Hunter 33.5

[Glenn8732]

Looking at moving from a Hunter 28.5 to a Hunter 33.5

I have questions about how the 33.5 sails.

1. How does the fractional rig affect the sailing?
2. How does the wing keel affect sailing / pointing in races

I would be curious how they perform against other boats on "club races"

Any issues or problems with these boats?


Glenn

 

[Hugh4753]

The only part of your question I can respond to is the wing keel since I have one on my 35.5. I can tell you that it points well and I think adds to the speed. Not a racer but a guy I met who had a boat exactly like mine said the only boats that beat him in races were similarly sized J's. I have heard that the fractional rig costs some speed but no personal knowledge

 

[Alan]

The 33.5 is a very competitive PHRF boat. The wing keel is a detriment to pointing and leeway but it is reflected in the rating. I have a 35.5 that I've raced a good deal. Used to have a wing, now have a custom fin keel (draft 6'). Made a HUGE difference in both pointing and leeway.
Fractional is definitely not slower than masthead. There are of course differences. The main power comes from the huge main on these boats. On a masthead like your 28.5 it is the genoa that is the power plant.
If you are going to race and be competitive you will need to add the missing sail controls from stock and upgrade some others.
Over all a great boat.