how are the cherubini hunters??

rardiH36 · Jan 25, 2015

Here is the link to the Cherubini Hunter 33 owner review page >>>

http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/index.php?option=com_brevs&model=28&Itemid=170

In summary, these are well-constructed robustly laid-up boats that sail fine and have held up well for their 35 year lifespan. Nothing in their design has been a serious weakness. But of course, as with any older classic boat, much has to do with how they have been repaired and maintained through the years. In my case, (a 1980 Cherubini 36) previous owners had done a reasonable job of maintenance. In my almost eight years of ownership, I haven't found anything structurally wrong with my boat. It sails well in the generally strong wind conditions of San Francisco Bay. But I would say its only average in pointing ability sometimes causes me to yearn for a J-boat when opposing wind and current might thwart my attempts to break out under the Golden Gate Bridge. But a J-Boat isn't nearly as comfortable to hang out in when not sailing. So I remain happy.

David in Sandusky · Jan 26, 2015

John Cherubini called the 33 the "Queen of the Fleet". Rardi's summary is right on the money.

As with all boats of that age, water is the key issue. Any place the deck is penetrated, the wood core can be mush. The mast step is a prime suspect for this along with the stanchion bases. Salt water corrosion works on all fittings, especially standing rigging. If the engine works OK, the rest is pretty much visible on inspection.

This is a great cruising boat!

sandpiper10471 · Jan 26, 2015

I have owned both the 33 and 37 cutter. The 33 deep draft is a witch upwind and a ton of fun to sail. Very quick but a bit cranky to steer downwind. The 37 is good upwind and very smooth downwind. Built for different purposes. For short fun sails I would go with the 33. For live-aboard or cruising the 37. I now, having been spoiled, find the 33 a bit small inside. Both do their intended jobs supremely well. I wouldn't purchase a shoal draft model as I love sailing upwind when I have committed poor route planning. The 37 deep draft is more shallow than the 33 deep by a few inches. Both do much better with new or newer sails. Both were built very strongly and can be tremendous value for the investment.

pvtpotter · Jan 26, 2015

If you are going to live aboard, find a 37. It has a separate shower stall in the head. Trust me that makes all the difference. You will also have more room for any upgrades like A/C, Heat, Hot water, etc (if the boat doesn't already have those). You will pay a little more for the vessel, but will be well worth it. A 33 will simply be too small. I'm sure the price point is good though.
Let us know what you end up with and some pics!
Thanks for posting.

kito · Jan 26, 2015

How many will be on the boat? Seems most are suggesting the 37. That means higher slip fees. If you will live alone or with one other, even the 30 should be fine. I transformed the quarter aft berth on my 30 to a storage area that will hold tons of stuff now. It will still sleep 4 adults and a short person even without the aft berth.

Dunlookin · Jan 26, 2015

IMHO

I have a 1978 33' (shallow draft). Realizing that everything in life is a compromise, I have found this boat to be the best combination of what I needed.

I lived aboard her during one of the worst winters in Philadelphia. With the addition of a Dickinson propane heater I stayed warm...and dry. There was room...and room enough. Yes, you can always suffer from "foot-itis." A longer boat will have "blagh, blagh, blagh. It does...and it will cost you.

I replaced items as they failed, and used the best replacement parts that allowed me to do the work myself.

I have been told that you cannot kill the original 2QM15 engine. God knows I have tried...without success.

From my friends that have the same boat the common problems are few.

The packing in the rudder post has aged by now. If it has been replaced recently you will leave this earth before it needs to be done again. If not water will "blow" past the failed packing and drain into your bilge.

Original toilet ain't worth...well you know.

Kenyon stove should have been replaced.

Cushions far to thin and degrade over time.

Hull lining ALWAYS need to be replaced from the original.

Ice box so badly insulated that you would have better luck with a sock.

Plywood "holly" floor should be looked at closely.

Original electrical panel works well but, is sometimes replaced or, moved and replaced...nice touch if this has been done

By this time original ports (opening) have run thier race and need to be replaced.

Original lifelines were nylon covered and have now streached and aged. Replacement is warrented.

I have the original CDI furler. Works like "butta." CDI says there is no replacement period. Use it, and use it hard.

You should expect upgrades on electricals. New is better....newer is almost mandatory.

There were four seacocks (sink, toilet (raw water), toilet (waste), and engine (raw water). Original were gate valves. They should have been replaced by now...or should be.

Original boarding ladder may be near its' useful life. The attaching bolts will simply fail when you least expect it.

Original aluminum tank will have pin holes by now. It should have been replaced.

Because of the nature of the contents, my water tank is still clean and water tight.

I am at the Annapolis Boat Show each year. Nothing comes close to what I already have. I am a fifty-six year old guy with a thirty seven year old mistress.

Sure beats the hell out of a hole in the ground in Iraq.

kito · Jan 26, 2015

Good list Dunlookin. I might add the steel I-beam compression post base, if original, is probably ready to break in half from rust by now too. Btw, my ice box is not badly insulated.....it's not insulated at all

ggrizzard · Jan 27, 2015

Kierjo, welcome to SBO/Cherubini forums.
I own a H30C and have sailed FLA and the keys for 35 yrs. My experience is the shoal draft keel was the better choice in FLA and the keys and the Bahamas.

Dunlookin · Jan 27, 2015

Slip Fees

This is the "cash cow" for marinas. Some base price on "per foot." Others bill on the maximum size boat the slip will handle. You want to know how you will be billed before you make the committment as a 32' to 35' slip can cost $ 300.00+ more a season than a 33' slip (based upon prices in Philadelphia, PA).

In addition, marinas will often measure from bowsprint to dingy davits. Adding several feet increases your cost...and thier bottom line.

I have found that a 30' boat is perhaps the best balance between slip fees and comfort...IF it is not a live-a-board. You get so much more in a 32'-33' foot boat. Newer boats are wider and therefore have more interior space than an older boat....but, you are going to pay (dearly) for a newer boat.

It sounds like something in the 32'-33' range as an older boat will work for your needs. Yes, you will want more space later. My wife had a 5,000 SF house whn we married. I moved her into my 1,000SF house. You cannot imagine the stuff she no longer needed when space was an issue.

Remember, you have a deck, and a transom. Boats were not designed to be a cave. They were designed to get you to the sunset few see, and then allow you the best seat in the house.

In my way of thinking a berth has two purposes, and you can do both of those anywhere on a boat....and one of them in the water.

Alctel · Jan 28, 2015

I've a 36' and liveaboard- but I think a 33' would have worked for me as well.

I'm so goddamn jealous of the separate shower compartment in the 37' though!!

Dunlookin · Jan 28, 2015

Seperate Shower....Great Idea...

In eight years I have never taken a shower in my boat. At a Marina I use thiers (hell, I have paid for the hot water already).

On the hook I take a swim and then use a solar shower in the cockpit.

Remember that someone has to clean up the shower (mold loves water on fiberglass). I removed the hot water heater when I bought the boat because it was broken. I keep thinking about replaceing it....and never do.

There are a thousand wonderful things to have on a boat. Each one costs (purchase, maintenance, upgrading). The question is how much are you willing to spend for something you never use? You got it, you don't use it but...you are still paying for it. (anyone paying alimony will understand this concept).

What you cannot see from shore will amaze you but, ya' gotta leave the shore.

stollo770 · Jan 28, 2015

You don't really need a shower on your boat. Would I enjoy if my H27 came with some sort of shower? Yes. But I honestly don't need one. Like Dunlookin I just use the memeber showers at my marina, where hot water is free (but not always available). When I'm out on my boat for multiple days at a time I shower by means of a hose that I run out to my cockpit. I keep a coiled aux water hose in my starboard size lazarette that is connected to the rest of my plumbing. When I need to shower I unravel it, wrap it around the end of the boom, screw in a shower nozzel and bam: shower time. Its kinda trashy but I don't care, so long as I get clean. Plus all the water drains neatly out of the back of my cockpit drains so I don't have to worry about lingering mold and mildew like actual showers do. As for cleaning myself off in the bay like Dunlookin does, I wouldn't do that out of fear for my health. NJ water ways, especially Barnaget bay, are maximum polluted and I don't want to get covered in sludge or get stuck by a wayward syringe.