Hunter 34 rudder

[Marauder]

Hello Hunter owners,
I'm looking at potential purchase of a 80's Hunter 34 in NZ. I've read about the common issues to look out for, but can't figure out how to identify if the boat has the improved rudder, or early undersized one. Photos of boat out of water shows a rudder that looks a little shorter (or more square) than what I have seen on a couple other photos of other boats, but hard to be sure.
Its being sold as an '86, so should have the newer rudder, but who knows if that is actual boat age...
Does anyone have the dimensions of each rudder model?
Also, can I determine age of boat by the HIN, and where is that found on these boats?
Thanks very much in advance,
Dan

 

[marcham]

Maybe try this: Free HIN number Decoder for any Boat, Hull, or Vessel - HINDecoder.com

The HIN will be on the aft starboard side of the hull, near the hull to deck joint.

 

[jssailem]

Welcome Dan.
Perhaps a picture of the rudder in question will trigger some helpful responses.

There is a rudder manufacture who may be able to help.

The Foss Company Makes Quality Sailboat Rudders and Dagger Boards that Can Be Shipped Anywhere in the World from Newport Beach, California

The Foss Company Makes Quality Sailboat Rudders and Dagger Boards that Can Be Shipped Anywhere in the World from Newport Beach, California

www.fossfoam.com

I know they have helped a couple of Hunter owners.

They also have a shop in Florida.

Standard Rudders

Standard replacement rudder molds we have in stock, Hunter rudder, Cal rudder, O'Day rudder, Morgan rudder, Endeavour rudder, Beneteau rudder, Catalina rudder, Irwin rudder, Pearson rudder.

www.newrudders.com

Their site identifies “Standard Rudders”.

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

Hi Dan and welcome
I have had an 84 since 2000 and for all I know it has the newer rudder Foss Foam came out with soon after Hunter launched the 34 model. In 2017, I had some delamination and repaired it. Here is a picture of the rudder after repairs and another of the boat showing the keel and the rudder. I have the shoaldraft model (4' 3''). The 2 pics while the boat is being lauched will give you a better idea. Good luck with the purchase.

 

[Marauder]

Thanks guys for the replies and info, much appreciated.
The HIN says its an 1985.
Claude your rudder looks very similar proportions to my eye. The boat is the deeper fin keel model.

 

[jssailem]

Good looking boat bottom.

 

[JamesG161]

You can find the owners manual and more on Hunter 34.

Hunter resources, by model

Jim...