What's in a cherubini

[texasliam]

We are considering a couple of boats for a coastal cruiser that can do the caribean. We are in Galveston.
Are either of these suitable:
36 hunter cherubini 81, draft 4'11
33 hunter cherubini quest, draft 4'

and how is a cherubini different from a regular hunter?
Sorry for the new guy questions.

Liam

 

[Steve Dion]

The Cherubini was the early models of Hunters. They were designed by John Cherubini. Approx. 1974 - 1984 models.

 

[Ed Schenck]

There a few hundred Cherubini owners on this site, from the H25 to the H37C. We are all ridiculously biased. The boats were built solidly before they knew how thin they could make the hulls. All lead keels and solid fiberglass. We like the traditional lines and the way they sail. And, of course, we like the entry price.

But they are all old boats. So a purchase requires a good surveryor. On this site you can find the fix for any problem that you encounter. Or you will get the advice to walk away. Finding the problems before the sale gives you a lot of negotiating leverage.

We have a few H36 bigots and a whole bunch that own H33s. For Florida and island waters the shoal draft is an advantage. The H36 does not have an aft cabin which might be an advantage for some. Certainly gives you more locker space. But those guys and girls will all ring in I am sure.

 

[Johnb]

Aye to what Ed says, plus another thing about the HC37 is how well it sails for how it's age and how stoutly it is built. After 10 years we love ours.

 

[jorgefife]

And here goes nothing: as a new owner of a Hunter 33 (1982), come over and see what I have done to this boat which was a casualty of Ike
I am in Seabrooke, so about 30 miles from Galveston
What most impressed me were the lines of the bow, and the profile
Yanmar diesel had not been started for years, fired right up and sounds like a Singer sowing machine
I am also very biased, but have noticed solid fiberglass throughout the boat; the neighbours at the marina are amazed how this boat looks now, all to my credit
And as Ed & Steve stated, you will get plenty of help from everyone
Come on over anytime; and of you need parts, I will show you a salvage yard to scavenge from
I have posted stupid questions, but someone always answers and helps; and it is due to their help that I have come this far
Great people on this forum...

 

[jorgefife]

Liam,
Just occurred to me that someone I know was selling a Hunter 33 (1980 I think) for a very good price
The boat is in great shape, and I actually went sailing to check it out; he knew I had one, but still took me out.
It is about 1 mile from where I am, also in Seabrook (the boat is in Kemah)
Friday is the day I take off to work on my boat: last Friday I was busy falling off one such boat at the salvage yard, and left a lot of skin at the yard, but if interested, I can give you his name and you can contact him
Regards
Jorge

 

[rardiH36]

Here is a link to Hunter's 1982 brochure for their line of boats designed by Cherubini, lengths 27 - 37 ft. This edition highlights the 36:

http://huntermarine.com/Models/HunterPreviousModels/36_1982.pdf

I bought my 1980 Cherubini H36 several years ago. My first boat. Everything was in great shape with the hull and main systems, but it needed cosmetic work which has been done. Absolutely no regrets about my choice. We've enjoyed it. I like the lines and the way it sails. No surprises. Price was 50% less (or even less) than other production boats (Ericson, Catalina, Pearson, Islander, etc) from the same era. But I could see no reason why this should be so. The Cherubini Hunters are robustly built boats and do not have any more problems than other production boats of the late 70's through early 80's. Interiors are full of nice teak and all have great headroom. As others have stated already, its important to have any boat professionally surveyed. Also a consideratioin with any older boat is whether you like working with stuff... are you a DIY'er?. If so, maintaining/improving an older boat can be fun and rewording. If not, then make sure any older model has been totally restored by the p.o.

 

[Ed Schenck]

What is NOT in a Cherubini.

Maybe to be fair we should discuss what you will miss by not buying a newer design. Or what is different since I do not miss these features.

You will not get the big aft cabin. Admittedly a nice feature. But it comes with a price, more windage and a higher CE due to the tall freeboard.

You will not get big plastic windows with a bright interior. Usually these are non-opening and contribute only light, not air.

You will not get a large cockpit with a walk-through transom. Nice for parties, swimming, and getting into the dinghy. Glad I didn't have it on those rough nights in the Atlantic.

You will not get a large well insulated refrigerator and a propane stove unless a previous owner did the modification. Propane is a problem because of the lack of space for a vented locker.

You might find the traveler in the cockpit instead of on the cabin top. It is where I prefer it for end-boom sheeting. Most want it up top.

Geez, now that I review what I wrote maybe I need to trade up. That H46 I chartered in St. Pete has all those features. As seen below in front of Marina Jack's.

 

[capejt]

Cherubini owners biased? Oh say it ain't so!!
I've sailed many differant designs over the years, and while some are good in light winds, some are good in heavy seas, you'll never find an all around solid, safe and surprisingly good performer.
You know those commercials where the guy just bought his third Honda or whatever? I'm so impressed with his design of my 1979 H33 that the only reason I'd part with my boat, satisfaction wise, is if I could find one in better condition (or maybe newer)

 

[Joe23455]

I purchased my 36 in 2003, the price seemed ok based on the other boats I was looking at. I love the way she sails and handles the sea's I've encountered.
The yanmar is a great engine. I have put alot of time and money into her
but it is the solid construction, robust rigging, nice handling characteristics, and for me a very comfortable cabin layout that wants me to continue sailing her for years to come.
Lord Willing.