I am considering purchasing a 1985 Hunter 34 from the second owner of the boat. He said the original owner had the Hunter factory shorten the mast 2' for additional bridge clearance. How will the shorter mast and reduction of sail area affect the boat performance. Is it something I should be concerned about or is the performance differance negligble and nothing to worry about>
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Doug T.
So?
If you're going to race the boat, then I'd be concerned. Otherwise, you might actully like the shortened mast. I have a 28' Sabre and am using sails from a 27' Hunter (don't ask). They're about a foot short (luff and foot), but I actually like the fact that the main is missing about 50 sq ft of sail area. Weather helm is almost non-existant unless the boat's heeled way over and that's easily fixable by dropping the traveler. Don't have to reef as early as other folks. Performance in light air will not be as good. So if you're racing, it'll be an issue. Otherwise, who cares?
If you're going to race the boat, then I'd be concerned. Otherwise, you might actully like the shortened mast. I have a 28' Sabre and am using sails from a 27' Hunter (don't ask). They're about a foot short (luff and foot), but I actually like the fact that the main is missing about 50 sq ft of sail area. Weather helm is almost non-existant unless the boat's heeled way over and that's easily fixable by dropping the traveler. Don't have to reef as early as other folks. Performance in light air will not be as good. So if you're racing, it'll be an issue. Otherwise, who cares?
I worry about resale (or is that resail)
Brent: You folks typically have light air down in your part of the country. I think it will effect your light air performance. Like Doug mentioned if you would regularly reef in 12-15kt you can now wait until it is 15-20kts. So most of the time you won't need to reef. My major concern is the resale of the boat. If there are 2 H'34's for sale, yours may be the last to sell. On the other hand if you want to get under a 50' bridge, you can do it with this boat (and so can the next owner)!
Brent: You folks typically have light air down in your part of the country. I think it will effect your light air performance. Like Doug mentioned if you would regularly reef in 12-15kt you can now wait until it is 15-20kts. So most of the time you won't need to reef. My major concern is the resale of the boat. If there are 2 H'34's for sale, yours may be the last to sell. On the other hand if you want to get under a 50' bridge, you can do it with this boat (and so can the next owner)!
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Charles Duhon
We like our shorter mast!
Our mast on our '83 H 34 was shortened about 18 inches by previous owner... for bridges too. With our shoal keel, we feel this helped the boats performance overall. In stronger winds the boat is not so tender and is more manageable. In lighter winds we use a 140% genoa and cruising spinnaker. I say sail the boat before you buy, and if possible sail another H34 with the big stick, your decision is the best advice. When we retire to the gulf coast, we can cruise the ICW with less worries about the bridges. Good Luck! Charles & Lynn Duhon S/V Artistry www.ArtistryMarineArt.com
Our mast on our '83 H 34 was shortened about 18 inches by previous owner... for bridges too. With our shoal keel, we feel this helped the boats performance overall. In stronger winds the boat is not so tender and is more manageable. In lighter winds we use a 140% genoa and cruising spinnaker. I say sail the boat before you buy, and if possible sail another H34 with the big stick, your decision is the best advice. When we retire to the gulf coast, we can cruise the ICW with less worries about the bridges. Good Luck! Charles & Lynn Duhon S/V Artistry www.ArtistryMarineArt.com
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Miles
Permanent reef...
Two feet is probably about where the first reef would be roughly. It sounds like your boat would be permanantly reefed which isn't too bad if you're somewhere with lots of wind. It won't help your speed any but if it lets you cruise beyond the bridge it might be a real advantage.
Two feet is probably about where the first reef would be roughly. It sounds like your boat would be permanantly reefed which isn't too bad if you're somewhere with lots of wind. It won't help your speed any but if it lets you cruise beyond the bridge it might be a real advantage.
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Peter Roach
There are a lot of fish in the sea
I may be stepping on some toes here so forgive me. I would worry a lot about resale. If you (apparently a very educated consumer because you are asking this question on a great website) are somewhat concerned about this, then an uneducated consumer might be very afraid of it. A sailboat is usually hard to sell even if it is great shape. I would be very cautious about one that has been modified in any substantial manner. You should be careful because when you move up to your next boat (and the rule is you have to add 2 foot a year) then you don't want anything standing in your way. Although -If it is a great deal then go for it.
I may be stepping on some toes here so forgive me. I would worry a lot about resale. If you (apparently a very educated consumer because you are asking this question on a great website) are somewhat concerned about this, then an uneducated consumer might be very afraid of it. A sailboat is usually hard to sell even if it is great shape. I would be very cautious about one that has been modified in any substantial manner. You should be careful because when you move up to your next boat (and the rule is you have to add 2 foot a year) then you don't want anything standing in your way. Although -If it is a great deal then go for it.
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Jeff
Headsail
It is my experience that with a masthead rig the driving force is the headsail. The boat sails well without the mainsail up. I think the shorter mast wouldn't make much difference. As far as resale, work your purchase down and pass the savings along.
It is my experience that with a masthead rig the driving force is the headsail. The boat sails well without the mainsail up. I think the shorter mast wouldn't make much difference. As far as resale, work your purchase down and pass the savings along.
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Rick Webb
That is an Advantage
I have a buddy who has an 83 he is fixing to sell and a mast that was short enough to get under the bridges would be somthing definitly worthwhile. Anyone familiar with the 34 knows they are usually the tallest mast around so loping 18-24 inches off is insignificant. If it was done by the factory I would not even call it an alteration but is actually an option. The dealer in Ft Walton Beach even advertised it in his ad for the 340 a couple of summers back. If that is the only detractor on the boat grab it it is a wonderful boat.
I have a buddy who has an 83 he is fixing to sell and a mast that was short enough to get under the bridges would be somthing definitly worthwhile. Anyone familiar with the 34 knows they are usually the tallest mast around so loping 18-24 inches off is insignificant. If it was done by the factory I would not even call it an alteration but is actually an option. The dealer in Ft Walton Beach even advertised it in his ad for the 340 a couple of summers back. If that is the only detractor on the boat grab it it is a wonderful boat.
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Doug T.
Spreaders?!
Did the PO move the spreaders down a proportionate amount when he lopped the top off the mast? Potential problems if the spreaders were not moved: - On the upper set of spreaders, the tips need to bisect the angle that's made by the upper shroud. If the spreaders weren't moved, the angle probably wasn't adjusted either. This puts uneven stresses on the spreaders, their bases and the wire. - The angle of the upper shroud wire fitting at the mast would now be higher than the tangs were designed to accommodate. The unanticipated stresses there could cause early failure. - If the spreaders are not evenly spaced up the length of the mast, you will get bending moments that were not anticipated for in the design of the rig. It might be very tough to tune the rig so that your mast stays straight while under load. How does it look when sailing heeled over 15-20 degrees? If the spreaders were NOT moved, I'd definitly want to take a verrrrry close look at the rig.
Did the PO move the spreaders down a proportionate amount when he lopped the top off the mast? Potential problems if the spreaders were not moved: - On the upper set of spreaders, the tips need to bisect the angle that's made by the upper shroud. If the spreaders weren't moved, the angle probably wasn't adjusted either. This puts uneven stresses on the spreaders, their bases and the wire. - The angle of the upper shroud wire fitting at the mast would now be higher than the tangs were designed to accommodate. The unanticipated stresses there could cause early failure. - If the spreaders are not evenly spaced up the length of the mast, you will get bending moments that were not anticipated for in the design of the rig. It might be very tough to tune the rig so that your mast stays straight while under load. How does it look when sailing heeled over 15-20 degrees? If the spreaders were NOT moved, I'd definitly want to take a verrrrry close look at the rig.
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