Want to buy a Hunter 33. What to look for? Questions to ask?

[CoolHandLuke]

Hi sailors. This is my first post, but I'm excited to get things started and very curious on the whole process.

I've been sailing for the last 10 years as crew and only the last 2 years as skipper. I've been to the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, BVI, St. Martin, Croatia, etc.

Most recently I've been sailing in Raritan Bay in New Jersey.

In any case, I'm looking to purchase a used Hunter 33 and would love to get your input. It's my first boat that I'll be purchasing and I'd love to get your input on the steps I should follow and the questions I should be asking.

Transportation from where it is now to where I am in NJ?
Getting a survey done?
Insurance?
What to ask the broker?

Thanks, guys!! I am much, much obliged.

And, if anyone is in the NY/NJ/CT area, I'd love to go sailing and get your input... pick a marina/restaurant and first beer is on me!

 

[trainmanjess]

hello

do not know much about the hunters, but most questions should be pretty standard....

1) when was the bottom last cleaned and painted? what kind of paint is on the bottom?


2) are there any soft spots on the deck or hull?

3) I assume it is a keel stepped mast.... when was the compression/tabernacle last inspected and what was found ?

4) when was the electrical up dated? electronics last checked out and verified to work properly ?

5) when were all the lines last updated ?

6) what condition are the sails in ?

7) what kind of auxillary is in the boat, and when was it last serviced ?

8) has there been any hull damage, and if so, when was it repaired ?

9) how many anchors, sizes, and rodes ?

10) what shape are the zinks? when were they last changed?

11) when was the standing rigging last inspected ? and the findings ?

12) when was the plumbing and heads last inspected, and the findings ?

13) when was the boat last hauled and inspected ?

14) when was the fridge and stove last inspected ?

15) if there is anything that doesn't work will you (the brokereage) or the owner fix them before I buy the boat ??????????????????

these are just a few questions I can think of... you might want to write down anything else you can think of that might be a concern to you.... once you have spent some time on the boat, you will make your own list of improvements you want to do to the boat....

I own a 1971 Morgan 35, docked in the Chesapeake/Portsmouth area.... I got it off craigs list... cheap... it needs some work to make it mine.... it still reflects the past owners taste... my wife and I will start changing things this spring when we go down to spend time on it ...

have fun sailing....

sincerely
Jess

 

[meb135]

The Hunter 33 has changed considerably through the years. What years are you looking at?

Marc

 

[Scott B]

Re: Want to buy a Hunter 33. What to look for? Questions to

A very good read.

http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=102541

 

[Stu Jackson]

Re: Want to buy a Hunter 33. What to look for? Questions to

Scott beat me to posting that link, thanks, Scott.

Jesse's suggestions are a summary of Scott's link.

With your experience, I think you'll already know what to look for for starters.

Happy hunting.

Don't forget to get in the places you plan to sleep and see if they work for you.

And do the dipstick test.

http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=390803&highlight=dipstick test

 

[rardiH36]

I tend to suggest the following when responding to your type of question. My take is that there are just too many features and systems on mid/large sailboats to be adequately explained and covered by forum responses:

==========================================

Certainly the very best DIY inspection guide is "Inspecting the Aging Sailboat" by Don Casey.

Here is a link to the Kindle version on Amazon. Better if you have time to secure a physical copy.

http://www.amazon.com/Inspecting-Sai...aging+sailboat

I had my copy in hand when deciding whether to buy my very first sailboat (1980 36' Hunter) in 2007. I had no prior experience with sailboat ownership. I still own and have had no regrets buying my boat. The boat was on the hard so I could see a lot. I spent an afternoon looking into everything by my lonesome with the book. After reaching agreement with the seller, I was in attendance during the survey. When I got the surveyor's report, he found only a couple of items that I had not already identified from the book. And he also got wrong a few things that I called him on.

Don't be rushed with your DIY inspection. If it takes all afternoon and even into the evening take the time.

Don Casey's guide will assist you making the assessments.

==========================

What model year is the 33 you are considering to buy? If 1977-1983, its a Cherubini Hunter. This site has a sub-forum dedicated to Cherubini Hunters. If you need some specific info, go to the Cherubini forum.

 

[Dunlookin]

I had the same questions seven years ago when I bought my 1978 33' Hunter. The primary question is, "What is your Budget?" Nothing else is as important. That decision will drive that delicate ratio between boat length...and age.

Yacht World will give you great insight on what you get for what you spend. The best advice anyone can give is buy what you can afford (and afford to maintain) now. Don't wait for a bigger budget, a dream boat, a retirement.

There are geniuses on this website who have helped me greatly. They delight in solving the most complex problems with the gentle hand of someone teaching a child to walk (and really, isn't that what we are doing?).

I am in southern NJ. My boat in Aberdeen, MD. If you want to make the trip sometime I will show you the few things I know...and some boats for sale at Tidewater Marina, Havre de Grace, MD. Winter is the best time to look and compare. Sailors have made the decision to get rid of thier boat and prices often reflect that.

Send me a PM if you want to make the trip.

 

[CoolHandLuke]

Thanks for all the input guys. I really appreciate it. Let me gather some thoughts together and some info and I'll post more ASAP.

It's a 2004 Hunter 33 that's been neglected

 

[Ken13559]

Re: Want to buy a Hunter 33. What to look for? Questions to

If you could get a catalog of that year model, you can start checking those standard items to see if its there and their condition. There's also optional items in catalog as well.

 

[Scott B]

Here's a copy of the Owners Manual.

http://www.marlow-hunter.com/export/Owners-Manuals/33 Owners Manual 2004.pdf


And Brochure

http://www.marlow-hunter.com/export/Brochures/33_2004_2012.pdf


Attached pdf is a Ball Valve recall, that probably affects that boat. You will also want to check on the Yanmar overheating issue, that some had the heat exchanger replaced.

If the boat has been neglected, you should / need to have a survey done. It's not much expense vs. the cost of the boat vs. what it could cost you if it hasn't been maintained.

 

[CoolHandLuke]

Thank you again for all your input guys. So I decided to go ahead and sign the preliminary contract and put in a $2,500 deposit. Wish me luck! I'll keep you guys posted

 

[CoolHandLuke]

Re: Want to buy a Hunter 33. What to look for? Questions to

Hey guys! They accepted

Hmmm... what's next?

 

[Scott B]

Re: Want to buy a Hunter 33. What to look for? Questions to

Did you make it conditional on Survey and Sea Trial?

Will then have to wait for snow to melt.....

 

[Pusur]

Congrats on your boat

We bought a 2006 in June, and really like the boat very much

 

[David Knapp]

Re: Want to buy a Hunter 33. What to look for? Questions to

I have a 2004 Hunter 33 love it . get the in mast furling if you can makes life easer. Dave

 

[CoolHandLuke]

Re: Want to buy a Hunter 33. What to look for? Questions to

Thanks, guys. But, the deal fell through. After I saw how much damage was inside and what the boat went through - the fact that it was a 2004 boat meant nothing. It looked worse than a boat from the 70's or 80's