Masthead Photo H34

[TacticalHeat197]

Hello Everyone,
This is my first post to the forum, so I will ask for forgiveness of my sailing ignorance in advance. As the weather warms I will be taking the first sailing class, so again please forgive my lack of knowledge.
I am looking at purchasing a 1983 H34, probably going to pull the trigger within the next week. I have been scouring this forum trying to learn as much as I can. In doing that I actually came across some post that reference the H34 I am looking at purchasing.

Bill Thiers actually posted this photo of the halyard situation. Well as far as I know it still exist in this configuration. My question is this, anyone have any idea on the cost to repair correctly? As I understand the sheaves (not sure if I using correct terminology) in the mast are frozen. So I presume they will need replacing. Cost? Difficulty? Any thoughts apprectiated.

 

[Terry Cox]

My question is this, anyone have any idea on the cost to repair correctly? As I understand the sheaves (not sure if I using correct terminology) in the mast are frozen. So I presume they will need replacing. Cost? Difficulty?

Hard to tell from your photo the problem. It would help if you could tell us the mast brand. Isomat, maybe? Common on Hunters. Different model boat here, but our Isomat mast head sheaves are contained in a block insert that drops into the head. Our head has a cap that once removed gains access. Depending upon condition of the sheaves (chips, cracks, etc.) it may just be a matter of freeing them up with some elbow grease.

Here is a Rig Rite website that will help determine your particular mast and model. You will need the foot print dimensions of your mast: http://www.rigrite.com

 

[TacticalHeat197]

Thanks Terry,
That should get me started. I am assuming the sheaves inside of the mast froze up or are no longer functional. So it appears that another block/sheave was rigged on the external portion of the mast. I don't know that I like that are trust it very much. A quick easy fix I presume for the person that owned it before. Thanks again for the info.

 

[kloudie1]

This from my 1985 model.. and another from a forum member.. Yours may be different
I have two jib halyards and a spinnaker halyard block and the roller furler on the headstay. On the aft side, one sheave for the main halyard, the backstay attachment and the topping lift (boom support wire) .. Not good shots of what you want to see, I am afraid.

 

[HMT2]

I have a 1983 Hunter 31 a small sister ship to yours. These two boats have much in common. It is not terribly expensive to replace the sheeves themselves, the big expense is having the mast taken down and reinstalled. When we replaced all of our standing rigging we had the sheeves replaced at the top and bottom of the mast.

 

[TacticalHeat197]

HMT2,
Thanks for the reply. Good to know. I just made an offer on the boat conditional on no major issues with survey and the seller accepted. Nervous as hell to say the least.

Thanks for all of the input.

 

[HMT2]

HMT2,
Thanks for the reply. Good to know. I just made an offer on the boat conditional on no major issues with survey and the seller accepted. Nervous as hell to say the least.

Thanks for all of the input.

It’s a good boat. Be sure and check the compression post!

 

[Terry Cox]

Good to know. I just made an offer on the boat conditional on no major issues with survey and the seller accepted.

Congrats on your new boat. Now the fun begins. We have lots of opinions here, some good some better, most all from experience. Glad to help whenever we can. Please let us know the outcome of your sheave situation, even the progress made.

 

[Capt Robbie]

Tachticalheat19,
Welcome,
I am original owner 1983 h34 the mast is most likely mfg by Kenyon it should have a metal label on the front of the mast.
Most of the h34 had Kenyon masts that had hull numbers under 300-380 or there about. Then they introduced a newer mast step for the 84 series.

The shives are most likely just frozen and need to be cleaned and lubricated. Rig rite can help you with just about anything, plus this site has great contacts to get parts it you need them.

Don't be nervous the h34 were great solid built boats, really not much on them that can't be fixed. Most common issue was compression post issues, however lots of ways to fix/repair it from lots of owners here. Not really a deal breaker if you need to do this. Again lost of owners have done this themselves and not a lot of $$$$ if you do it yourself.

Not all boats had this issue, seams to be a little bit more then about 25% from what I have read and seen.

Anyway great all around boat for cruising or weekend trips.
I have taught sailing on 75 plus Boats and I still feel that this era of the h34 was arguably one of the most innovative production boat the Hunter ever produced of that era.

Good luck
You will find that this forum has an amazing bunch of members here that are passionate about sailing and helping fellow members.

Again good luck and welcome aboard.

 

[Blitz]

Most likely Kenyon mast section #4873. Looks like mine except my boat is keel stepped.
The mast head just unbolts to gain access to the sheaves.
My Sheaves were not too smooth either. I believe I used Garhauer Marine for replacement of my sheaves about ten years ago.
https://www.garhauermarine.com/mast-boom/mast-sheaves.html