Hi there. Thoughts on which we should purchase? We are looking at a '79 Hunter 33 (Yanmar), a '78 Tartan 30 (Yanmar) and '78 T34 (atomic4) and a '76 C & C 33 (atomic4). All are incredibly reasonably priced, in good condition and well maintained. The Hunter 33 is the most loaded with things like new found metals portholes and new water system with hot and cold running water. I love the interior layout of the Hunter the best. I love the richness and quality of the Tartan 34. I love the smaller size of the T30 on our pocket book , condition and we can get some spare cushions for cockpit and interior for backup as well as single hand her easier. I like the simplicity and original condition of the C & C. The C & C needs the most to turn it into a cruising boat for us. It is also the least expensive and comes with a really nice dingy and outboard. The Hunter needs the least modification (none). The T34 is stunning but light on electronics, which is fine. We must make a decision. Hunter owners, any thoughts on why we might want to go with the H 33? What should we know about in the vintage H33? For some reason, I am very drawn to Tartans from the 60s and 70s, but all the goodies on the H33 is luring me her way, (and her incredibly reasonable price). Thanks for your thoughts.
Hunter Cherubini 33 vs Tartan 34
- Thread starter jeniloohoo
- Start date
What kind of cruising do you plan? On a boat of this age, getting the best possible survey is critical. How old are the electronics? Often, older electronics are not so useful.
John Cherubini, designer of all the 70’s Hunters called the 33 “the queen of the fleet.”
John Cherubini, designer of all the 70’s Hunters called the 33 “the queen of the fleet.”
All of these are well thought of indeed. It's hard to vote without knowing what the plan is for the boat.
I'm pretty sure the T30's original engine was an A4, so it's been repowered. What about the others?
I'm pretty sure the T30's original engine was an A4, so it's been repowered. What about the others?
Hi David and Drew,
Thanks so much for your replies. We are doing coastal cruising and day sailing in Maine. Typically 2-6 adults. The T30 was repowered in 98 and only has about 700 hours. The other engines are original. Condition is excellent in all, including chain plates, bottoms, decks, and rigging, with the exception of the C & C which needs new rigging. The C & C also would require a roller furling system, and a few self tailing winches. None of them have a ton of electronics. We looked for boats without that so we can add what we want. I sailed 8,000 miles with a lead line, Taff rail log and a sextant, so we are not high maintenance people, BUT the Hunter 33 has some really nice amenities like the on demand hot water that is brand new. The T 30 would allow our 19 year old son to eventually single hand, and live aboard in the summers, though any of them would be comfortable for him during the summer. We have access to a rebuilt atomic 4 and a rebuilt Westerbeake 30 around $2k each, and a full set of new cockpit and interior cushions for the T30. Thanks. Just really wondering Hunter vs. Tartan. Maybe they are pretty even if condition is the same?
Thanks so much for your replies. We are doing coastal cruising and day sailing in Maine. Typically 2-6 adults. The T30 was repowered in 98 and only has about 700 hours. The other engines are original. Condition is excellent in all, including chain plates, bottoms, decks, and rigging, with the exception of the C & C which needs new rigging. The C & C also would require a roller furling system, and a few self tailing winches. None of them have a ton of electronics. We looked for boats without that so we can add what we want. I sailed 8,000 miles with a lead line, Taff rail log and a sextant, so we are not high maintenance people, BUT the Hunter 33 has some really nice amenities like the on demand hot water that is brand new. The T 30 would allow our 19 year old son to eventually single hand, and live aboard in the summers, though any of them would be comfortable for him during the summer. We have access to a rebuilt atomic 4 and a rebuilt Westerbeake 30 around $2k each, and a full set of new cockpit and interior cushions for the T30. Thanks. Just really wondering Hunter vs. Tartan. Maybe they are pretty even if condition is the same?
PS They are all between $6-9 K. I cannot believe how inexpensive some boats are. We have seen some real eyesores at the same price. These are the cream of the crop.
Looks like you would be happy with any one of the boats mentioned. I would say go for the Hunter 33.
OK, I would go with the T30 for the engine and because I'm biased that smaller is better. They're also great sailors. That said, the Hunter 33C is a great boat and is well thought of by very experienced mariners. If the extra space is useful, you can't go wrong with a well maintained specimen.
Rub rail for Hunter sailboats
After many years of shortage, we now offer rub rails for most Hunters from the late-90s and newer. Insert and keeper/track available.
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Well we did go for the Tartan 30. She has had the same owner for 25 years and he put his money in the right places and retained her as nearly original. Drew, you are right about the Diesel. And the access in Tartan's in insanely wonderful. So I won't be in the Hunter's owner forum. 
Thanks everyone! There is a very nice 33 Cherubini for sale in Connecticut this coming weekend. I would encourage folks to look for it in Craigslist in anyone is in the market! She is only $8,900 asking and appears to be in great shape with all kinds of extras and goodies.
Thanks everyone! There is a very nice 33 Cherubini for sale in Connecticut this coming weekend. I would encourage folks to look for it in Craigslist in anyone is in the market! She is only $8,900 asking and appears to be in great shape with all kinds of extras and goodies.