Hi: We are now considering getting back into sailboats after a 12 year absence. I am looking at used boats and would like general comments about the quality of the 33 and 37. Other boats I am looking at are Westsail 32's and Capy Dorys. We expect to do some open ocean sailing -perhaps like the west coast to Hawian Islands and perhaps south to Tahiti. It will just be my wife and myself so I am thinking a 33 would be plenty large, but does a 37 give you a better ocean going boat? Are Hunters Ocean going boats? Regards, Jeff Lee
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Tim Schaaf
With preparation
I would say that both Hunters could do the trip, with the right modifications and preparations. The 37 is a much heavier boat, about 6000 lbs or so, I believe, and has a cutter rig and keel stepped mast. It also has a separate aft cabin, which could be handy if you have guests. Statistics also show that a bigger boat handles bigger conditions better. Of the Hunters of this generation, I have always felt that the 37 was the one intended to "go places". Having said that, I, myself, have extensively cruised my Hunter 33 over the past 19 years, mostly coastal stuff but some offshore and quite a bit of tough stuff.I am planning to head out into the Pacific next year, myself. BUT, I have modified it to make it more suitable for this use, and much more comfortable. It is a great boat for two people, and, arguably has the better offshore layout.....good sea berths, great head in the perfect location, good nav station, a spot in the companionway under a dodger that is almost like inside steering. The 37, due to its heavier displacement, will more easily carry a heavy load. Both boats are the objects of passionate affection by many of their owners, some of whom comment regularly on this site. In the "boats" section, you will find each model, extensively reviewed and critiqued and photographed. The Westsail 32 is a classic cruising boat, heavy as the dickens, but a better sailing boat than it is often given credit for being. It will go anywhere, and it will carry a bigger load, but it will probably not be anywhere the fun in the sailing department as the Hunters. And, unless you are ONLY going to be making passages, enjoyable sailing should count for something, in my opinion. There is a lot of daysailing involved in cruising. The Cape Dory is somewhere between the two types, and is generally well thought of, although I have no personal experience with it. No matter which boat you choose, get it surveyed rigorously, since any of these boats will have quite a bit of age on them. You may wind up spending a lot if basic systems, rig, sails, engine, etc. are past their useful life. And finally, the crew, its experience, endurance, capability, and compatibility will have a far greater influence on the outcome of your adventure than the choice of any of these four boats. John Cherubini II, the designer's highly knowledgeable son, often comments on this site. Hopefully, he will have something to say. Good Luck.
I would say that both Hunters could do the trip, with the right modifications and preparations. The 37 is a much heavier boat, about 6000 lbs or so, I believe, and has a cutter rig and keel stepped mast. It also has a separate aft cabin, which could be handy if you have guests. Statistics also show that a bigger boat handles bigger conditions better. Of the Hunters of this generation, I have always felt that the 37 was the one intended to "go places". Having said that, I, myself, have extensively cruised my Hunter 33 over the past 19 years, mostly coastal stuff but some offshore and quite a bit of tough stuff.I am planning to head out into the Pacific next year, myself. BUT, I have modified it to make it more suitable for this use, and much more comfortable. It is a great boat for two people, and, arguably has the better offshore layout.....good sea berths, great head in the perfect location, good nav station, a spot in the companionway under a dodger that is almost like inside steering. The 37, due to its heavier displacement, will more easily carry a heavy load. Both boats are the objects of passionate affection by many of their owners, some of whom comment regularly on this site. In the "boats" section, you will find each model, extensively reviewed and critiqued and photographed. The Westsail 32 is a classic cruising boat, heavy as the dickens, but a better sailing boat than it is often given credit for being. It will go anywhere, and it will carry a bigger load, but it will probably not be anywhere the fun in the sailing department as the Hunters. And, unless you are ONLY going to be making passages, enjoyable sailing should count for something, in my opinion. There is a lot of daysailing involved in cruising. The Cape Dory is somewhere between the two types, and is generally well thought of, although I have no personal experience with it. No matter which boat you choose, get it surveyed rigorously, since any of these boats will have quite a bit of age on them. You may wind up spending a lot if basic systems, rig, sails, engine, etc. are past their useful life. And finally, the crew, its experience, endurance, capability, and compatibility will have a far greater influence on the outcome of your adventure than the choice of any of these four boats. John Cherubini II, the designer's highly knowledgeable son, often comments on this site. Hopefully, he will have something to say. Good Luck.
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Ed Schenck
No, not as originally delivered. . . .
in answer to your last question. I own an H37C and know the H33 to be the same boat less four feet and the cutter rig. The "weakest links" are the portlights and the steering system. The rudder is fine it's just that it's mounting needs some beefing up. The plastic portlights on mine do not leak but I'll feel better when I finish the bronze conversion. Next would come the small cockpit scuppers. Several owners have gone to larger wire for shrouds and stays. A search of the archives and a check of a couple of other web-sites will give you all the detail you need. See www.yachtworld.com for prices, there are many H33s and H37Cs for sale. And see Gene's modifications at the link below.
in answer to your last question. I own an H37C and know the H33 to be the same boat less four feet and the cutter rig. The "weakest links" are the portlights and the steering system. The rudder is fine it's just that it's mounting needs some beefing up. The plastic portlights on mine do not leak but I'll feel better when I finish the bronze conversion. Next would come the small cockpit scuppers. Several owners have gone to larger wire for shrouds and stays. A search of the archives and a check of a couple of other web-sites will give you all the detail you need. See www.yachtworld.com for prices, there are many H33s and H37Cs for sale. And see Gene's modifications at the link below.
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Ed Schenck
No, not as originally delivered. . . .
but I already said that. Did not "return" after the first SUBMIT but I guess it took anyway. Sorry, but thanks to Phil at least we can edit.
but I already said that. Did not "return" after the first SUBMIT but I guess it took anyway. Sorry, but thanks to Phil at least we can edit.
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Debra Blatnik
Many Hunter 33's and 37's
There are several different designs from different periods. They have different strengths and weaknesses (and costs). I think all of the Hunters would need some modification before going off-shore. Tahiti is a LONG way. Mostly reinforcing the hull (there are some big sections which are not supported by bulkheads in some of the models). Still, it is work you can do yourself, and the price can be right.
There are several different designs from different periods. They have different strengths and weaknesses (and costs). I think all of the Hunters would need some modification before going off-shore. Tahiti is a LONG way. Mostly reinforcing the hull (there are some big sections which are not supported by bulkheads in some of the models). Still, it is work you can do yourself, and the price can be right.
J
Jeff Lee
Thanks for the Information
Hi: Thanks for the information. I've done some off shore and size is one thing that concerns me with just my wife and myself. I had all of the boats (except my 17' foot Mako that could sink an aircraft carrier with it's hull) surveyed, just good practice. Looks like you've got an active group that loves the brand -always a good sign. Regards, Jeff Lee
Hi: Thanks for the information. I've done some off shore and size is one thing that concerns me with just my wife and myself. I had all of the boats (except my 17' foot Mako that could sink an aircraft carrier with it's hull) surveyed, just good practice. Looks like you've got an active group that loves the brand -always a good sign. Regards, Jeff Lee
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