hunter 33 sailboat review

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• By Alvah Simon
• Updated: November 12, 2012

The boatbuilders at Marlow-Hunter , formerly known as Hunter Marine, may have been too successful, if that’s possible, with their prodigious production run of more than 600 Hunter 33 s. They found that the boat’s secondhand market was so vibrant that, in essence, they were competing against themselves for new-boat sales. They decided that by offering a new family cruiser of the same size but with significant innovations and upgrades, they might lure customers back into the new-boat market, and if they made the price very attractive, they might also entice trailer-sailors to make the leap up into a manageable keelboat.

The innovations and improvements found in the new and completely revamped Hunter 33 aren’t mere window dressing; they’re genuine leaps forward in speed, handling, comfort, and value. Always lurking is the risk of trying to squeeze too much into a small hull, such as larger cockpits, more spacious decks, increased interior volume, and a plethora of modern gadgetry. But Glen Henderson and the Hunter Design Group have found a superb balance in this package of upgrades.

The new hull still maintains Henderson’s signature hollow bow but now sports a trendy hard chine. By placing it beneath the waterline, Henderson sacrificed the cosmetic flourish of an elevated chine but found the sweet spot in terms of form stability and lateral resistance while under way.

Small but ultimately significant adjustments to the deck design add up to notable ergonomic efficiency. The cockpit pedestal has been moved back a few inches to create a larger cockpit area. A clever drop-down/walk-through transom adds to the usable space, and because this is a relatively high-sided vessel, it will be the preferred boarding point. The offset boarding ladder will come in handy for swimmers. The Lewmar wheel, when folded in, opens the access forward. But even in its full open position, it offers 10 inches of clearance between the wheel and the cockpit seats, giving the helmsman quick access to the sailing controls forward on the cabin top.

Two seats sculpted into the impregnable aft pulpit add to the already spacious outdoor social area. The steering pedestal is stout and holds an array of engine and navigational instruments, and it acts as the base for a sizable folding cockpit table.

It wouldn’t be a Hunter without the forward sloping arch with overhead, dual-ended mainsail sheeting. The headsail sheet winches are adequately sized and placed handy to the helm. Sheet wells built into the companionway bulkheads tame the abundance of sheets, halyards, and furling lines led aft to the cabin top.

There are ample stowage lockers, and the twin-bottle LPG locker is particularly well designed. I don’t like the three-washboard arrangement on a tapered companionway hatch, but this was the only fault I found in an otherwise excellent cockpit plan.

The deck has been redesigned with larger deadlights that allow more light below. Also, the lower shrouds have been moved inboard, creating an unencumbered flow forward. The new seahood covers the many lines leading aft, leaving a cleaner and, therefore, safer deck. The foredeck workspace is well thought out, with a small but adequate rode locker, a single roller, a recessed Lewmar windlass, and a snubbing cleat. The twin lifelines are coated but stand a minimal 23 inches high. I’d like to see this figure raised across the industry.

Though not touted as a performance cruiser, I found the 33 to be quick and responsive. Even with the in-mast furling option (not the fastest of sail plans), in only 5 to 7 knots of breeze, we maintained an honest 5.5 knots to windward and just under 5 with the wind on the beam. The 33 tacked effortlessly and tracked well. All in all, this is a slippery yet well-behaved hull.

Under power—the boat we tested had a 29-horsepower Yanmar diesel with saildrive—the vessel showed a good turn of speed, touching 6.5 knots at a cruising rpm and 7.5 when flat-out. (A 21-horsepower engine is also available.) It backed with precision and, due to the highly efficient balanced spade rudder, turned nearly in its own length. With the 33’s small size and snappy responsiveness, the boat should prove quite manageable in tight quarters.

Where it really shines, however, is below. The interior is surprisingly spacious, bright, and well ventilated. Good handholds and the rounded teak companionway steps lead one safely below. A single full-size head and shower lie to starboard, across from a well-executed galley to port. The countertops are an attractive and practical white speckled Corian. A stainless-steel rail acts as both fiddle and handhold. The two-burner stove/oven is well fiddled but could use a little more angle when gimbaled. There’s a single but deep sink. The galley is large enough to work in conveniently but enclosed enough for safe use at sea.

The main saloon sports a very clever central table that’s built around a liquor/stowage cabinet. The table drops to create an additional berth. Across to starboard, a bench seat can be folded up to create a central cocktail table that doubles as the navigation station. Other amenities include a flat-screen TV and even an iPod docking station. Not mere gimmickry, this is a commitment to bringing the company’s styling, amenities, and electrical/mechanical systems up to the most modern of standards.

The owners cabin forward is bright, spacious, and offers good stowage spaces. The athwartship guest double lies in the stern to starboard.

The fit and finish are fine, and the overall cherry color and styling is pleasing to the eye. But more important, it must be noted again that this is only a 33-foot sailboat, and yet it contains two private cabins, a full-service galley, a spacious central saloon area, a full-size head and shower, and a navigation station—while still offering easy engine access and room to spare for generous stowage of gear.

The Hunter 33 shows no incongruities in its core concept. This is a contemporary-looking, modern-feeling coastal or near-offshore cruiser designed to take an entire family to sea in ease, style, and comfort. The good news is that it can do this at an amazingly attractive price. With that combination of looks, performance, and value, Marlow-Hunter may find itself faced again, perhaps in just a few years, with the same fortunate problem that its new 33 was designed to solve.

Two-time circumnavigator Alvah Simon is a Cruising World Boat of the Year judge for 2013.

View a full photo gallery for the Hunter 33 here . Check out more boat reviews here .

• More: 2011+ , 31 - 40 ft , Boat of the Year , Coastal Cruising , marlow-hunter , monohull , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats
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• Sailboat Reviews

New Boat Review: Hunter 33

Redesigned family cruising boat sports new transom and deck plan..

Photos courtesy of Hunter Marine

The new Hunter 33 had the odds stacked against it from the get-go.

The 33-foot family cruiser debuted in the fall of 2011, when the domestic sailboat market was stuck in a ditch, marketing budgets were slashed, and the U.S. boating industry was grasping at threads of good news. Four months later, Hunter Marine’s parent group Luhrs Marine filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Against all odds, however, the 33 is selling well. More than 60 have been ordered since the boat was introduced, and all but a few that have been built have been sold. It is one of Hunter’s best debuts since the 2008 downturn.

Looking ahead, the bankruptcy filing should be a boon for Hunter, as it will unshackle the sailboat side of the business from the struggling powerboat brands. Hunter, which converted to an employee-owned operation in 1996, expects to be out of the bankruptcy weeds by the end of July.

While new ownership appears in the offing for Hunter, co-founder Warren Luhrs will likely still have a stake. Luhrs—who’s 80-day sail from New York to San Francisco set a record in 1989—helped redefine Hunter in the 1990s. Under his leadership, design innovations by the late Swedish engineer Lars Bergstrom (the “B” in Hunter’s signature backstayless B&R rig) and faster hulls from designer Glen Henderson helped propel Hunter’s makeover through the last two decades.

“We have several very promising buyers interested, one in particular, but we can’t say anything right now,” said Greg Emerson, Hunter’s chief of public relations. The company has secured financing from Bank of America to help with the transition, allowing Hunter to continue full operations and provide warranty support without interruption.

Of the big three American boatbuilders (Catalina and Beneteau USA are the other two), Hunter reached the farthest outside the box as the traditional boat market sagged. The hybrid powerboat-sailboat Hunter Edge introduced in 2009 was a sharp departure from its usual fare. In 2010, it launched the Elco-powered electric hybrid e27. And last year, Hunter debuted the electric hybrid e36. The new Hunter 33, by comparison, is a case study in incremental changes. Below the waterline, it is virtually identical to the previous Hunter 33, of which 623 hulls were between 2005 and 2011.

Starting in the mid-1990s, Henderson began revamping the Hunter fleet, exploring ways to boost performance, make sailing easier, and create interior space for the creature comforts that Hunter owners expect. The new 33 bears Henderson’s signature changes—beam carried well aft to increase interior volume below, a concave hollow in the bow and shallow forefoot to reduce pitching motion, and a fractional rig to make maneuvering under sail easier. Trickling down from the ocean racing realm, hard chines are the new trend in the recreational market. Henderson located the new 33’s chine at the waterline, to aid in tracking when the boat is heeled.

One of three designers we spoke with in Practical Sailor’s 2005 designers conference, Henderson emphasized the importance of the rudder in providing lift. Like previous Henderson designs, the 33’s elliptical rudder is fairly large, and the keel is conservatively proportioned, allowing sufficient lead—the fore-and-aft distance between the center of effort and the center of lateral resistance—to make for a well-balanced sailer. (See PS, February 2009, “The Balancing Act.”) Hunter offers a 4-foot-6-inch shoal-draft version and 5-foot-6-inch deep draft of the new 33.

The boat’s excitement factor will depend a great deal on the sail plan. Henderson is a firm proponent of the fractional rig, with an easily tacked 110-percent furling jib. To up the fun-factor in light-air, a Code 0 asymmetrical sail will be a good investment.

For the mainsail, Hunter offers two options. Most buyers opt for the in-mast furling rig, an attractive choice for weekend cruisers who don’t want the hassles of setting and stowing a mainsail. Performance enthusiasts should opt for the standard rig. A full-battened, fat-head mainsail will significantly boost horsepower: The mast is shorter (by nearly 5 feet), lighter, and more aerodynamic than the furling mast.

Foregoing a furling main has trade-offs. Hunter’s overhead arch puts the aft end of the sail high above the cockpit, making setting and dousing a full-batten sail more of a chore, particularly if a full bimini is part of the picture. To simplify stowage, Hunter offers a self-stowing sailcover system with lazy jacks similar to those we looked at in our February 2008 article “Taming the Main.”

The clearest difference between the new 33 and the previous version is the new deck plan. The previous model had a walk-through transom that opened onto a stern boarding platform. The new model has a hinged transom cutout that folds down to create a swim platform that offers more area than the previous platform. As a result, the cockpit is larger, the main cabin can move aft, and the berth below the cockpit gains more space.

One big benefit of the larger cockpit, strictly from a cruising standpoint, is the bigger cockpit table. Featuring twin drop-down leaves hinged along the centerline, the 33’s table has a catch-all bin at its base—great for sunscreen, winch handles, and gloves—that doubles as a foot brace. There is plenty of room to move around the folded table, and older sailors will appreciate the extra handhold.

The previous model’s more secure—and unattractive, in our view—bathtub wrap-around coaming is gone. Instead, port and starboard lockers (starboard for propane tanks) are aft. The cockpit seats are technically too short for snoozing (4 feet, 9 inches by 1 foot, 6 inches), but seat cushions raise the seats up to the same level of the lazarettes, so you effectively have 5 feet, 7 inches to stretch out. Head clearance under the arch is 6 feet. A 4-inch bridgedeck keeps water from sloshing below. Lexan hatchboards stow in a dedicated storage bin in the port cockpit locker, ready as needed offshore.

Our test boat from Massey Marine in Palmetto, Fla., was equipped with the Mariner Package, which includes the overhead arch, an upgraded 29-horsepower Yanmar, Seldén in-mast mainsail furling with a rigid boom vang, a helm sheeting package for the jib, and the optional folding Lewmar steering wheel. It also had upgraded No. 30 Lewmar winches for reefing and furling lines; No. 16 winches are standard. A high-aspect canvas dodger and full-length cockpit canvas rounded out the package.

Sail control is easily managed from the cockpit. Halyards, reefing, and furling lines lead back to ganged Spinlock rope clutches at each side of the companionway. Molded line bins keep tails and toes from becoming ensnared. Mainsail control—both the traveler and mainsheet—can be reached from the helm, although the test boat’s full canvas awning made it hard to monitor the sheet tension and traveler car position, even with a cutout window over the helm. While mid-boom sheeting found on other boats doesn’t suffer this problem, Hunter sensibly prefers end-of-boom sheeting, which minimizes the loads on hardware and humans.

The 19-inch-high coaming offers security in a knock-down, but makes for a big step down to the sidedecks. While hardly expansive, the sidedecks allow easy passage fore and aft. Ample handholds and a low toerail offer security when moving forward. A reconfigured rig, with lower shrouds well inboard, also opens up the passage forward.

Six amply sized cleats (two at the bow, one on each stern quarter, and two amidship) handle docklines, but the stern cleats are vertically oriented, making them harder to access and poorly aligned with dock loads.

The self-draining anchor locker, single bow roller (two rollers are an option), and windlass gear meet the needs of a weekend sailor. This is a standard design on boats of this size, geared more toward aesthetics than midnight anchor drills on a pitching deck. (The more sensible hawse pipe is too much trouble for today’s sailors, it seems.) The anchor locker is relatively shallow, a poor match for someone who likes to pile on rode or carry two anchors. A locker divider is optional.

Most of the sailing hardware is Seldén gear, and this equipment has done very well in our previous tests. Seldén’s 200s Furlex, top rated in our August 2009 test, handles jib furling duties. Seldén’s in-mast furler and rigid vang help tame the mainsail, and Seldén’s top-rated bullet blocks (PS, June 2011) handle mainsheet loads. This is Hunter’s first big boat to feature Seldén’s mainsheet traveler.

The new 33 is the first Hunter model with a saildrive. The standard engine is the 21-horsepower Yanmar 3YM20, but our test boat featured the 29-horsepower 3YM30, which has a shaft output of 27 horsepower. The engine is mounted with the flywheel facing aft, so the gearbox and saildrive mounts and seals are easy to inspect and monitor. Access to the water pump, alternator, and drive belts is through a door in the aft cabin.

Yanmar recommends that this engine be hauled out, inspected, and serviced annually. Paint failure and corrosion on the aluminum lower unit are the chief concerns, so zincs need to be changed routinely, and the paint coating needs to be closely monitored. Copper-loaded bottom paints on the drive are a big no-no. If you live in a tropical climate and are trying to stretch your haulout intervals to three years, you may want to re-think the advantages of having a saildrive.

Saildrives simplify the builder’s job, and their only real advantages for the sailer are reduced underwater drag and some noise reduction. The standard prop is a bronze two-blade prop. Our test boat came with a folding two-blade prop. For long-term reliability and fewer maintenance headaches, we still prefer a conventional drive shaft system.

The boat’s standard systems are handled professionally and are adequate for daysailing, but most sailors will opt for a cruise-ready package, which includes some things we’d consider essential. There is also an iTech upgrade featuring additional HDMI and USB cabling and a cell-phone booster antenna for those who want to stay connected.

Bronze through-hulls have replaced the Marelon versions used on previous models. All seacocks are easily accessible and well labeled. Wiring and plumbing systems closely adhere to norms set by the American Boat and Yacht Council. The 25-gallon fuel tank is polyethylene. We prefer high-grade aluminum for fuel (PS, May 2007). The tank is well supported on all sides and small enough that the rotomolded tank’s biggest drawback—the difficulty of installing leak-free inspection ports—isn’t a major issue.

Hunter’s interior arrangements are among its strongest selling points. The computer-cut interior panels are assembled in modules outside the boat, significantly reducing labor cost. Joints, doors, and lockers that require skilled carpentry are pre-built and fitted in the workshop, where they can get the attention they deserve.

You won’t find finished edges on all plywood panels, but the warm cherry veneer, the creative use of space, and a few practical touches create an interior that is surprisingly roomy and comfortable for a boat of this size.

The extra space gained by pushing the cockpit aft allowed Hunter to angle the steps inboard, so one can walk down facing forward, with excellent handholds on either side of the companionway.

Headroom is 6 feet, 2 inches. White foam-backed material covers the overhead and sides. The material is held in place by grooved plastic track and can be removed and re-installed (with a special roller) to access deck hardware. This allows Hunter to through-bolt all hardware through a backing plate.

The main cabin and galley are well lit with big side windows, and two flush, frameless overhead hatches—one opening forward, the other opening aft—provide ventilation. The forward V-berth has its own hatch, and the aft cabin in the starboard quarter has a larger-than-queen-size bed, two ports and a fairly large hatch in the port settee. These hatches don’t get a whole lot of breeze in a still anchorage, but the space is much airier than that of previous models.

The galley is well-appointed, with a gimbaled, two-burner Force 10 stove and oven, and a single, deep sink. So long as you don’t need access to lockers or the ice-box (or optional freezer), there’s more than enough counter-space. Our test boat had a minimally insulated, front-opening fridge. These self-contained units work well for daysailing and dockside entertaining, but can be real energy hogs away from shore. A top-loading freezer/fridge with better insulation is an option.

The starboard head doubles as a shower, which has its own sump. The space’s snug fore-and-aft dimensions allow for a sleeping-length settee to starboard and the spacious aft cabin.

The dinette table has a slightly raised, fiddled catch-all for food, drinks, iPods, Barbie dolls, Legos, whatever. Beneath the vertical structure is a hand crank that raises and lowers the table, quickly converting it into a long 4-foot-4-inch-wide berth. This is a slick, one-person operation. Similarly, the center section of the starboard settee flips inboard to convert into a coffee table or small chart table.

Photo courtesy of Hunter Marine

Performance

We tested the boat in protected waters on the Bradenton River, Fla., in 10 to 12 knots northwest wind. A quarter-knot incoming tide was nearly aligned with the wind, and the following data, recorded by the GPS on our Velocitek ProStart, compensates for this current.

At 2,600 rpm, the upgraded 29-horsepower engine with a 13-inch, two-bladed folding Gori prop pushed the boat at 6.5 knots. At wide-open throttle, 3,400 rpm, the average speed was 7.3 knots and the wake was clean. The boat easily spun 180 degrees in little more than a single boat length, and it maneuvered easily under power in both forward and reverse. The engine was quiet with very little vibration at either speed, only slightly noisier at the higher rpm, registering 77 decibels in the center of the main saloon and in the cockpit with the companionway open. (Conversation is about 60-70 decibels.)

Even with shoal-draft and an in-mast furling mainsail that had no vertical battens, the test boat climbed to windward well; we would expect much better performance with the deep keel version and the standard mainsail.

Tacking angles were between 90 and 94 degrees. Close-reaching with the wind 45 degrees true and a relative windspeed of 14 knots, the boat made 4.9 knots over ground. Cracking off to 50 degrees true wind angle, the speed jumped to 6.4 knots. The fastest sustained speed was 6.5 knots at 70 degrees true, in 14 knots apparent wind.

Reaching between 130 and 160 degrees off the wind, the boat averaged between 5 and 5.5 knots. Apparent windspeed off the wind was between 6 and 8 knots, perfect conditions for an asymmetrical, although our test boat was not equipped with one. Throughout the test sail, the helm was exceptionally well balanced, even off the wind, and the boat accelerated nicely in puffs.

For a new, entry-level family cruiser, the Hunter 33 has a lot going for it. The $160,000 sailaway price is attractive; the five-year warranty on the hull is transferrable. A one-year stem-to-stern warranty covers major components, including things like refrigerators and windlasses.

Our tester was impressed by the excellent use of space in a boat of this size, both belowdecks and in the cockpit. In this respect, it is a big improvement over the previous Hunter 33.

Second was its performance on the water. Even with a battenless mainsail, this was a fun boat to sail. We’d encourage a stickler for performance to opt for the full-batten main.

Two concerns, in our view, are the standard iron keel and the sail drive, but you can’t expect a company like Hunter, for which pricing is a key sales point, to fight against market trends. A lead keel is an option for the Hunter 33, and is well worth the extra $9,800, in our view.

If you are having the boat hauled annually to ensure that the keel coating remains intact and the sail drive maintenance regimen is followed, you will avoid the problems that can crop up down the road. Certainly, around-the-can racing sailors will appreciate the reduced drag of the sail drive.

Hunter has had many years to learn what its customers like, and the variety of options in this boat will appeal to a wide range of sailors. We expect it to continue to sell well in this size range, and consider it a good fit for a coastal cruising family.

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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:

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The 33 – compact cruiser of the year.

360 Marlow-Hunter 33 Virtual Tour »

The Award-Winning Marlow-Hunter 33 is a stunning sailing yacht. Keeping with the Hunter of yesterday’s signature window line gives this yacht the sleek feel of the latest Marlow-Hunters, but the improvements do not end there. The hull design has been improved, featuring a wider beam further aft as well as a more profound bow hollow. The result of this hull design is a longer dynamic waterline, which means more speed. The deck features a sleek, modern profile with large side windows allowing for increased interior light. The deck hatches are flush-mount, offering an enhanced look that complements the new profile. Lengthening the cockpit has allowed the Marlow-Hunter 33 to have a cockpit that is longer than its predecessor. The cockpit of the Marlow-Hunter 33 also features a fold-down swim platform that extends the already lengthy cockpit when folded down while the boat is docked or at anchor.

Extending the cockpit allows for a larger master aft cabin that features more headroom. Overall, the interior has been enhanced with a richer look and feel. Enhancements start at the sole of the interior which features a hardwood flooring look that accentuates the true beauty of the Marlow-Hunter 33’s interior. Corian galley countertops feature complementing stainless steel fiddles that not only keep items from falling off the countertops in a seaway but also serve as excellent hand holds when moving about below. The interior wood used for the bulkheads as well as cabinet doors has been rotated 90 degrees so that the wood grain runs horizontally instead of vertically. Not only does this add a crisp modern touch to the interior, it also gives the eye an impression of a larger interior space.

The salon features several intelligent enhancements. To starboard, the comfortable settee features a center section that easily flips up to create a convenient chart table. The beauty of this system is its robust design…and no moving parts to wear out! To port, the elegant dinette sports Marlow-Hunter’s unique Easy Lift system. With a few simple cranks, the dinette table lowers to form the base of a double sleeper sofa. Above, near the overhead, Marlow-Hunter has thoughtfully provided flat, fiddle-protected cabinet tops that supply even more storage space.

Sail away on a Marlow-Hunter 33 for $148,998.

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Should I be looking at a 31 or a 33 Hunter?

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I have sailed a 26 Macgregor for 14 years now and think it is time to move on. I was thinking of purchasing either a Hunter 31 or a 33. I sail the Delaware and the upper Chesapeake. I usually single handle and either day sail or short week cruces. I am looking for some prose and cons on either the 31 or the 33. Thanks Bill  

If you're talking the new 31 and 33, they're supposed to be bettered designed, performance wise, than previous models. Some pro's, in my mind are, the fractional rig (easier to singlehand), cost, shoal keel option, comfortable and roomy. Some con's, again, in my mind, small tankage and stowage, too many non sailing related "gadgets". They also seem more geared to time at rest, than in motion. For what you have in mind though, I'd say it's a fairly good fit. A lot depends on how much money you're looking to spend. Regards,  

The H33 got a good review from Sailing Mag, and a copy is on the Sailtime part of the Hunter website, the part on fractional ownership.  

Bill, Before reviewing boat specs, you need to review your own sailing "specs". Going from a 26' MacGregor to a 31' or 33" whatever make is a big step. Since, I too, am a solo sailor, and I found a world of differnece between my 27' Hunter to my 34' Hunter. I don't know your age and physical abilities (BTW, I'm 63) but you need to consider how the boat is set up for single handed sailing. PBreezer has good points about the 33 considerirng solo sailing. I had a tiller on my old boat and everything was within arm's reach. Going to a wheel and probably a mid-boom rig is more challenging when the weather wants to get nasty real fast. It's a long walk up to the clutches in order to dump wind fast on a big boat. I sail Lake Michigan and we've been known to get an ugly blow without warning. I just hate leaving the wheel to pop the main sheet at the clutches. It was easy when the traveler was behind me. Harken hasn't yet been able to figure out a solution to getting my main sheet at my fingertips. Now, on the pro side of "boatfootitis" aka bigger is nicer, I was on a guy's 30 foot O'Day and it was claustrophobic in comparison. I could hold a dance in my cabin but I felt like I was bouncing off the walls in his, so to speak. On the off chance you allow people aboard that have no "boat sense", a bigger boat is better for them too. They can get lost aboard and thereby leave you alone which is probably why you enjoy solo sailing like me. Bigger cabin = more comfortable cruising. Go to a show: kick rudders; ignore the touristas as you sit in the boat and ponder. You're there to make a decision. They're just dreaming. I've overheard more wives talk about how "purrddy the kitchen is". Do you really care about that stuff? Remember, you're part of a minority breed... a solo sailor. Think about your safety, your ability to handle the boat without help in any condition you might encounter and still enjoy it; not just when it's a nice 10- 12 knot breeze. I've been doing this on and off for over 20 years. but this is still just my humble opinion. We all keep learning as time goes on. My guess?... You'll go for a 33'. Boatfootitis is an addiction. Bob "BOHICA" Chicago  

Hunter has a site where owners review the Hunter Boats they've purchased. As one might expect, the vast majority of owners are happy with their boats. I do suggest you read these reviews carefully as there are a number of issues on the 33 that popped up several times on these 1 or 2 year old boats despite the wonderful reviews by the bought and paid for media! Here's one review (bad) below....you can read them all HERE Review of the Hunter 33 by John Giraudy on May 23, 2005. Year built: 2004 Location of boat: Ontario The boat is sailed on: The Great Lakes How the boat is used: Day sailing Normal wind strength: 10-15 knots Average size of crew: 2-4 Liveaboard? No John Giraudy bought the boat in: 2004 If the clock could be turned back, would John Giraudy buy again? No Gear that's been added: Yes: Upgraded from ST40 to ST60 Speed/Depth and Wind. Added Horizon GPS, Dodger/Bimini, Lewmar Windlass, Spade Anchor and a three-bladed MaxProp. I also opted for in-mast furling. Structural or complex improvements: The GPS addition was pretty straight-forward but in adding the Lewmar windlass I had to do some research and plan the fixtures and wiring connections carefully. However, it was not too complex. The boat's best features: It is well known that Hunter Marine is innovative with its designs and the Hunter 33 is no exception. The H33 is spacious and very comfortable as a cruising boat. Sleeping accommodations are very good for a boat of its size. However the toilet is a bit tight on space. The galley is well equipped and well laid out. The electrical system is neat with wiring routed through conduits. Automatic sprinklers in the engine compartment and gas detection are thoughtful aids to safety. It is also neat to have all the through-hulls located in one area. The H33 rides rough weather fairly well by cutting through waves instead of slamming. Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.: 1. Gelcoat is a bit thin and "scuffs" easily. I do not believe the integrity of the hull construction (ie strength and longevity) is as good as some of the boats in its market segment - my opinion.2. My keel is bent and Hunter will do nothing about it. They say it is within industry standards. (Whatever that is. In my discussions with Hunter I get the impression they assume they pretty much set industry standards since they hold the largest market share). I was told by Hunter that the wing on my shoal keel can be up to 4 inches out of true ie to port or starboard - from keel/hull attachment to the bottom of the keel and this will have no effect on the vessel's performance!! The bottom of my keel is nearly two inches off center. The boat slowly veers to starboard while motoring. While visiting the Hunter facility at Alachua I noticed a number boats awaiting delivery with similarly bent keels. Hunter says the method of keel attachment is "line of sight" and not always done by the same person. (I can only guess that my boat's keel must have been sighted by the guy who needed an eye-test).3. The location at the transom to work the bilge pump is questionable in my opinion, especially if the going is rough at the time of use.4. The bilge and the vanity outlets are located on the starboard side about mid-hull, just below the rubrail. Apologies to anyone walking on a dock past a H33, at the time of activation of these systems.5. Cabin top around the two winches is "busy" with all the lines leading aft.6. Yanmar 3YM30 is a good, quiet and fuel efficient engine but in my experience prone to overheating. I hope my prolonged (overheating) problem is now solved. Spare parts for that engine is slow to market. Sailing characterisitcs: Generally the boat sails well. It is difficult to discern the "bent keel" effect while under sail. The effect is noticeable when motoring. I especially like the in-mast furling which makes for timely reefing. I do find the H33 a bit tender though. I have to start thinking about reefing in about 12 knots of wind. This was the advice given to me by the salesman who sold me the boat and it is good advice. I am told the deep fin version sails much better - as one would expect.PS: I beg forgiveness from all the H33 rail-in-the-water types who may question what may appear to be cautious reefing. However I prefer comfortable sailing. Motoring characterisitcs: The boat/engine combination is good with enough power to drive the boat in bad conditions. However, my experience of veering off course because I believe it to be as a result of the of my keel problem, is a PITA. Liveability: Good for entertaining and also for weekends and cruises. Manouvering around the helm is tight and awkward. I wish Hunter could invent something innovative with the wheel, like Beneteau did. Six is getting crowded in the cockpit. Getting at the engine is a chore. The owner's experience in dealing with Sailboat (if any): Generally Hunter's customer service staff are knowledgeable and helpful but the department is short-staffed. Hunter could do with beefing up customer support staffing, particularly as they sell more and more boats. The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any: In my experiences I would prefer not to say. However the boating industry is sadly in need of an overhaul of standards and procedures for dealings between seller and buyer. It is like the used car business of years ago, until legislated regulations forced dealers to be more customer conscious. I have no doubt there are some good dealers out there but that is not the over-riding norm for the industry. Other comments: In general - nice boat but definitely mass-production quality and value.Let's face it you get what you pay for.  

Hunter 31 or 33 I looked extensively at both last year. The 31 while very nice had almost NO storage. The 33 had much better storage. I think either would be easy to singlehand. PS. I wound up buying a '94 Legend 35.5, lots of storage and the admiral really liked the cabin layout.  

Only if you like boats made with countertop material  

My 2 cents I went from a Mac 26X to a hunter 31 1984. WOW what a difference it sails very well and as far as single handed I sail with my wife aka admiral but I do most of the handeling. It is very easy you will need an autopilot I have a ST 4000. It sails very close to the wind but it has upgraded sails. I agree with the person that said do your own assesment of your needs. Our boat has plenty of storage for our needs. In fact we don't use all we have. Tanks are good for a few days out not a crossing for sure. We are not more that two days from a pump out and fill. So we have no issue with capacity. We really like to boat.  

I too went from Mac26X to a Hunter 326. It truely is a fantastic change for the better in sailability, comfort, entertainment for family/friends... Recently I hit some underwater object that bent the wing on my shoal draft keel. The wings now look like manta ray wings. Kind of nice looking. Didn't change the sailing character one bit. She still points as high and go as fast. My friend asked same questions about going for the 31 or 33 recently. He finally settle for the 33. Its more roomy and has has better storage. I believe you'll get more for the price difference paid then the 31.  

Do I see a trend in boat change here????  

Mac 26 to Hunter 30 I owned a Mac 26S before I bought my Hunter 30. I thought it was going to be a big step but it really wasn't. The Hunter was much easier to sail than the Mac. If I knew that it was going to be like this I would have went to a 33' boat so I wouldn't have to make that next step. My H30 is a great boat and is fun to sail. It's very stable and has lots of room in the cabin. Storage depends on how you use your boat if you spend weeks at a time on board, you will need more storage than if you sail long weekends. I have spent a week on my boat and had no problems with storage. If I had a family with 3 or 4 kids, I'd definately want a bigger boat.  

Giulietta said: Do I see a trend in boat change here???? Click to expand...

Camaraderie gave a pretty good synopsis of his Hunter 33. I bought a new one in 2005. It is my first new boat and I'm in love with it as is my wife. We daysail and take cruises on Lake Ontario for weeks at a time. For yourself go sit on a 31 then sit in a 33. You'll notice a huge difference. It's the first time my wife has said we should look at the larger boat. As far as quality goes the only complaint I have is that of several voids in the gelcoat in the cokpit area. These were fixed immediately by the Broker. The boat has a 5 yr warrantee stem to stern so most prblems except for osmosis should show up during the warrantee period. We installed a full compliment of electronics which makes my decisions easier. We went as far as to install a heat pump/airconditioner which extends our season. The air has a sampling system which samples the air on the boat every couple of hours when at the dock and not attended. If the humidity is too high it switches on to dry the air and prevents any of the musty smells that can develop due to damp humid air in the boat. It sounds decadent but it's been a pleasure having it. The cockpit is big and the wheel folds so that at the dock there is plenty of room to walk by it. We use stern boarding. The boat is fast and handles very well. Down wind the boat tends to be slow as we have a furling main which has a smaller sail area than the normal rig. However; I purchased an asymmetrical spinnaker this winter so that should solve my need for speed. Ultimately it needs to be your decision. Good hunting.  

I'm seriously looking to pickup a Hunter 78'-84' wheel steering and shoal draft. I've been close on a couple last year but: 1. Decided with my shoulder I needed wheel steering (also had shoulder operated on last winter) and 2.Due to lack of slip space in Daytona Beach area to keep her at anchor when in the water & trailer when not. In anticipation of finding the right boat this year I've just bought a 07' Toyota Tundra Double cab (the one that tows 10,000#). But won't pull the trigger until later in the year or early spring. So my question is what advice, got-ya's etc can you offer?  

I bought a 1984 H31 and have lived on it for 3 1/2 years, and my wife with me the past year. This is a decent little boat with much more storage than some of the more racy boats its size. It's a very light boat with lots of beam and gets uncomfortable fast as it gets nasty. I agree with the reefing early aspect. I installed an inner forestay for a storm jib, works well and extends my sailing capability into the really nasty that this boat was not designed for. The Yanmar 2GMF 13hp is underpowered, and I added a 3 blade prop that decreased vibes and increased fuel efficiency and speed. A bad thing is hunter's way of running the chainplate rods down to a piece of L-iron affixed to the inner liner. This caused a pucker on the port side of my boat, probably won't sink it but no good. The hunter rep said it's a really bad thing but I think the hulls are just thin. Also, if you have to re-rig a B+R get ready to pull out your wallet. That rig has so many end fittings that it's quite costly to re-rig. I did mine in 2007 all myself and still cost me 1500. The hunter rep quoted me 4k. Hunter puts carpet over all bare fiberglass surfaces, super nasty in the v-berth. Rip it out, apply form insulation and face with either a nice plastic sheet or pretty wood. The boat sails well, and it's fun to pop the chute for downwind runs. It's in the yard now and there are about 100 dime-sized blisters after not being painted for 5 or 6 years, and that aint bad! I'm going to let em ride. The cockpit is tight due to the large wheel, very annoying. I traded for a 6" diameter smaller wheel and eased the problem. The bimini/dodger is a round-bow type and useless for sailing in real rain, unless you sit in the companionway and steer via autopilot buttons. If you buy a boat this age, replace all the hoses or else your boat might sink.  

After sailing a H-36 for 4 years a lot of it single handed I would suggest the 36. If you get the 31 or 33 you will outgrow it very soon and then you will be stuck trying to sell again and upgrading. Make the jump to the 36 and avoid 6 footitis.  

A jump from a MAC26 to either the 31 or the 33 will be a great move up as others have suggested. After being in a Hunter 33 for awhile, you'll love the size, it feels much bigger than it is. Coming from a MAC, you'll feel like you went from a box under the bridge to a mansion!! lol.  

I don't think the OP is around to see the last two post. This thread is like 5 year old.  

I love seeing these old threads and wonder what was chosen and how it held up over the years. One thing I know now is Hunter does not 'Value" very well on NADA. Insurance companies use NADA as a value source for insuring your vessel. If you buy a 2007 Hunter 33 for 65,000 and insurance values it at 45,000...that can be a PITA is there is a loss of the vessel. If you look at Catalina or Beneteau, they are right on point with the value. I haven't seen one in person because I keep hearing of weird issues on their newer boats, like leaky ports, mystery leaks from the deck dripping through the cabin head liner, and now from this thread a freaking uncentered keel!!!! Too bad as it's a really sexy looking boat inside and out with a lot to offer for the price(hmmmmm....you get what you pay for?)....I'm now considering the Catalina 320 or the Beneteau 331...I would even choose the old O'day 322 before the Hunter....maybe not the O'day 322, I know of a couple keels that decided to retire and leave the vessel....one during a soft grounding and tow to get off the mud bottom...and one that wanted to see the bottom of the Great Lakes without warning the captain.  

even with the dredge alert on the 13 yo thread... in my mind Benney versus Cat... is a audi versus cadillac kind of statement. It comes down to brand loyalty, and layout/feel that you like... Just got back from a chartered Beneteau 35.1... by all rights a damned fine boat... but I felt like if it were laid out more like the 320, I'd have liked it better. Is the 320 better.... NO!!!! just my preference. I think Hunter just strikes a chord with their owners... Nothing wrong with that. For the record, so does the Mac..  

Should I be looking at a 31 or a 33 Hunter? Click to expand...

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• Sailboat Guide

Hunter 33 is a 32 ′ 8 ″ / 10 m monohull sailboat designed by John Cherubini and built by Hunter Marine starting in 1977.

• 2 / 28 Michigan, US 1981 Hunter 33 $27,000 USD View
• 3 / 28 Annapolis, MD, US 2006 Hunter 33 $63,000 USD View
• 4 / 28 San Diego, CA, US 2013 Hunter 33 $107,000 USD View
• 5 / 28 Michigan, US 1981 Hunter 33 $27,000 USD View
• 6 / 28 San Diego, CA, US 2013 Hunter 33 $107,000 USD View
• 7 / 28 San Diego, CA, US 2013 Hunter 33 $107,000 USD View
• 8 / 28 Michigan, US 1981 Hunter 33 $27,000 USD View
• 9 / 28 Michigan, US 1981 Hunter 33 $27,000 USD View
• 10 / 28 San Diego, CA, US 2013 Hunter 33 $107,000 USD View
• 11 / 28 Michigan, US 1981 Hunter 33 $27,000 USD View
• 12 / 28 San Diego, CA, US 2013 Hunter 33 $107,000 USD View
• 13 / 28 Michigan, US 1981 Hunter 33 $27,000 USD View
• 14 / 28 San Diego, CA, US 2013 Hunter 33 $107,000 USD View
• 15 / 28 Michigan, US 1981 Hunter 33 $27,000 USD View
• 16 / 28 San Diego, CA, US 2013 Hunter 33 $107,000 USD View
• 17 / 28 Michigan, US 1981 Hunter 33 $27,000 USD View
• 18 / 28 San Diego, CA, US 2013 Hunter 33 $107,000 USD View
• 19 / 28 Michigan, US 1981 Hunter 33 $27,000 USD View
• 20 / 28 San Diego, CA, US 2013 Hunter 33 $107,000 USD View
• 21 / 28 Michigan, US 1981 Hunter 33 $27,000 USD View
• 22 / 28 San Diego, CA, US 2013 Hunter 33 $107,000 USD View
• 23 / 28 Michigan, US 1981 Hunter 33 $27,000 USD View
• 24 / 28 San Diego, CA, US 2013 Hunter 33 $107,000 USD View
• 25 / 28 Michigan, US 1981 Hunter 33 $27,000 USD View
• 26 / 28 San Diego, CA, US 2013 Hunter 33 $107,000 USD View
• 27 / 28 San Diego, CA, US 2013 Hunter 33 $107,000 USD View
• 28 / 28 San Diego, CA, US 2013 Hunter 33 $107,000 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: 4.0’.

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Just How Good Are Hunters?

• Thread starter Caribbeanknight1
• Start date Aug 1, 2013
• Hunter Owner Forums
• Ask A Hunter Owner

Caribbeanknight1

I realize I am asking a biased audience but I know many here have owned other makes of sailboat. I have only limited sailing experience but I have been so impressed with my H240 vs the other boats on the lake. I know Hunter are considered "production boats" but you get so much boat for the price and they seem to sail as fast as anything in the same class yet the simplicity of the boat allows a beginner like me to sail like a pro. What am I missing? Where do Hunters not stack up to the much more expensive competition?  

When crossing an ocean. Hunters can do it and do but most prefer a blue water boat. Many can argue this subject but Hunters are not "blue water boats." I love mine and it is great for coastal cruising. However, I would not want to cross an ocean in it.  

Consider this that Ferrari cars are "production cars" even though they may make only twenty-four of that model. I'm in the September of my years now and have grown up with sailboats since the late nineteen fifties. I've had ten new boats, the last five have been Hunters because of the quality of construction that I have observed. They are a good company and made in America. Years ago at the beginning of the dawn of fiberglass right after WWII, sailboats were hulls with decks and minimal interiors. When you looked under the interior seats of the Cal there was raw fiberglass. The hot boat at that time was the plywood Thunderbird or T-bird, an excellent 26 footer that could be built at home. It took a while for sail boat companies to learn how to design and use fiberglass. And building the interior was a work of art with each piece of wood being measure for that individual boat. Some companies still build their boats that way but it is labor intensified. Some of our boat companies couldn't compete with the Asian boat companies with their cheaper labor and we began to import Fugis, Yamaha's, etc. So our boat companies responded with learning how to build boats like old Ford cars with every piece fitting every boat on the line. A company could cut ten pieces for ten boats at one time and have them all fit. Hunter was one of those companies that lead the way in modern day boat construction. But one of the things that convinced me to buy Hunter was their program of checking back with owners and asking what is working--what is not working. Then they would make adjustments in the plant and construction of their new models. I have watch improvements on all of my five Hunters. I suspect the new models are even better and have passed me by. "How can we make it better" seems to be the mantra of Hunter company and indeed, they have been one of the most innovating boat companies during the past twenty five years. Look at the B and R rid, roller furling mains and jibs, sugar scoop sterns, "tourist" seats in the stern, and the list goes on. Even where you can't see things they made improvements such as all plastic tankage or all through hull fittings in one place accessible for checking. Some of these same innovations and/or improvements you cannot find on some of the more expensive boats....however individual perception is a fascinating study. To complete my point, I drive a Subaru Forester which gets me to the store quite well. Would I like a Ferrari? I'm sure I would have fun going to the store in one but I doubt if it would get me there quicker (we have stop lights in my town) or anymore comfortable..... I suspect I would enjoy the purr of the Ferrari motor or the smell of the interior. I suspect I could enjoy sailing an Oyster sailboat but quite frankly I am in love with my Hunter 27. At my age it is a delight to sail and I can sail it by myself. And I don't have to repair or add items to make it sailable. It may be that the owner of a Ferrari will look down at me as might the owner of an Oyster. But the end result is that I'm having as much fun as they are sailing. So if you think your H240 is well made, you are correct. If you think your H240 is a good investment, you probably are correct as well. The end result is how much you enjoy sailing and cruising in your boat. I hope you get as much satisfaction from your Hunter as I do mind. I wish you well. By the way, I'm eighty in years and have sail many, many boats over the years. I still think of my Hunter 27 as a MGA of the boating world....a fun boat.  

I am new here and just purchased a 2006 Hunter 33.1. I have owned an ODay 25, a Hooks Marine Custom 34,Heavy Bluewater Boat. and also own a Nimble Nomad. Sailing for over 20 years. I do my own work and have read several books on boat construction. I was a Machinist Mate in the Navy and operated a 1200 lb Super Heated Steam Main Propulsion engine room. A Hunter is a production boat which seems to have it's fair share of detractors but from what I have seen and inspected it is a well built boat. The boat I bought had a owners manual which detailed every system on board in detail, which is not something I saw on any other boat, I also found the manual on line. All thru hulls are centrally located easy to close which is what you should do when you leave the boat. I found all the equipment installed up to the intended and installed properly. BTW I am perfectly qualified to survey the boat myself but hired a qualified survey to do a survey and he found no construction issues and only minor gear issues. I had used the same surveyor last week on a Catalina 30 which I walked away from at a cost of $800.00 for survey and lift, money well spent. Bang for the buck the boat is a great boat. As on all boats you have to balance the boat you buy with the intended use and your skill level. Good luck on your hunt for a boat, sometimes it takes time to find the boat that loves you. Jim  

Les said: I still think of my Hunter 27 as a MGA of the boating world....a fun boat. Click to expand

The Italians do not use Ferraris to go to the store either, they keep them in the garage and drive a Fiat. Each engine is hand assembled by a single highly trained and experienced individual. The seats are hancrafted from selected cuts of leather. That is not a production automobile. The use of computers has revolutionized manufacturing processes, we can now reach tolerances that before were to expensive to achieve. The difference observed between specialty builders and production manufacturers mostly rest in the quality of the materials being used and the quality controls. While the first may accept the cost of having to redo a job the other may decide to overlook it. Ferrari engine blocks undergo rigorous testing with a rather large percentage being scrapped and the metal recycled. The quality on production automobiles and boats has been improving but there are still a number of lemons reaching the marketplace. Don't get me wrong Hunter puts out a "Ferrari" of a design, uses good matrials and good components and price the boats fairly. Production errors that do not affect the safety of the boat are routinely overlooked but that is the tradeoff we are willing to accept between Price and Quality.  

Crazy Dave Condon

The Hunter water ballast sailboats were designed for the trailerable sailor as I was very much involved with them from the start. The 23.5 is my baby and I outsold all other dealers of the 240. I also sold Catalina, Beneteau, ComPac, Precision, MacGregor and many others over the years. I have heard all the Fiddlesticks about boats and so on. All to include the Hunters have their good points. When you say this is a blue water boat of course referencing the 240, it was not designed to cross an ocean. As to a productin boat, well guess what, so are the rest of the crowd as I have been in all the plants except for the MacGregor. If the two of you want to contact me, please feel free thru the forum email and I will be glad to help. My info is based on information and experience. crazy dave condon  

Not "blue water boats"? Don't know about the newer Hunters, but I bought a Cherubini 37-C specifically to be my "blue water boat". It's built like a tank and reported by far-too-many-to-ignore owners as surprisingly fast. I wouldn't think twice about cruising the oceans in Fred V - the boat is fine, it's the captain that's questionable!  

FredV said: Not "blue water boats"? Don't know about the newer Hunters, but I bought a Cherubini 37-C specifically to be my "blue water boat". It's built like a tank and reported by far-too-many-to-ignore owners as surprisingly fast. I wouldn't think twice about cruising the oceans in Fred V - the boat is fine, it's the captain that's questionable! Click to expand

Hunter Quality I spent the last year repairing and replacing parts on my 2002 H456. Eighty percent done by professionals and everyone of them from the diesel mechanic to the electrical engineer to the plumber has commented on how well this boat is built and with quality parts. Just be prepared to add 50K of offshore equipment and go where you want to go.  

wifeofgonzo

A Biased Reply I have a 2005 Hunter 36. In my opinion, the 36 is one of the best designed boats Hunter has made. I agree that the company does listen to owners and make changes. Lately it is their downfall. Go to the sail show - I don't think anyone leaves the dock. No storage space, difficult to do things underway, all designed to be at the marina not on the hook. Finding the right boat boat is like buying house. You know when you're "home". New is just as much of a pain as not, still bugs to work through. Our friends spend more time fixing their brand new Beneteau than sailing. I also agree I would not take our boat blue water. Not because she isn't seaworthy, but because of the keel. She is perfect for the coastal cruising that we do. Easy to single hand, perfect for two to be very comfortable, but big enough for friends to join us every now and then.  

John Murphy

CRBKT 1, I looked at all kinds of boats from Fla,to Apls, to New Eng. in the 37-40 range. I stayed away from Hunters 'cuz of my late 70's experience w/ them where they were a "Package Boat": carpeting not only on the cabin sole but UP THE BULKHEADS & ACROSS THE CEILING !!! REALLY!!, & a plastic "garbage bag" filled w/ 2 PFDS, some lines & a couple other items that made it; "Ready To Sail". I bought an Ericson back then & loved the John Holland designs & quality materials ( real, thick teak not vinyl over plywood ) & craftsmanship. Had it 30+years. Anywho, I had to swallow my pride & got a rude come-uppance. I bought a 1997 Hunter 376!! : o Learned it had been The Boat of the Year!! I am constantly comparing it w/ similar Catalinas ( who also have come a long way since the 70's) & Benateaus,etc. $ for $, spaciousness, brightness below ( Benateaus are "bat caves"), comfort, ( the pass-thru stern stateroom ( 2 doors, to galley & head ) surpass the other boats. I'm a USNA Offshore Instructor & USPS Safety Officer. I agree w/ my fellow sailors that Hunters are NOT Offshore boats, but Coastal Cruisers. Mine has been to Maine & back & all over the Chesapeake Bay, whose summer squalls can get pretty nasty. They're not Tartans, nor Sabres, but if you're not going Offshore, they're a GREAT boat. "Fair Winds & Following Seas...." " Murph "  

I have one of those 1970's package Hunters, a 1977 30 with the carpet everywhere. These boats were built to meet a price point and they did. They were well made and still do what they were intended to do. Amazingly much of that carpet is intact and as she is a dry boat not moldy and while not as attractive as teak, its ok. I sail the boat not its interior and more than 36 years after she left the factory she is still a fast boat for her class. My crew member who owns a Catalina 30 marvels over the standing room and comfort below. She is no Ferrari, she will never cross an ocean but she gets me a round the Cheaspeake and the Delaware and that's what I bought her for.  

My first boat was an 85 Hunter 25.5. I also looked at the 24 foot ODay but liiked the separate bulkhead going into the V berth on the Hunter, making it seem bigger. . It only drew 3'3', you needed a porta potty but it sailed well. When looking for a newer boat, I was directed to both Catalina and Beneteau. Both nice boats but I liked the style and the amount of light coming thru on the Hunter along with the lighter wood. The boat sails great, even in higher winds and the in-mast furling doesn't cost you a lot of speed. I frequently get over 7 knots and topped out at 8.4 kts. It does have the North Sails. Boats are personal preference but I'll put the Hunter up there with the other producton boats anyday.  

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