Think about buying a Hunter 34

[BFLOYD825`]

I have been sailing for about 15 years and I am thinking about steeping up to a larger boat. I currently have a Buccaneer 240. (No jeers please. These sailing Winnabagos are unfairly maligned.) Anyway I am looking at ah H34 The owner died about a year ago and it has been neglected. It needs some TLC. Assuming that the engine, transmission, and running rigging are in decent shape what kind of issues should I look out for. It has a Yanmar engine and a generator. The price seems right but, I don't want to buy a pig in a poke. Supposedly, the widow just want to get rid of it. I have seen some really nice Hunter 34s around and they are popular in my area. I will primarily be using it to sail Mobile Bay and Mississippi Sound with some day trips into the Gulf of Mexico.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Bob

 

[Ed Schenck]

The H34 was one of the most popular boats Hunter made. Have you read the "Owner's Reviews"? There are 95 of them under "Boat Info": http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/in...&Itemid=248&task=3&kb=1&model=31&brand=Hunter . To see what owners have had to fix check "Hunter Owners Modifications" also under the Boat Info tab. They are lighter, not quite as solid as the Cherubinis that preceded them. But faster and with more interior room. I think they also have iron keels instead of lead. Overall excellent for the price if well kept.

 

[Dan Johnson]

Bob...

you could make a lot of worse choices. The H34 and any issues with it are well documented on this forum (and specifically in the Big Boat forum). We have many active owners here to answer your questions.

Get the boat surveyed. An estate sale could be the best price out there. Check Yachtworld's listings for comparisons. Over 1,200 produced between '83 and '87, with a number scattered all over the globe, having gotten there on their own bottoms.

At the right price you could end up with a great boat by making upgrade investments in gear--running rigging and sails will probably need the most attention.

Watch for more replys...

 

[Chuck Creel]

huunter 34's

Bob,
I am across the bay from you in Fairhope. I have spent the last 3 mont hs looking at H-34's from destin to Galveston bay and s. florida. They are very roomy boats compared to what you have now.
Re; issues, all boats have issues i think.
here are what are inherent to H-34's that if heard/found out.
1. mast compression/rot
2. chain plate attachments rusting and possible failure.
3. They are very trender steering boats but fast for their size.
4. when in a following sea, they have a tendacy to nose dive from swells getting under the stern and liftiing her stern, as in other boats as well ".

Having said all this, a good unbiased survey will be $$ well spent and most insurance companies will want a survey anyway. I know state farm does.

Again ALL boats have some kind of issues and if carefull you could wind up with a great boat.

My Hunter 30 is on the hard for abit getting refurbished and i just retired so if you wanna have lunch/coffee and talk h-34's give me a buzz.

Fair winds and good luck;

Capt Chuck

 

[BFLOYD825`]

I am going to take another look at the boat and see if it may any of those problems. I appreciate the replies.

Captain Chuck,

Good to hear from you as well. I keep my current boat at Dog River. I may get over to Fairhope one day soon to look around at boats. I will give you a call.

Thanks,

Bob

 

[Bob Poff]

Bob.

A wonderful boat. I've had mine for a few years now. Moved up from a Macgregor 22 (another maligned boat). Not even taking the time to look at other boats.

As with anything made by man of that age (mine is a 1983) there are some problems as noted above.

Here are my additions:
If the boat is out of the water take a good look at the rudder. I think there have been quite a few people on here who have had structural problems with the internal frame. Especially if there's been water intrusion.

Along with the compression post, check for a wet/mushy deck about the mast.

Another running theme is wet/soft cabin sole. In particular the galley area.

On mine we found the bronze shaft log had nearly coroded away to nothing.

There's the ever popular Yanmar add a relay in the starter solenoid line modification.

And if at first you notice it lists to starboard a bit, that's normal for the 34 due to weight distribution of the fixed equipment.

 

[Dan Johnson]

Compression Post Rot

Bob Poff's correct that there have been issues with the compression post and cross beam rotting due to water penetration. It should be noted that this is more common on boats made after 1983 that did not have the aluminum mast base casting (normally painted black) under the mast. Later boats without the base had water intrusion around the deck electrical pass-thru tubing inside the mast because of too short of a stand-off. Wrinkles in the fiberglass of the cross-beam arch on the head side of the mast post are the telltale signs.

The chainplate issue is a relatively new one on the forum and bears watching to see if it is endemic to the model run.

These boats also had gate not ball valve thru-hulls that need to be looked at in survey and replaced immediately if necessary.

Fixed port light leaks are common, as are gasket compression leaks of the opening ports due to age-affected rigidity--solutions for both well documented on the forum.

The Yanmar is near bullet proof with prescribed regular care. The relay issue is due to an insufficient gauge wire between the starter button and the starter motor solenoid--another well documented solution that exists.

You'l need at least 12K but probably better off with 16K air conditioning down there. Battery location is a PITA, but others have moved them to other locations within the salon. Two water tanks, one on the port side and one in the stern (if you can't find it). Replacement rudders from Foss Foam in Florida are available if needed. Earliest models may have smaller rudders (came from the H31), later ones are a little broader. Have not noticed any problems with mine.

Under sail, it is a tad tender above 15 knots due to the tall rig, but the first reef in the main should be in by then. Run a 135 headsail to not overpower it. Ran across the Chesapeake last fall with just a partially rolled in 135 in 25+ knots, doing over 6 knots SOG--had no tendency to bury the nose in the quartering sea of 3 to 4 footers. Performs very well in light air on a broad reach too. Steering hasn't been noted as tender, but doesn't like a heavy weather helm (traveller down helps). Prop walks to port in reverse, but driving straight with a light throttle hand can be learned and achieved.

 

[kloudie1]

Bob and Dan are absolutely correct.. as are notes by other 34 owners.. I have had mine for 19 years now and still love the old girl.. I would have replied sooner but I am actually working on my compression post.. Not a bad job and has been well documented here on the forum.. The chainplate issue can be seen by looking into the cubbies where the big stainless tie bar from the chainplate is threaded into the top of a carbon steel angle iron. There should not be rusty scale around where the stainless rod threads into the iron. If there is, pick around (with owner’s agreement) with a screwdriver to see if it is superficial or a real concern.. Alert the surveyor either way..
The 34 is a fine boat.

 

[mark_swart]

Something else to think about -- you are jumping up a few 'size classes'. So, factor in more expense for everything (from bottom paint to cordage to dockage to sails). Also, the bigger boat will take more effort to sail (to raise the sails, sheet them in, etc.).
Those were things I didn't quite think about before I bought mine. Not that it would deter me from buying the boat again.
And also, think about the draft of the bigger boat -- there is a shoal draft (4'3?) and deep draft (5'6). Make sure it suits your sailing grounds or be prepared to make adjustments.
Nobody mentioned the fact these boats seem to also have some difficult-to-trace leaks in the cabin. Maybe the companionway, maybe the sea hood, who knows. My leaks show up in different places depending on the trim of the boat (which water tanks are full) and whether or not it is floating or on the hard.
Bottom line -- I think the H34 is the biggest, fastest boat you will find in that price range. Big and fast were my two primary concerns, so I'm learning to love all the rest.