We are considering purchasing a 1989 Hunter 33.5 to cruise on LI sound. The boat has the bulb keel configurationWe were looking for a boat that was more comfortable than fast and stiffer as opposed to tender. We have no experience with Hunter's and would appreciate some input and thoughts from current owners before we make the purchase. Also we have heard that the 2 cylinder Yanmar in marginal for this boat. Any truth to that? Thanks In Adnvance Marc Potkin Westport Ct.
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Bil Thomas Feng Shui
33.5
We own an '88 33.5 which we have had for several years. We sail on the Cheaspeake Bay. It does like to be reefed early. Our first reef goes in at about 14-15kts of wind. Knock a reef in and the boat steers and sails very quick. We have no trouble keeping up or passing most of the boats around us as well as being able to sail well up wind. We don't find the winged keel to be much of a negative. The engine is marginally but is reliable and uses very little fuel. We are satisfied with the engine. We prefer to sail as much as possible rather than run the engine.
We own an '88 33.5 which we have had for several years. We sail on the Cheaspeake Bay. It does like to be reefed early. Our first reef goes in at about 14-15kts of wind. Knock a reef in and the boat steers and sails very quick. We have no trouble keeping up or passing most of the boats around us as well as being able to sail well up wind. We don't find the winged keel to be much of a negative. The engine is marginally but is reliable and uses very little fuel. We are satisfied with the engine. We prefer to sail as much as possible rather than run the engine.
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Bob Fuller
Thumbs up!
We purchased a 1990 33.5 last year and the seven of us in our family enjoy the roominess. She is a good sailor, fast and comfortable. She is tender if you don't trim her sails and reef when you should. As for her 2GM20F, we can motor at 6.2k(GPS) at 2800 RPM. At sail, we can get 6.5-6.8k with the prevailing 15-20 mph winds in Galveston Bay. We have hit 7.4k, again by GPS. We can't think of any reason we would want any more boat than this. Good luck. Bob S/V Frolic Some
We purchased a 1990 33.5 last year and the seven of us in our family enjoy the roominess. She is a good sailor, fast and comfortable. She is tender if you don't trim her sails and reef when you should. As for her 2GM20F, we can motor at 6.2k(GPS) at 2800 RPM. At sail, we can get 6.5-6.8k with the prevailing 15-20 mph winds in Galveston Bay. We have hit 7.4k, again by GPS. We can't think of any reason we would want any more boat than this. Good luck. Bob S/V Frolic Some
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Chris
We sail our 33.5
on Long Island Sound. Just got back from a 2 week vacation from Elizabeth Islands and Martha's Vineyard. Great boat for a family. Sails well, plenty or room, but the small motor is a little frustrating. I would recommend buying. Good value for the dollar.
on Long Island Sound. Just got back from a 2 week vacation from Elizabeth Islands and Martha's Vineyard. Great boat for a family. Sails well, plenty or room, but the small motor is a little frustrating. I would recommend buying. Good value for the dollar.
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Dick Carey
Hunter 33.5
We bought a 1990 Hunter 33.5 in May of 1999. We now have 2 1/2 seasons with it an love it. I agree with all the other posts on this. The 2 Cyl Yanmar (2GM20(f)) is a bit under powered for this boat (it's 18 hp), but.. good enough for us. You can't go "Hull Speed" with this engine, but you can move along. In later years of the 33.5 model, Hunter changed to a 3 Cylinfer (27hp) to increase speed. We sail it in RI waters. Not a bit sorry that we bought it. Dick Carey S/V Puffin 1990 H-33.5
We bought a 1990 Hunter 33.5 in May of 1999. We now have 2 1/2 seasons with it an love it. I agree with all the other posts on this. The 2 Cyl Yanmar (2GM20(f)) is a bit under powered for this boat (it's 18 hp), but.. good enough for us. You can't go "Hull Speed" with this engine, but you can move along. In later years of the 33.5 model, Hunter changed to a 3 Cylinfer (27hp) to increase speed. We sail it in RI waters. Not a bit sorry that we bought it. Dick Carey S/V Puffin 1990 H-33.5
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Steve O.
love mine
The boat sails very well in light and medium air, but with the big mainsail you will want to reef at about 16-18 kn. and she will handle nicely after that. The 2GM is a little light but only a problem if motoring into wind and chop. Great value, lots of room.
The boat sails very well in light and medium air, but with the big mainsail you will want to reef at about 16-18 kn. and she will handle nicely after that. The 2GM is a little light but only a problem if motoring into wind and chop. Great value, lots of room.
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Jim Kissinger
Love Mine
We love our 33.5 but do have the 3 cylinder engine. The cockpit is roomier than many larger boats. It is great boat for taking out a group of people and having a good time. It rounds up a little too much in stiff breezes, but other than that it is wonderful fun. Good Luck, Jim S/V Sol Mates
We love our 33.5 but do have the 3 cylinder engine. The cockpit is roomier than many larger boats. It is great boat for taking out a group of people and having a good time. It rounds up a little too much in stiff breezes, but other than that it is wonderful fun. Good Luck, Jim S/V Sol Mates
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Doug
Engine and more..
We sail in the Puget Sound. We also are somewhat of the fair weather sailors ourselves. That being said, we can motor at about 6.5 knts with 2800 rpm using a Campbell Sailor fixed 3 blade. Hit 7 knots with just our new tape drive 150 genny last weekend in about 18 knts on a close reach against our log and gps sog. Plenty fast. My thoughts on engine....I want to sail, 2 cylinders means much less maintanence and let's face it, less weight in the ass. Ours is an 88 and we have completely refitted and love the boat. And yes, reef early. It's a very tall rig for a 33 footer. Doug
We sail in the Puget Sound. We also are somewhat of the fair weather sailors ourselves. That being said, we can motor at about 6.5 knts with 2800 rpm using a Campbell Sailor fixed 3 blade. Hit 7 knots with just our new tape drive 150 genny last weekend in about 18 knts on a close reach against our log and gps sog. Plenty fast. My thoughts on engine....I want to sail, 2 cylinders means much less maintanence and let's face it, less weight in the ass. Ours is an 88 and we have completely refitted and love the boat. And yes, reef early. It's a very tall rig for a 33 footer. Doug
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Ivana
Female single hands her 33.5
I am a female single handing my Hunter 33.5 with absolutely no problems. The boat is easy to handle but I have added gear to help me like Autopilot, windlass,single line reefing, Strong mainsail system and an extra winch. This boat has always taken care of me and I take care of her.
I am a female single handing my Hunter 33.5 with absolutely no problems. The boat is easy to handle but I have added gear to help me like Autopilot, windlass,single line reefing, Strong mainsail system and an extra winch. This boat has always taken care of me and I take care of her.
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