of the newer models.

 

[Dan Johnson]

Slightly disagree, Jim...

I single hand my H34 a lot and it's not that difficult. Yes, the traveller is forward (and out of the way in the cockpit) as is the mainsail sheet, but can be easily adjusted when on autopilot. The jib winches are back by the helm, making them easy to tack without much fuss.

Claude and Alan have pretty much summed it up otherwise.

 

[spinwing]

I faced almost the same choice. Had both a 34 and 35 surveyed. There was not much in the decision inspite of the higher price.
We bought a 1988 34 Legend. The year makes quite a difference as Hunter was trying out various layouts before moving to the 35.5. It is from the same hull mold.
The big negatives in the 34 were the compression post and a fair amount of damp.
We were looking for a shallow draft so the range was limited as both had 'long' and 'short' keels. We have the 35 with 4'6" wing keel.
Plusses for the 35: cooler under the chart table giving a lot more galley room for the Admiral, alcohol stove and oven, walkthrough transom, no sink in Vee berth - not a loss with space gained. Head room? At 6'5" and 6' this was an issue and is adequate in the 35.
:cussing:Negatives: previous owner was probably not a sailor - can you say 'condo'. Lots of problems with the running rigging; mast wiring replaced, leaks fixed, new instruments throughout - no speed, no depth and no wind; boomkicker incorrectly rigged, no furling line, rudder took three weeks to drain, etc. Big negative - Hood 810 furler - mounted at deck level - one of Hunter's dumber ideas. On the Santa Claus list which the Admiral has already approved.
Would we do it again - absolutely. Now it moves like a Greyhound