34 foot hunter sailboat specs

• New Sailboats
• Sailboats 21-30ft
• Sailboats 31-35ft
• Sailboats 36-40ft
• Sailboats Over 40ft
• Sailboats Under 21feet
• used_sailboats
• Apps and Computer Programs
• Communications
• Fishfinders
• Handheld Electronics
• Plotters MFDS Rradar
• Wind, Speed & Depth Instruments
• Anchoring Mooring
• Running Rigging
• Sails Canvas
• Standing Rigging
• Diesel Engines
• Off Grid Energy
• Cleaning Waxing
• DIY Projects
• Repair, Tools & Materials
• Spare Parts
• Tools & Gadgets
• Cabin Comfort
• Ventilation
• Footwear Apparel
• Foul Weather Gear
• Mailport & PS Advisor
• Inside Practical Sailor Blog
• Activate My Web Access
• Reset Password
• Customer Service

• Free Newsletter

Mason 33 Used Boat Review

Beneteau 311, Catalina 310 and Hunter 326 Used Boat Comparison

Maine Cat 41 Used Boat Review

Cheoy Lee Clipper 36 & 42 Used Boat Review

Tips From A First “Sail” on the ICW

Tillerpilot Tips and Safety Cautions

Best Crimpers and Strippers for Fixing Marine Electrical Connectors

Thinking Through a Solar Power Installation

Stopping Mainsheet Twist

Working with High-Tech Ropes

Getting a Clue for the Blown-Out Clew

Monel Seizing Wire is Worth the Extra Cost

Fuel Lift Pump: Easy DIY Diesel Fuel System Diagnostic and Repair

Ensuring Safe Shorepower

Sinking? Check Your Stuffing Box

The Rain Catcher’s Guide

Boat Maintenance for the Technically Illiterate: Part 1

Whats the Best Way to Restore Clear Plastic Windows?

Mastering Precision Drilling: How to Use Drill Guides

Giving Bugs the Big Goodbye

Galley Gadgets for the Cruising Sailor

Those Extras you Don’t Need But Love to Have

UV Clothing: Is It Worth the Hype?

Preparing Yourself for Solo Sailing

How to Select Crew for a Passage or Delivery

Preparing A Boat to Sail Solo

On Watch: This 60-Year-Old Hinckley Pilot 35 is Also a Working…

On Watch: America’s Cup

On Watch: All Eyes on Europe Sail Racing

Dear Readers

Chafe Protection for Dock Lines

• Sailboat Reviews

Like other Hunters, the 34 bears the stamp of a mass-produced boat--but she's better than older Hunters.

When the Hunter 34 was introduced in late 1982, it was the second of the “modern” generation of Hunters, the first being the rather remarkable Hunter 54. The Hunter company has been strongly identified with the long-distance singlehanded racing of its president, Warren Luhrs. Although Luhrs has not been particularly successful in his racing, his own boats have been innovative, and the concepts of innovation and high-tech have to some degree rubbed off on Hunter’s production boats.

Hunter has always gone after the entry-level cruising boat owner, and has traditionally pushed its “Cruise Pac” concept—a boat delivered equipped down to the life jackets, and ready to go. This certainly reduces the amount of decision making required by inexperienced boat owners, and has been a successful marketing strategy. For more experienced sailors who would rather choose their own gear, the Cruise Pac idea is not necessarily a plus.

In just over three years, over 800 Hunter 34s were built. For the 1986 model year, the 34 was phased out in favor of the even more Eurostyled Legend 35.

A number of Hunter 34 owners responding to our survey moved up from smaller boats in the Hunter line—exactly what every builder would like to see happen. All reported that the Hunter 34 was lightyears ahead in both design and workmanship compared to earlier models.

Because the Hunter 34 was only in production for a few years, few changes were made between model years. You are therefore less likely to find major upgrades on older boats than you would find on a boat that has been in production for a long time.

Sailing Performance

The Hunter 34 is a fast boat, particularly in light air. This is due almost entirely to her huge rig, which towers over 51′ above the waterline. Owners report that in winds of from seven to 12 knots, the boat is practically unbeatable in club racing. The typical PHRF rating of 135 for the deep keel boat is faster than most other cruiser/racers of her size.

There is a price to be paid for that speed, however. A number of owners responding to our survey report that the original Hunter 34 is a very tippy boat, in either the deep keel or shoal draft version. In winds of 15 knots true or more, it’s time to reef the main when going upwind. In fact, the boat’s lack of stability is the single most commonly criticized aspect of the Hunter 34’s performance in our survey. One owner was considering cutting several feet off his mast. Others have stepped down from 150% headsails to 135% or smaller overlaps.

Normally, you would expect a boat with a 42% ballast/displacement ratio to be stiff. The keel of the deep-draft Hunter 34, however, has most of its weight and volume up high, while the shoal draft keel, even with its extra 220 pounds of ballast, still has a fairly high vertical center of gravity. This just goes to show that you can’t judge a boat’s stability by its ballast/ displacement ratio—you’ve got to know how far down that weight is, too.

Models late in the production run had more ballast. The 1985 Hunter 34 brochure shows about 450 pounds more ballast than in the 1983 model. For cruising, the additional ballast would be a real plus. For club racing with a full crew, the lighter boats could be sailed faster.

Using headsails smaller than 150% on the Hunter 34 would be a good idea, particularly if you couple them with a modern roller furling system. A 135% jib can more effectively be reduced to 110% than a 150% genoa can be reefed to 120%. Since the boat is sensitive to sail area, a good headsail roller furling system is a must, in our opinion.

According to several owners, the Hunter 34 carries substantial weather helm in anything more than very light air. This may in part be due to the boat’s tenderness. As boats with wide sterns and narrow bows heel, the waterplane becomes substantially asymmetrical, which can give the boat a pronounced tendency to head up.

This weather helm may be exacerbated by an original rudder design that some owners report was both too small and too weak for the boat. Several owners reported cracking of the original rudders, which Hunter replaced with a larger, stronger, “high performance” rudder. Unfortunately, in some cases Hunter only paid part of the replacement costs; owners were stuck with the rest. We wouldn’t want a Hunter 34 without the high performance rudder. The better rudder was standard equipment on 1984 and 1985 models.

The complex B&R rig, with its swept-back spreaders and diamond shrouds, is also a headache for some owners. There’s a lot of rigging for a novice to adjust, and according to our survey, the dealers who commissioned the boats were not necessarily more capable of adjusting the rig than the owners.

One problem with the B&R rig is that, on any point of sail freer than a broad reach, the mainsail will fetch up on the spreaders and shrouds. You can apply patches to keep the spreaders from poking holes in the mainsail, but we think the shrouds are likely to chafe on the sail almost from head to foot when running, no matter what you do.

In addition, the lack of either forward lower shrouds, baby stay, or inner forestay means that if the headstay goes, the rig may follow before you can do anything to prevent it. One owner in our survey reported losing his rig when the roller furling headstay failed. Most new sailors have enough trouble tuning a simple, single spreader rig with double lower shrouds. The multi-spreader, multi-shroud B&R rig may seem incomprehensible to them, and they may never be able to tune the rig for good performance.

The boat is very fast upwind, but only average in speed off the wind. With a spinnaker, downwind performance would be greatly improved. The high aspect ratio mainsail simply doesn’t project enough area for efficient downwind sailing, particularly since you can’t square the boom to the mast due to the swept-back spreaders.

Most Hunter 34s are equipped with the Yanmar 3GMF, a three-cylinder, fresh water cooled diesel that puts out about 22.5 hp. This is an excellent engine, although early versions, according to some owners in our survey, were plagued by vibration.

Some of the first Hunter 34s were equipped with the Westerbeke 21 diesel. In our opinion, the Yanmar is a much more desirable engine. For boats to be used in salt water, check to make sure that the engine is fresh water cooled, rather than raw water cooled.

Some early versions of this engine lacked fresh water cooling, and they will not last as long when used in salt water.

Access to the engine for service is good. The Yanmar is more than adequate power for the boat, and she should cruise under power at 5 1/2 knots or more without any trouble. The fuel capacity of 25 gallons should give a range of about 275 miles.

Construction

Hunters are mass-produced boats at the low end of the price scale. The Hunter 34 was the first “small” Hunter to be built with a molded hull liner. A molded liner can add considerable strength to a single-skin boat, and the use of integral molded furniture components can greatly speed assembly. Assembly is the right word, too: these boats are assembled, rather than built.

The original tooling for a hull liner is quite expensive. It is therefore only practical on a boat that is expected to have a fairly large production run.

Not everything about the Hunter 34’s hull liner is a plus, however. According to several owners, any leakage from the stuffing box can be trapped between the liner and the hull, never draining to the bilge. This could not only smell bad after a while, but could possibly cause problems in a cold climate if trapped water freezes without room to expand. The preassembly technique common with liners also means that many systems are installed in ways that can make them difficult to service after the hull, deck, and liner are put together.

Hunter quality control is criticized by some owners in our survey. Complaints include chafed hoses, raw edges, systems hooked up improperly, and leaking ports and hatches. In our opinion, that’s a quality control problem, pure and simple, and it can be a maintenance headache for owners. One owner reported a leaking hull-to-deck joint. When he checked it, he found that many of the bolts had apparently never been torqued down when the hull and deck were joined. We don’t think the boat should have left the factory in that condition.

On the positive side, owners of Hunter 34s who had owned older Hunters report that in general the construction details of the 34 are superior to those of older boats.

Do not expect to find a lot of fancy teak joinerwork on the Hunter 34. Some owners complain that both the interior and exterior teak trim is poorly fitted and poorly finished. Obviously, you could do a lot to improve this if you wanted to—as some owners have—but don’t expect a dramatic increase in the value of the boat for your efforts.

The iron keels of the Hunter 34s can also be a maintenance headache. Some owners say the keels did not come from the factory with adequate protection to avoid rusting—which is almost impossible to prevent with an iron keel. Other owners report that the keel-to-hull seam cracks open, allowing salt water into the joint—which results in more rust. This is a cosmetic problem now, but we think it could over time become a structural problem.

The deck molding has been a source of trouble on some boats. The molded non skid isn’t very nonskid when it gets wet. There are also a number of reports of gelcoat flaws in the deck, including voids and blistering. At least one owner reports that the outer deck laminate in his cockpit has separated from the wood core.

Several owners complain that some molded deck components—cockpit locker covers, anchor well covers—are simply too light, and tend to crack.

The Hunter 34 was one of the first boats under 35′ to offer a tri-cabin layout, and this interior design is frequently cited as a primary reason for buying the boat. Now, of course, it is common for boats this size to have three cabins.

The only real complaint voiced about the interior of the Hunter 34 is the narrowness of the foot of the forward V-berth. Despite being pushed far forward in the hull, the forward cabin feels big due to the long cabin trunk, which extends clear to the anchor well, giving extra headroom over the berth. Standing headroom in the forward cabin drops off to less than 6′ due to the sloping cabin trunk.

Just aft of the forward cabin is a full-width head. This makes a lot of sense in a boat this size, since the combination of head and passageway would make for both a cramped head and a narrow passageway. According to some owner surveys, the plumbing for the toilet leaves a lot to be desired. They report that the holding tank system smells, apparently due to porous hoses and a poor vent design.

Instead of the more common U-shaped dinette, the Hunter 34 has a rather old fashioned dinette with athwartships seating. This certainly makes it easier to convert the dinette to a double berth, but it means that you can seat a maximum of four at the table for dinner. On the port side, the head of the settee berth is used as the seat for the chart table—a design compromise, since that settee is one of only two potential sea berths on the boat.

Original specifications call for a two-burner kerosene stove. Kerosene never caught on as a cooking fuel in this country, partly because it is so difficult to  get high-grade kerosene here. Propane or CNG would be far better choices for cooking fuel, since low-grade kerosene is a dirty fuel, and alcohol is expensive, inefficient, and in our opinion, dangerous.

As you would expect on a boat this size, the aft cabin is pretty small, with limited standing area. Despite the fact that the double berth is mostly under the cockpit, there is adequate headroom over it due to the fact that the cockpit is quite shallow.

The privacy of the tri-cabin layout is very important for a family with children, or owners that like to cruise with another couple. The single fixed berth in the main cabin means that the boat will sleep only five without making up the dinette. “Only” five is a pretty good number in a boat this size, and the most important thing is that it sleeps five in a reasonable level of comfort. All in all, the interior of the Hunter 34 is well thought out and livable.

Conclusions

The general design and finish of the Hunter 34 are far ahead of older boats by the company. The Eurostyling of the deck and interior were pretty unusual when the boat first came out, but fairly typical of boats built five years after the Hunter 34 was introduced.

Nevertheless, this is still a mass-produced boat with what some owners consider mediocre quality control and finishing details. It is a fast sailer, but may be so tippy that it discourages some novices. You should definitely sail the boat before you buy it. The B&R rig may also scare off some new sailors. Because of the problems with the deck molding, a used Hunter 34 should be carefully and professionally surveyed before purchase.

If you want a fast, modern small coastal cruiser with maximum room at minimum cost, a Hunter 34 would be a good choice. But remember that you’re buying a mass-produced boat, and it’s not realisitic to expect custom quality at this price.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Thank you for the comprehensive report. It is very practical and enlightening allowing a potential buyer to make an educated decisiion

I have a deep keel version of the 1999 Hunter 340 – Trinity. She has excellent pointing characteristics allowing her to sail up to 15 degrees off the apparent, and we win races as a result. However, it takes a bit of wind to move her with our 110% headsail. She’s best around 15 knots apparent; above that reefing is advised going to windward. I don’t consider her tippy, but certainly if you push her, you’ll get lots of helm and the rail in the water. I’ve raced her single handed in Georgian Bay in 35-42 knots apparent, winning the Meaburywood Trophy in 2021, an inter-club race of 15 boats. I like her a lot but being on the cusp of retiring, I am looking for a bigger boat to allow longer range cruising.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Log in to leave a comment

Latest Videos

The Perfect Family Sailboat! Hunter 27-2 – Boat Review

Pettit EZ-Poxy – How to Paint a Boat

The Boat From True Spirit – Sparkman & Stephens

Top 5 Boat Hacks – Boat Maintenance Tips and Tricks

Latest sailboat review.

• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information
• Online Account Activation
• Privacy Manager

Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session. Sign in to save them permanently, access them on any device, and receive relevant alerts.

• Sailboat Guide

Hunter 34 is a 34 ′ 4 ″ / 10.5 m monohull sailboat designed by Cortland Steck and built by Hunter Marine between 1983 and 1987.

• 2 / 39 Muskegon, MI, US 1984 Hunter 34 $28,500 USD View
• 3 / 39 Henderson Harbor, NY, US 1984 Hunter 34 $20,500 USD View
• 4 / 39 Chicago, IL, US 1983 Hunter 34 $11,000 USD View
• 5 / 39 Muskegon, MI, US 1984 Hunter 34 $28,500 USD View
• 6 / 39 Henderson Harbor, NY, US 1984 Hunter 34 $20,500 USD View
• 7 / 39 Chicago, IL, US 1983 Hunter 34 $11,000 USD View
• 8 / 39 Muskegon, MI, US 1984 Hunter 34 $28,500 USD View
• 9 / 39 Chicago, IL, US 1983 Hunter 34 $11,000 USD View
• 10 / 39 Muskegon, MI, US 1984 Hunter 34 $28,500 USD View
• 11 / 39 Henderson Harbor, NY, US 1984 Hunter 34 $20,500 USD View
• 12 / 39 Muskegon, MI, US 1984 Hunter 34 $28,500 USD View
• 13 / 39 Muskegon, MI, US 1984 Hunter 34 $28,500 USD View
• 14 / 39 Henderson Harbor, NY, US 1984 Hunter 34 $20,500 USD View
• 15 / 39 Henderson Harbor, NY, US 1984 Hunter 34 $20,500 USD View
• 16 / 39 Chicago, IL, US 1983 Hunter 34 $11,000 USD View
• 17 / 39 Muskegon, MI, US 1984 Hunter 34 $28,500 USD View
• 18 / 39 Henderson Harbor, NY, US 1984 Hunter 34 $20,500 USD View
• 19 / 39 Chicago, IL, US 1983 Hunter 34 $11,000 USD View
• 20 / 39 Muskegon, MI, US 1984 Hunter 34 $28,500 USD View
• 21 / 39 Chicago, IL, US 1983 Hunter 34 $11,000 USD View
• 22 / 39 Henderson Harbor, NY, US 1984 Hunter 34 $20,500 USD View
• 23 / 39 Chicago, IL, US 1983 Hunter 34 $11,000 USD View
• 24 / 39 Muskegon, MI, US 1984 Hunter 34 $28,500 USD View
• 25 / 39 Henderson Harbor, NY, US 1984 Hunter 34 $20,500 USD View
• 26 / 39 Muskegon, MI, US 1984 Hunter 34 $28,500 USD View
• 27 / 39 Henderson Harbor, NY, US 1984 Hunter 34 $20,500 USD View
• 28 / 39 Muskegon, MI, US 1984 Hunter 34 $28,500 USD View
• 29 / 39 Henderson Harbor, NY, US 1984 Hunter 34 $20,500 USD View
• 30 / 39 Muskegon, MI, US 1984 Hunter 34 $28,500 USD View
• 31 / 39 Henderson Harbor, NY, US 1984 Hunter 34 $20,500 USD View
• 32 / 39 Muskegon, MI, US 1984 Hunter 34 $28,500 USD View
• 33 / 39 Henderson Harbor, NY, US 1984 Hunter 34 $20,500 USD View
• 34 / 39 Muskegon, MI, US 1984 Hunter 34 $28,500 USD View
• 35 / 39 Henderson Harbor, NY, US 1984 Hunter 34 $20,500 USD View
• 36 / 39 Henderson Harbor, NY, US 1984 Hunter 34 $20,500 USD View
• 37 / 39 Muskegon, MI, US 1984 Hunter 34 $28,500 USD View
• 38 / 39 Henderson Harbor, NY, US 1984 Hunter 34 $20,500 USD View
• 39 / 39 Henderson Harbor, NY, US 1984 Hunter 34 $20,500 USD View

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Shoal draft: 4.25’/1.30m

Embed this page on your own website by copying and pasting this code.

• About Sailboat Guide

©2024 Sea Time Tech, LLC

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

The Hunter 34 is a 34.42ft b&r designed by Cortland Steck and built in fiberglass by Hunter Marine (USA) between 1983 and 1987.

The Hunter 34 is a moderate weight sailboat which is a reasonably good performer. It is very stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a coastal cruiser. The fuel capacity is originally small. There is a short water supply range.

Hunter 34 for sale elsewhere on the web:

Main features

Login or register to personnalize this screen.

You will be able to pin external links of your choice.

See how Sailboatlab works in video

We help you build your own hydraulic steering system - Lecomble & Schmitt

Accommodations

Builder data

Other photos

Modal Title

The content of your modal.

Personalize your sailboat data sheet

Paste a link here:

Give it a title:

And eventually a link to an image for the thumbnail:

• Hunter Manuals
• Owner's manual

Hunter 34 Owner's Manual

• page of 28 Go / 28

Advertisement

Quick Links

Related manuals for hunter 34.

Related Products for Hunter 34

• Hunter HEPAtech 380
• Hunter Legend 37
• Hunter 34257
• Hunter 34352
• Hunter 34351
• Hunter 34200
• Hunter 34203
• Hunter 34357
• HUNTER 34355
• Hunter 34500
• Hunter Care Free Permawick 34407
• Hunter 34301
• Hunter 34302
• Hunter 34331

Rename the bookmark

Delete bookmark, delete from my manuals, upload manual.

• Hunter 34 Info Center

Downloads for the Hunter 34

The Hunter 34 is a small recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fiberglass, with wood trim. It has a masthead B&R rig, an internally-mounted spade-type rudder and a fixed fin keel. It displaces 11,820 lb (5,361 kg) and carries 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) of iron ballast.

The boat has a draft of 5.50 ft (1.68 m) with the standard keel and 4.25 ft (1.30 m) with the optional shoal draft keel. It has a hull speed of 7.12 kn (13.19 km/h). The boat is fitted with a Japanese Yanmar 3GM diesel engine. The fuel tank holds 25 U.S. gallons (95 L; 21 imp gal) and the fresh water tank has a capacity of 65 U.S. gallons (250 L; 54 imp gal).

In just over three years, from 1983 to 1986, over 800 Hunter 34s were built. For the 1986 model year, the 34 was phased out in favor of the even more Eurostyled Legend 35.

The Hunter 34 is a fast boat, particularly in light air. This is due almost entirely to her huge rig, which towers over 51′ above the waterline. Owners report that in winds of from seven to 12 knots, the boat is practically unbeatable in club racing. The typical PHRF rating of 135 for the deep keel boat is faster than most other cruiser/racers of her size.

There is a price to be paid for that speed, however. A number of owners responding to our survey report that the original Hunter 34 is a very tippy boat, in either the deep keel or shoal draft version. In winds of 15 knots true or more, it’s time to reef the main when going upwind. In fact, the boat’s lack of stability is the single most commonly criticized aspect of the Hunter 34’s performance in our survey. One owner was considering cutting several feet off his mast. Others have stepped down from 150% headsails to 135% or smaller overlaps.

Source: Wikipedia & Practical Sailor

LOA: 34.42 ft LWL: 28.25 ft Beam: 11.58 ft Draft: 5.50 ft Displacement: 11820.00 lbs Ballast: 5000.00 lbs Hull type: Fin w/spade rudder Hull construction: FG Rigging type: B&R

Hunter 34 for sale in the last 12 months

Below you'll find the latest Hunter 34 listings for the last 12 months. We compare the listing price with boats listed in the past and the color coding indicates if the price is good (green = below the average listing price) or more on the expensive side (red = seller is asking more than the average listing price).

Hunter 34 listing prices over time

Listing details.

JavaScript seem to be disabled in your browser.

You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website.

Edwards Yacht Sales

• 866.365.0706

1985 Hunter H-34

• Ft Lauderdale, FL, US

Yacht price

• Email Broker
• Call Broker

Specifications

Descriptions, basic information, dimensions & weight, tank capacities.

• View Option

• Mermaid Marine Air Conditioning w/Reverse cycle Heat
• Two Private Cabins
• U-Shaped Galley
• Comfortable Dinette (converts to 2 additional berths)
• Full Settee
• Large Head w/ Shower and Separate vanity
• Large Cockpit
• Teak & Holly Sole
• Numerous opening ports & hatches for full ventilation throughout vessel
• 2 burner Origo alcohol stove & oven - SAFE - No Propane
• Double SS sink w/ hot/cold pressure water
• Deep extra large ice box w/drain
• Auto Helm 4000 Auto pilot (not guaranteed)
• SR Mariner Depth sounder
• SR Mariner wind direction & speed
• SR Mariner knot log
• Horizon VHF
• 2 Type 27 Marine batteries
• Guest Battery selector switch
• Pressurized water system
• Full AC / DC Electrical panel w/ indicator lights
• Automatic Bilge pump
• Danforth anchor on all chain rode
• Second danforth w/chain & rode
• Large comfortable SS destroyer steering wheel
• SS Bow Pulpit & Stern railing with double lifelines ariund entire vessel
• Yanmar 3GM Diesel Engine
• Racor fuel filter
• Auto & manual bilge pumps
• Roller furling Genoa
• Whisker pole
• 2 Maxwell 25 Self Tailing primary winches
• 2 Maxwell 21 halyard winches
• Lines led aft to the cockpit

Presented by

Manufacturer

Length Range Length Range

Year Range Year Range

Price Range Price Range

QUICK SEARCH BY:

Buyer services, featured yacht.

1997 Voyage Yachts Norseman 430 Owners Version

2008 Sea Ray 47 Sedan Bridge

1981 Hatteras 48 Motor Yacht

2023 Robalo R302 Center Console

2007 Meridian 391 Sedan

2002 Linssen 470 Grand Sturdy

2015 Lagoon 450 F

2002 American Tug Pilothouse

1985 Ocean Yachts 55 Super Sport

2019 Monachus Issa 45

2005 Jefferson Rivanna 50 SDMY

2007 Sea Ray Sundancer 40

1996 Tiara Yachts 3500 Express

2005 Island Packet 485

2000 Manta Mark II

1985 Morgan 31 Off Shore Fishing Cuddy

2005 Carver 53 Voyager

• Google Plus
• Boats For Sale
• Brokerage Services
• Sold Yachts

Whether you are buying or selling your next boat or your first boat, one of Edwards Yacht Sales 45+ Professional Yacht Brokers throughout the Southeast are here to assist. Since 2003 we have acted as our clients trusted advisor throughout the entire process from shopping, to making an offer, to sea trial and survey, to closing.

Corporate Office: 510 Brookside Drive Clearwater, FL 33764

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 727.449.8222 Toll Free: 866.365.0706 Fax: 727.298.0456

Copyright © 2024 Edwards Yacht Sales Do Not Sell My Personal Information Powered by YachtCloser

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better.

You can use this tool to change your cookie settings. Otherwise, we’ll assume you’re OK to continue.

Some of the cookies we use are essential for the site to work.

We also use some non-essential cookies to collect information for making reports and to help us improve the site. The cookies collect information in an anonymous form.

To control third party cookies, you can also adjust your browser settings .

• Types of Sailboats
• Parts of a Sailboat
• Cruising Boats
• Small Sailboats
• Design Basics
• Sailboats under 30'
• Sailboats 30'-35
• Sailboats 35'-40'
• Sailboats 40'-45'
• Sailboats 45'-50'
• Sailboats 50'-55'
• Sailboats over 55'
• Masts & Spars
• Knots, Bends & Hitches
• The 12v Energy Equation
• Electronics & Instrumentation
• Build Your Own Boat
• Buying a Used Boat
• Choosing Accessories
• Living on a Boat
• Cruising Offshore
• Sailing in the Caribbean
• Anchoring Skills
• Sailing Authors & Their Writings
• Mary's Journal
• Nautical Terms
• Cruising Sailboats for Sale
• List your Boat for Sale Here!
• Used Sailing Equipment for Sale
• Sell Your Unwanted Gear
• Sailing eBooks: Download them here!
• Your Sailboats
• Your Sailing Stories
• Your Fishing Stories
• Advertising
• What's New?
• Chartering a Sailboat
• Cruising Yachts 30' to 35'

The Hunter 33 Sailboat Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Hunter 33 is a popular American sailboat that was designed by John Cherubini and first built in 1977 by Hunter Marine. It has a masthead sloop rig, a fixed fin keel, an inboard motor, and is known for its spacious interior, easy handling and good performance.

The boat has undergone several revisions and updates over the years, and has been compared to other sailboats in its class such as the Catalina 34, the Beneteau Oceanis 331, and the Tartan 3400.

Published Specification for the Hunter 33

Underwater Profile:  Fin with bulb keel and Spade Rudder

Hull Material : GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall : 33'6" (10.21m)

Waterline Length : 29'5" (8.97m)

Beam : 11'8" (3.51m)

Draft : 5'6" (1.7m) * 

Rig Type :  B&R

Displacement : 12,400lb (5,625kg)

Designer :  Hunter Marine

Builder :  Hunter Marine (USA)

Year First Built : 2012

* Shoal Draft version:  4'6" (1.4m)

Published Design Ratios for the Hunter 33

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio:  18.7

• Less than 16 would be considered under-powered;
• 16 to 20 would indicate reasonably good performance;
• Over 20 suggests relatively high performance.

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio:  27.9

• Under 40: less stiff, less powerful
• Over 40: stiffer, more powerful

3. Displacement/Length Ratio:  217

• Under 100: Ultralight
• 100 to 200: Light
• 200 to 275: Moderate
• 275 to 350: Heavy
• Over 350: Ultraheavy

4. Comfort Ratio:  24.2

• Under 20 indicates a lightweight racing boat
• 20 to 30 indicates a coastal cruiser
• 30 to 40 indicates a moderate offshore cruising boat
• 40 to 50 indicates a heavy offshore boat
• Over 50 indicates an extremely heavy offshore boat

5. Capsize Screening Formula:   2.0

• Under 2.0 (the lower the better): Better suited for ocean passages
• Over 2.0: Less suited for ocean passages

read more about these all-revealing numbers...

A Few FAQs...

Is the Hunter 33 still in production and, if not, when did production end and how many of these sailboats were built?

• The original Hunter 33 was produced from 1977 to 1984 by Hunter Marine in Alachua, Florida. A total of 1,124 hulls were built during this period.
• The second generation Hunter 33 was introduced in 2005 as an updated version of the previous model with some design changes and improvements. It was produced until 2011 by Hunter Marine in Alachua, Florida. A total of 623 hulls were built during this period.
• The third generation Hunter 33 was launched in 2012 as a completely new design with a different hull shape, deck plan, rig configuration, interior layout, and features. It was produced until 2016 by Marlow-Hunter (formerly Hunter Marine) in Alachua, Florida.
• The current generation Hunter E33 (also known as Marlow-Hunter E33) was introduced in 2017 as an electric hybrid version of the previous model with an Elco electric motor instead of a diesel engine. It is still in production by Marlow-Hunter in Alachua, Florida.

What, if any, alternative versions of the Hunter 33 were built and what are the differences between them?

The original Hunter 33:

• was offered with two keel options - a standard fin keel with a draft of 5.25 feet, and a shoal draft keel with a draft of 4.0 feet.
• had a masthead sloop rig with a single spreader and no backstay.
• had a traditional transom with a small swim platform and ladder.
• had an interior layout that featured a V-berth forward, a head to port, a hanging locker to starboard, a U-shaped dinette to port, a settee to starboard, an L-shaped galley to port, and a quarter berth to starboard.

The second-generation Hunter 33:

• was also offered with two keel options - a standard fin keel with a draft of 4.5 feet, and a shoal draft wing keel with a draft of 4.0 feet.
• had a fractional sloop rig with a single spreader and no backstay, but with swept-back spreaders and shrouds that provided more support for the mast.
•  had a reverse transom with a larger swim platform and ladder.
• had an interior layout that featured a V-berth forward, a head to starboard, a hanging locker to port, a U-shaped dinette to starboard, a settee to port, an L-shaped galley to starboard, and an aft cabin to port.

The third-generation Hunter 33:

• was only offered with one keel option - a fin keel with a draft of 4.5 feet.
• had a fractional sloop rig with a double spreader and no backstay, but with swept-back spreaders and shrouds that provided even more support for the mast.
• had a raised reverse transom with an even larger swim platform and ladder, as well as an arch that supported the mainsheet traveler and the optional bimini and dodger.
• had an interior layout that featured an island berth forward, a head to port, a hanging locker to starboard, an L-shaped dinette to port, two seats and a table to starboard, an L-shaped galley to port, and an aft cabin to starboard.

The current generation Hunter E33:

• has the same transom as the third-generation Hunter 33.
• has the same rig as the third-generation Hunter 33.
• has the same interior layout as the third-generation Hunter 33.
• is also only offered with one keel option - a fin keel with a draft of 4.5 feet.

How many people can sleep on board a Hunter 33?

• The original Hunter 33 could sleep up to five people: two in the V-berth, two in the dinette (converted into a double berth), and one in the quarter berth.
• The second-generation Hunter 33 could sleep up to six people: two in the V-berth, two in the dinette (converted into a double berth), two in the aft cabin (in either one double berth or two single berths).
• The third-generation Hunter 33 could sleep up to six people: two in the island berth forward, two in the dinette (converted into a double berth), two in the aft cabin (in one double berth).
• The current generation Hunter E33 can sleep up to six people: two in the island berth forward, two in the dinette (converted into a double berth), two in the aft cabin (in one double berth).

What is the history of the builders of the Hunter 33 and is the company still in business?

The builders of the Hunter 33 are Hunter Marine, which was founded in 1973 by Warren Luhrs, a successful sailboat racer who wanted to create affordable and high-quality sailboats for the mass market. The company started with a 25-foot boat called the Hunter 25, which was an instant success and sold over 2,000 units in its first year. The company then expanded its product line to include various models ranging from 15 to 50 feet in length.

The Hunter 33 was one of the most popular models, selling over 1,700 units in its first generation alone. The company also pioneered some innovative features such as the B&R rig (a fractional sloop rig with no backstay), the arch (a stainless steel structure that supports the mainsheet traveler and other accessories), and the electric hybrid propulsion system.

The company is still in business today, but under a different name and ownership. In 2012, Hunter Marine was acquired by David Marlow, a veteran boat builder who also owns Marlow Yachts, a luxury powerboat manufacturer.

The new company was renamed Marlow-Hunter and continued to produce sailboats under the Hunter brand name, as well as introducing new models under the Marlow brand name. The current product line includes sailboats from 15 to 50 feet in length, as well as powerboats from 37 to 97 feet in length.

What is the average cost of a secondhand Hunter 33?

The average cost of a secondhand Hunter 33 depends on the condition, age, equipment, and location of the boat. According to some online sources, the average cost of a secondhand Hunter 33 ranges from $20,000 to $150,000, depending on the generation and model year of the boat. For example, a 1980 original Hunter 33 in fair condition may cost around $20,000, while a 2016 third-generation Hunter 33 in excellent condition may cost around $150,000.

How does the Hunter 33 compare to other sailboats in its class?

The Hunter 33 is comparable to other sailboats in its class, such as the Catalina 34, the Beneteau Oceanis 331, and the Tartan 3400. These boats are all similar in size, design, and performance, but have some differences in features, quality, and price. Some of the comparisons are:

• The Catalina 34 is slightly larger than the Hunter 33, with a length of 34.5 feet and a beam of 11.75 feet. It has a masthead sloop rig with a single spreader and a backstay, and a fin or wing keel with a draft of either 5.67 or 3.83 feet. It has an interior layout that features a V-berth forward, a head to port, a hanging locker to starboard, a U-shaped dinette to starboard, a settee to port, an L-shaped galley to port, and an aft cabin to starboard. It has a traditional transom with a small swim platform and ladder. It was produced from 1986 to 1999 by Catalina Yachts in Woodland Hills, California. A total of 1,438 hulls were built during this period. The Catalina 34 is known for its spacious interior, solid construction, and good performance. It is also more affordable than the Hunter 33, with an average cost of around $40,000 for a secondhand boat.
• The Beneteau Oceanis 331 is slightly smaller than the Hunter 33, with a length of 33.1 feet and a beam of 11.3 feet. It has a fractional sloop rig with a single spreader and no backstay, but with swept-back spreaders and shrouds that provide more support for the mast. It has a fin or bulb keel with a draft of either 5.58 or 4.25 feet. It has an interior layout that features an island berth forward or two single berths forward (depending on the version), a head to starboard or port (depending on the version), a hanging locker to port or starboard (depending on the version), an L-shaped dinette to starboard or port (depending on the version), two seats and a table to port or starboard (depending on the version), an L-shaped galley to starboard or port (depending on the version), and an aft cabin to port or starboard (depending on the version). It has a reverse transom with a large swim platform and ladder. It was produced from 1999 to 2006 by Beneteau in France and South Carolina. The Beneteau Oceanis 331 is known for its modern design, versatile layout, and good performance. It is also more expensive than the Hunter 33, with an average cost of around $60,000 for a secondhand boat.
• The Tartan 3400 is slightly larger than the Hunter 33, with a length of 34.4 feet and a beam of 11.25 feet. It has a fractional sloop rig with a double spreader and a backstay, and a fin or beavertail keel with a draft of either 6.5 or 4.75 feet. It has an interior layout that features a V-berth forward, a head to port, a hanging locker to starboard, an L-shaped dinette to port, two seats and a table to starboard, an L-shaped galley to port, and an aft cabin to starboard. It has a traditional transom with a small swim platform and ladder. It was produced from 2005 to present by Tartan Yachts in Fairport Harbor, Ohio. The Tartan 3400 is known for its classic style, high quality, and excellent performance. It is also more premium than the Hunter 33, with an average cost of around $120,000 for a secondhand boat.

The above answers were drafted by sailboat-cruising.com using GPT-4 (OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model) as a research assistant to develop source material; to the best of our knowledge,  we believe them to be accurate.

Other sailboats in the Hunter range include:

Recent Articles

Nicholson 35 Sailboat Specs & Key Performance Indicators

Aug 24, 24 02:27 PM

Island Packet 37 Specs

Aug 23, 24 03:17 PM

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40 Specs

Aug 23, 24 04:18 AM

Here's where to:

• Find  Used Sailboats for Sale...
• Find Used Sailing Gear for Sale...
• List your Sailboat for Sale...
• List your Used Sailing Gear...

Our eBooks...

A few of our Most Popular Pages...

Copyright © 2024  Dick McClary  Sailboat-Cruising.com

Home > Find Your Sail > Search by Make and Model > Hunter > Hunter 34

" * " indicates required fields

Step 1 of 3

Let's Get to Know Each Other

Let's connect, your trusted partner for hunter 34’s:.

Building Lasting Relationships Through Quality and Precision

Our team of Precision Sails experts conducted extensive research on the web to gather information about the specific sailboat in question. We thoroughly scoured various online sources to compile relevant and accurate information for the boat owner. Our team carefully curated the information to ensure that it would be helpful and informative for the user. We understand the importance of having a deep understanding of your boat’s features, and our goal is to provide comprehensive and reliable information that will enable boat owners to make informed decisions about their sailing experience. By sharing our expertise and knowledge, we hope to empower our customers to get the most out of their sailing adventures.

All About Your Hunter 34

Rig specifications.

These are the specifications provided by the designers, but even from the factory, these boats may not be identical. The reason for this is that the sail industry often contracts manufacturing to different sources in order to achieve economies of scale. What this means is – your Hunter 34 may be more unique than you initially thought.

It’s important to note that boats are also frequently customized, so if you suspect that work has been done on yours, it’s best to take your own measurements. When ordering a sail, we will advise you if using the manufacturer’s specifications is appropriate, or if we require you to complete our own measurement forms.

I: 41.00 ft / 12.50 m

J: 11.50 ft / 3.51 m

P: 37.00 ft / 11.28 m

E: 11.50 ft / 3.51 m

Sailing Performance

The Hunter 34 is known for its unmatched acceleration; it is a fast sailor that races well in a light breeze. When it comes to tackling seven to twelve wind knots, it showcases unbeatable cruising speed. With an average Performance Handicap Racing Fleet (PHRF) of 153.

The boat has a tall rig with a high aspect ratio and a deep keel, giving it excellent stability and a good turn of speed. The large sail area allows the Hunter 34 to sail close to the wind, while the high-aspect rudder gives the skipper excellent control. The Hunter 34 is an excellent boat for sailors who may race but still want the comfort of a cruiser, with a comfortable motion at sea and a good balance between speed and stability.

Despite its impressive performance, the Hunter 34 remains a comfortable and versatile option for cruising, offering a smooth ride and a good balance between speed and stability. With its easy handling and responsive nature, this sailboat is an excellent choice for anyone looking to take their sailing skills to the next level.

The interior of the Hunter 34 is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of natural light and ventilation. The salon has a large U-shaped settee that converts into a double berth, and a straight settee opposite that can be used as a single berth. The galley is located to port and has a two-burner stove, a refrigerator, and a double sink. The head is located to starboard and has a marine toilet, a sink, and a shower.

The Hunter 34 has two private cabins, one forward and one aft. The forward cabin has a V-berth and plenty of storage space, while the aft cabin has a double berth and a hanging locker. The boat can comfortably sleep six passengers.

History and Design

The Hunter 34 was designed by renowned naval architect, Glenn Henderson, and first introduced in 1982. The Hunter 34 is a mid-sized sailboat that was designed for performance and comfort. The sailboat has a length overall of 34’6″, a beam of 11’7″, and a draft of 5’6″.

The Hunter 34 has a sleek and modern design that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The hull is constructed of hand-laid fiberglass with a balsa-cored deck and hull sides, which provides durability and reduces the risk of damage in rough waters. The keel is made of lead, which provides stability and helps the boat maintain its course in strong winds.The boat’s deck is designed to be spacious and easy to navigate. The cockpit is well-protected from the elements and is equipped with all the necessary controls for sailing. The boat’s rigging is also well-designed and allows for easy sail handling.

The Hunter 34’s sail plan is customizable, allowing sailors to adjust the rig to suit their individual sailing preferences. But, most Hunter 34’s sail plans are set up with a large, fully battened mainsail and a roller furling jib. It sports a complex B&R rig that is fitted with swept-back spreaders and diamond shrouds.

The mainsail is set on a sturdy mast with two sets of spreaders, providing excellent stability and support. The boom is equipped with a rigid vang, allowing for better control of the sail and preventing excessive movement in high winds. The jib is easily deployed and controlled using a roller furling system, making sail handling manageable for both solo and crewed sailing.

The sail plan is designed to optimize the boat’s performance, making it easy to handle in a variety of wind conditions.

The Hunter 34 is a versatile and reliable sailboat that is perfect for both cruising and racing. With its sleek design, excellent performance, and comfortable interior, it is no wonder that this boat has become a favorite among sailors around the world.

Recommended Sails For Your Hunter 34

We would love to help you enhance your sailing experience on your Hunter 34. That’s why we have put together a list of expertly curated sail recommendations just for you. You can find more information about each sail and what makes our designs stand out by following the links to our education page.

You need a mainsail designed to give you the greatest mileage out of your vessel. Precision Sails’ custom designed mainsails come with all the standard options needed to get sailing right away, and custom options to optimize handling, performance, and shape.

Jibs, genoas, yankee cut, staysails, or working jibs, we do it all. No matter what headsail you need for you sailboat, Precision Sails’ team of sail designers will work with you to ensure your new head sail fits and performs for you. Our headsails come complete with all standard options required for the best performance and durability. Learn more about our available headsail options and customization here.

Downwind and Light Wind Sails

Sail downwind easily with your choice of our downwind and light wind sail options. We custom design and tailor every sail for your needs. Explore our symmetrical or asymmetrical spinnakers and code zeros, including what options are available for each.

Request a Hunter 34 Quote

Looking to buy a new headsail or mainsail for your Hunter 34? Request a free quote from Precision Sails for a new custom sail. Our team will work with you to design the perfect sail for you.

Thanks for telling us a bit about yourself and your boat. Our team will send you a preliminary quote based on information we have gathered from sailors similar to you.

We will give you a call in order to narrow down the options on your quote and improve the accuracy. If you want us to call you at a specific time, feel free to schedule a time on our calendar!

Thanks for telling us a bit about yourself and your boat. Our team will reach out to offer some suggestions and get started on finding you the perfect sail!