Been doing a lot of research on sailboats lately and looking to upgrade from my current Erickson 27. I really like the design of the Hunters and recently found what looks like a good deal on a 1986 Hunter 34. I am looking for a boat for the river as well as some offshore use. Anyone have anything to say about this model. Why are they cheaper than many other hunters? Any comments or suggestions will be appreciated.
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hunter 34
I bought my 1987 H34 about one year ago and I have been very pleased with it. The boat that I bought was well cared for by it's previous owner and I have had no major problems with it. There was some rust on the steel keel and I took care of that by grinding the rust away and putting on an epoxy barrier. I just had the boat hauled and there was no sign of rust. I think it is a lot of boat for the money. It is very comforatable for two to cruise in and easily handled by two. I would have to say that so far I would buy another one.
I bought my 1987 H34 about one year ago and I have been very pleased with it. The boat that I bought was well cared for by it's previous owner and I have had no major problems with it. There was some rust on the steel keel and I took care of that by grinding the rust away and putting on an epoxy barrier. I just had the boat hauled and there was no sign of rust. I think it is a lot of boat for the money. It is very comforatable for two to cruise in and easily handled by two. I would have to say that so far I would buy another one.
It's a good coastal cruiser, but ...
It was not designed to be used as an offshore (ocean cruising) boat. I'm sure folks have done it, but they are the exception and not the rule. The H34 is considered a bit tender for anything more than coastal cruising. Once the winds pick up to over 15 knots, it's usually time to reduce sail or deal with excessive weather helm. I sail my Hunter 34 in the Chesapeake, which (for the most part) is well known as a light-air bay. For the Chesapeake, the H34 is very well suited. ~ Happy sails to you ~ _/) ~
It was not designed to be used as an offshore (ocean cruising) boat. I'm sure folks have done it, but they are the exception and not the rule. The H34 is considered a bit tender for anything more than coastal cruising. Once the winds pick up to over 15 knots, it's usually time to reduce sail or deal with excessive weather helm. I sail my Hunter 34 in the Chesapeake, which (for the most part) is well known as a light-air bay. For the Chesapeake, the H34 is very well suited. ~ Happy sails to you ~ _/) ~
Ok, that will fire up lots of 34 owners, check
out my web site. The 34 is not tender because it lacks ballast. It is rigged two feet taller that a Catalina 36. My wife and I watched a Tayana 37 sail past our marina under full sail in 25-30 knots on a close reach. Some bystander said to a friend that that boat sure looked good under sail. I looked at my wife, grined and said let's go. We cast off and set a reef in the main, let out about half the genoa and PASSED the Tayana in less than TWO miles. Ed, if your statement doesn't fire up lots of 34 owners, it sure fired up this one.
out my web site. The 34 is not tender because it lacks ballast. It is rigged two feet taller that a Catalina 36. My wife and I watched a Tayana 37 sail past our marina under full sail in 25-30 knots on a close reach. Some bystander said to a friend that that boat sure looked good under sail. I looked at my wife, grined and said let's go. We cast off and set a reef in the main, let out about half the genoa and PASSED the Tayana in less than TWO miles. Ed, if your statement doesn't fire up lots of 34 owners, it sure fired up this one.
Fred, that is generally true for the newer models
Fred: I would have to agree with you. The newer Hunters from the mid 80s' on have a taller rig than most of the boats in the harbor. Specifically the Catalinas tend to have a shorter rig. Depending on your sailing conditions this can be a PLUS or a MINUS!
Fred: I would have to agree with you. The newer Hunters from the mid 80s' on have a taller rig than most of the boats in the harbor. Specifically the Catalinas tend to have a shorter rig. Depending on your sailing conditions this can be a PLUS or a MINUS!
Steve, a tall (more powerfull) rig is like a big
engine in a car. It costs more for fuel (depending) but it sure is a lot more fun. Sure, a taller rig means sails cost more and you have to know how to sail (reduce sail) but I wouldn't want to give up performance because of scary wind. Don't get me wrong. I live in a light air part of the world. Sure, it pipes up now and then. I've done the "sail in wind and snow" racing and I'll pass. At this point in my life, I AM A FAIR WEATHER SAILOR. I've done the ocean thing and I don't care to ever be at sea again. Give me flat water forever. I'm done! But NOT with a good running boat.
engine in a car. It costs more for fuel (depending) but it sure is a lot more fun. Sure, a taller rig means sails cost more and you have to know how to sail (reduce sail) but I wouldn't want to give up performance because of scary wind. Don't get me wrong. I live in a light air part of the world. Sure, it pipes up now and then. I've done the "sail in wind and snow" racing and I'll pass. At this point in my life, I AM A FAIR WEATHER SAILOR. I've done the ocean thing and I don't care to ever be at sea again. Give me flat water forever. I'm done! But NOT with a good running boat.
Dear Fred:
Please don't think I'm putting the H34 down, as I like my boat a-plenty. In light air, it's one of the few cruisers moving without the help of the engine. As the wind picks up, it moves smartly and with purpose. However, I've also motored it into 35 knot headwinds, with 6' to 8' waves. My crew could actually see the hull vibrate as the boat dropped from the crest of one wave into the trough of the next. To me that implies the hull isn't strong enough for serious ocean cruising. Moreover, Hunter doesn't rate the H34 as an offshore boat. The H34 is a very good coastal cruiser. IMO, it is well suited for sailing in predominantly light wind areas, and where the seas are less than 4'. ~ Happy sails to you ~ _/) ~
Please don't think I'm putting the H34 down, as I like my boat a-plenty. In light air, it's one of the few cruisers moving without the help of the engine. As the wind picks up, it moves smartly and with purpose. However, I've also motored it into 35 knot headwinds, with 6' to 8' waves. My crew could actually see the hull vibrate as the boat dropped from the crest of one wave into the trough of the next. To me that implies the hull isn't strong enough for serious ocean cruising. Moreover, Hunter doesn't rate the H34 as an offshore boat. The H34 is a very good coastal cruiser. IMO, it is well suited for sailing in predominantly light wind areas, and where the seas are less than 4'. ~ Happy sails to you ~ _/) ~
Ed, I understand your point
We call those waves you motor into "slammers". We DON'T DO SLAMMERS! Maybe other designs (heavy) don't slam, but that might be because they just keep going into and under the wave. We crack off. About 20 degrees does it. Our boat speed goes up while cracked off so we get there about the same time. I have had my boat in 50 foot seas for three days off the coast of Washington and Oregon and never even had a wave slap the transom. (broad reach most of the time) My boat has never sailed with a heavy boat under any conditions that it didn't perform better! I take issue with your assertion that these boats are weak. If they were, we couldn't have rebuilt after the 'tropical' damage. Only one factor mattered, the hull. Sure the outer skin only, as I've said many times, keeps out the water. What makes this boat strong is what is inside. The inner grid doesn't just hold the mast and keel loads, it is throughout the interior of the boat. Crank up the backstay and the 34 is stiff, even after 17 years like ours. Light weight at sea means less stress on everything. That translates to BETTER 'everything'. Look at what is out there racing. And your right about this boat not being ready for serious offshore work. It took a lot of changes for our boat to stay out there. Not until the invention of the watermaker would a boat this size be considered 'long range'. Ours is. Under power we can motor 1100 miles. Water tanks are now for fuel. OK, 'nuff said. Fair winds. P.S. I think a boat has to be strongest for COASTAL CRUISING. Waves are steeper, winds are gusty(er) and groundings would ruin our day without that strength.
We call those waves you motor into "slammers". We DON'T DO SLAMMERS! Maybe other designs (heavy) don't slam, but that might be because they just keep going into and under the wave. We crack off. About 20 degrees does it. Our boat speed goes up while cracked off so we get there about the same time. I have had my boat in 50 foot seas for three days off the coast of Washington and Oregon and never even had a wave slap the transom. (broad reach most of the time) My boat has never sailed with a heavy boat under any conditions that it didn't perform better! I take issue with your assertion that these boats are weak. If they were, we couldn't have rebuilt after the 'tropical' damage. Only one factor mattered, the hull. Sure the outer skin only, as I've said many times, keeps out the water. What makes this boat strong is what is inside. The inner grid doesn't just hold the mast and keel loads, it is throughout the interior of the boat. Crank up the backstay and the 34 is stiff, even after 17 years like ours. Light weight at sea means less stress on everything. That translates to BETTER 'everything'. Look at what is out there racing. And your right about this boat not being ready for serious offshore work. It took a lot of changes for our boat to stay out there. Not until the invention of the watermaker would a boat this size be considered 'long range'. Ours is. Under power we can motor 1100 miles. Water tanks are now for fuel. OK, 'nuff said. Fair winds. P.S. I think a boat has to be strongest for COASTAL CRUISING. Waves are steeper, winds are gusty(er) and groundings would ruin our day without that strength.
Bruce, I think they are cheaper than some other
models because of that damn iron keel. I've looked into changing it to lead but, you guessed it, too much cash. Oh well.
models because of that damn iron keel. I've looked into changing it to lead but, you guessed it, too much cash. Oh well.
Re: Iron Keel
As a marina guy told me when I bought my former H31, that iron keel is gonna last longer than either me or the boat. Paint it and forget it.
As a marina guy told me when I bought my former H31, that iron keel is gonna last longer than either me or the boat. Paint it and forget it.
Fred: We couldn't break off.
We were leaving NY harbor and couldn't turn away (too much traffic) till we got past the Verrizano Bridge. Once past it, we veered right and motored to Kill Devil Harbor to avoid the gale. Like I said, I'm sure some have sailed their H34s in the open ocean without any problems. However, the H34 just isn't as robust as "true" blue-water boats. Its motion in a seaway will not be as kind as that of a similar sized boat with considerably more displacement. I have no doubt that it will be faster, but for long distance ocean cruising speed may not be as important as sea-kindliness. Also, as good as the B&R rig is, it tends to hamper optimum placement of the mainsail while sailing downwind. I'm told by many who have crossed the pond (Atlantic) most of the time they plan their trip so that the wind is from the stern. If so, a boat with a B&R rig would not be optimal. However, the downwind performance could be improved with a properly setup spinnaker or asymetrical drifter. Before I forget, I want to thank you for allowing us to see the work you've done to refit your H34. You clearly have done a superb job. I have even begun to encorporate some of the easier things you've done, but I will do them at a modest pace. In any event, here's wishing you and yours the most favorable clear skys, fair winds, and smooth seas. ~ Happy sails to you ~ _/) ~
We were leaving NY harbor and couldn't turn away (too much traffic) till we got past the Verrizano Bridge. Once past it, we veered right and motored to Kill Devil Harbor to avoid the gale. Like I said, I'm sure some have sailed their H34s in the open ocean without any problems. However, the H34 just isn't as robust as "true" blue-water boats. Its motion in a seaway will not be as kind as that of a similar sized boat with considerably more displacement. I have no doubt that it will be faster, but for long distance ocean cruising speed may not be as important as sea-kindliness. Also, as good as the B&R rig is, it tends to hamper optimum placement of the mainsail while sailing downwind. I'm told by many who have crossed the pond (Atlantic) most of the time they plan their trip so that the wind is from the stern. If so, a boat with a B&R rig would not be optimal. However, the downwind performance could be improved with a properly setup spinnaker or asymetrical drifter. Before I forget, I want to thank you for allowing us to see the work you've done to refit your H34. You clearly have done a superb job. I have even begun to encorporate some of the easier things you've done, but I will do them at a modest pace. In any event, here's wishing you and yours the most favorable clear skys, fair winds, and smooth seas. ~ Happy sails to you ~ _/) ~
Finishing my first full season with my '84/34....
...and am happy with my purchase. I am sailing much more deliberately now, having figured out how to react to the boat in different wind/surf conditions. I was surprised to find that the boat would sail downwind wing-on-wing for as long as it did on wheelpilot. A recent return leg from Erie, Pa. to Dunkirk, NY (48 statute miles) proved this. 6 hours straight downwind, with a preventer, of course. I was skeptical before, having heard this model had problems downwind. I did have my loft add two full battens at the top of the main at the beginning of the season. I think it helped.
...and am happy with my purchase. I am sailing much more deliberately now, having figured out how to react to the boat in different wind/surf conditions. I was surprised to find that the boat would sail downwind wing-on-wing for as long as it did on wheelpilot. A recent return leg from Erie, Pa. to Dunkirk, NY (48 statute miles) proved this. 6 hours straight downwind, with a preventer, of course. I was skeptical before, having heard this model had problems downwind. I did have my loft add two full battens at the top of the main at the beginning of the season. I think it helped.
... everyone has one.
*box I have owned my '84 34 since it was new - 19 years. I keep thinking about the "next" bigger boat but can't justify it. The 34 does what I want and need. I've had it up to Maine for a summer, Boston for another, went down the ICW to Ft Lauderdale and across the Gulf of Mexico to Pensacola (mostly single handed). Mostly, it has lived in the Chesapeake Bay. I lived aboard her with a wife, 6 year old and a cat for 3 years (kept the boat, got rid of the rest). Is it the perfect boat? No, it has warts (which is why I keep looking for the 'greener grass'.) I wish I could sail it more often (have a new 'Best Mate', 3 year old, and too much work on the house). But warts and all, you can go where you want. Sure you can cross an ocean in a dug out canoe (that is what the Pacific Islanders did) but you will have better odds of getting there in the Queen Mary II (very big boat!) Can a 34 cross an ocean? Yes, some have. I’d take mine to Bermuda from the East Coast (with some modifications) but that is all that I would feel comfortable with. You have to choose what works for you. For the money, a 34 is a lot of boat and for most of the “fair weather” sailing people do, it will work fine. I’ll step down off my box now.
*box I have owned my '84 34 since it was new - 19 years. I keep thinking about the "next" bigger boat but can't justify it. The 34 does what I want and need. I've had it up to Maine for a summer, Boston for another, went down the ICW to Ft Lauderdale and across the Gulf of Mexico to Pensacola (mostly single handed). Mostly, it has lived in the Chesapeake Bay. I lived aboard her with a wife, 6 year old and a cat for 3 years (kept the boat, got rid of the rest). Is it the perfect boat? No, it has warts (which is why I keep looking for the 'greener grass'.) I wish I could sail it more often (have a new 'Best Mate', 3 year old, and too much work on the house). But warts and all, you can go where you want. Sure you can cross an ocean in a dug out canoe (that is what the Pacific Islanders did) but you will have better odds of getting there in the Queen Mary II (very big boat!) Can a 34 cross an ocean? Yes, some have. I’d take mine to Bermuda from the East Coast (with some modifications) but that is all that I would feel comfortable with. You have to choose what works for you. For the money, a 34 is a lot of boat and for most of the “fair weather” sailing people do, it will work fine. I’ll step down off my box now.
You Get What You Pay For
There are reasons the h34 boats are prices cheaper that Catalinas and others. The design was marginal at first and Hunter found ways to cut production costs each year that model was made. Bad compressions posts, LEAKS, bad rudders, wrong props, rusty keels, LEAKS, poor windows, LEAKS, ..... The companion way is all of 2" high and the factory scuppers are under sized and almost worthless. On quiet nights you can hear the keel rusting. Can you say "OIL CAN". Buy an h34 and your boat will say it on each wave! Rotten floors are standard equipment due to trapped water in the grid beneath the plywood. Try getting parts for Merriman helms or Maxwell winches. The factory deck hardware is rubbish. No cleat in your anchor locker? Hunter deleted it and save money. Motoring speed too slow? You got the left over prop they bought for Westerbeke's installed with your yanmar. Yup, you'll pass a better boat in some conditions but deduct the time you spend fixing your Hunter and the others will be way ahead. LIFE'S TOO SHORT TO SAIL A HUNTER ps; don't buy a new one, they're butt ugly
There are reasons the h34 boats are prices cheaper that Catalinas and others. The design was marginal at first and Hunter found ways to cut production costs each year that model was made. Bad compressions posts, LEAKS, bad rudders, wrong props, rusty keels, LEAKS, poor windows, LEAKS, ..... The companion way is all of 2" high and the factory scuppers are under sized and almost worthless. On quiet nights you can hear the keel rusting. Can you say "OIL CAN". Buy an h34 and your boat will say it on each wave! Rotten floors are standard equipment due to trapped water in the grid beneath the plywood. Try getting parts for Merriman helms or Maxwell winches. The factory deck hardware is rubbish. No cleat in your anchor locker? Hunter deleted it and save money. Motoring speed too slow? You got the left over prop they bought for Westerbeke's installed with your yanmar. Yup, you'll pass a better boat in some conditions but deduct the time you spend fixing your Hunter and the others will be way ahead. LIFE'S TOO SHORT TO SAIL A HUNTER ps; don't buy a new one, they're butt ugly
Wow, who let Daryl in here?
I've never read anything here so ignorant or childish. Daryl your the first guy I ever flamed!
I've never read anything here so ignorant or childish. Daryl your the first guy I ever flamed!
Hey Daryl,
Sounds to me like you've made a few new friends... somewhere?? Criticism is fine if you have facts to backup what you are selling, but the dribble that you are pushing smacks of a preconceived bad dream. I can't recall when an owner of another manufacturer had such venom with so little justification!! Do you also have ‘roadrages’??
Sounds to me like you've made a few new friends... somewhere?? Criticism is fine if you have facts to backup what you are selling, but the dribble that you are pushing smacks of a preconceived bad dream. I can't recall when an owner of another manufacturer had such venom with so little justification!! Do you also have ‘roadrages’??
Move along folks, nothing to see here...
From time to time we see folks in here who simply want to get a rise out of us. They are best ignored.
From time to time we see folks in here who simply want to get a rise out of us. They are best ignored.
Not an offshore boat, but...
most of what Daryl wrote are exaggerations and falsehoods. First of all, my 20 year old H34 has a rather substantial cleat in the anchor locker. Also, there are two more within two feet of the bow. The rest of the deck hardware has held up quite well, thank you very much. Second, the height of the companionway off the cockpit deck is about 3" not 2" that Daryl said. As for the scuppers, they drain the cockpit within a minute, but remember - it's not an offshore boat. Third, my compression post is sound. So are the deck soles. Also, it came with a 3 blade prop that is sized perfectly for the boat and the engine. My boat can do hull speed at 2800 RPM. The rudder has checked out fine at each haulout. The iron keel is rusting very very slowly. Considering the boat's age, I suspect it'll take about 75 more years to rot away to the point of needing replacement. By then I'll be over 125 years old, and not likely sailing anymore. The ports have leaked, but repairing them has not been an unsurmountable nor an expensive undertaking. If repairing worn out equipment is part of owning a 20 year old boat, I'll accept it gladly, considering the price I paid and the performance and comfort the boat has provided. You don't have to like a Hunter 34 or any Hunter for that matter. Since you're not giving me money to buy the boat, your dislike of the boat means squat to me. ~ Happy sails to you ~ _/) ~
most of what Daryl wrote are exaggerations and falsehoods. First of all, my 20 year old H34 has a rather substantial cleat in the anchor locker. Also, there are two more within two feet of the bow. The rest of the deck hardware has held up quite well, thank you very much. Second, the height of the companionway off the cockpit deck is about 3" not 2" that Daryl said. As for the scuppers, they drain the cockpit within a minute, but remember - it's not an offshore boat. Third, my compression post is sound. So are the deck soles. Also, it came with a 3 blade prop that is sized perfectly for the boat and the engine. My boat can do hull speed at 2800 RPM. The rudder has checked out fine at each haulout. The iron keel is rusting very very slowly. Considering the boat's age, I suspect it'll take about 75 more years to rot away to the point of needing replacement. By then I'll be over 125 years old, and not likely sailing anymore. The ports have leaked, but repairing them has not been an unsurmountable nor an expensive undertaking. If repairing worn out equipment is part of owning a 20 year old boat, I'll accept it gladly, considering the price I paid and the performance and comfort the boat has provided. You don't have to like a Hunter 34 or any Hunter for that matter. Since you're not giving me money to buy the boat, your dislike of the boat means squat to me. ~ Happy sails to you ~ _/) ~
Ok my turn....................
As for the Iron keel yes when I purchased the boat the keel was rusty so I sandblasted it.. recoated it and its been great since doing so.. The window leaks well I had two leaks.. But all that was required to fix them was to look close at the window gasket which had some dirt that needed to be cleaned out so the window would get a good seal when closed and clean out the weep holes with Qtips.. No more leaks.. Took about an hour to fix... My is an 85 so I knew I would have work to do..... I fell in love with the look of the Hunter 34 as soon as I saw it and would by it again in a second.. Keep on bashing I still know the value of this boat every time I leave the mooring looking at her makes me feel like WOW thats my boat..
As for the Iron keel yes when I purchased the boat the keel was rusty so I sandblasted it.. recoated it and its been great since doing so.. The window leaks well I had two leaks.. But all that was required to fix them was to look close at the window gasket which had some dirt that needed to be cleaned out so the window would get a good seal when closed and clean out the weep holes with Qtips.. No more leaks.. Took about an hour to fix... My is an 85 so I knew I would have work to do..... I fell in love with the look of the Hunter 34 as soon as I saw it and would by it again in a second.. Keep on bashing I still know the value of this boat every time I leave the mooring looking at her makes me feel like WOW thats my boat..
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