Hello, We consider a Hunter 33.5 for our first boat (1989-1990). Your opinion would help makink a decision about the boat. I have limited fresh water sailing experience. My dad had a Mirage27 when I was a teen and I have sailed on a Jeaneau38 on Lake Ontario. I have sailed dingies and small cats also. My wife has no sailing experience sailing but she was in the navy before. We are looking for a sail boat mostly for crusing the Bahamas from december 2004 to april 2005. (We will be taking an half-year sabatical) We have a baby so I like the aft state room on the H33.5. We plan on buying a H33.5 somewhere in new england next fall. We plan on sailing the boat next summer in order to gain some experience before going south the following winter. Of course I know that this boat is not a real blue water cruiser and we plan on getting a bigger boat when we get enough experience. Also I like the idea of not spending to much money for our first boat in case we don't like cruising. Would a Hunter 33.5 make a good island cruiser for a small family? I tink so. These boat range in the 38-40k, we would consider upgrading some equipments before going south. Our budget for the boat is max 50,000US$. Should we choose an other boat? Thanks for your help.