hunter 17 sailboat specs

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The Hunter 170 is a joint venture between Hunter Marine and JY sailboats, which combines simplicity and comfort with toughness and performance. The boat and rigging are set up to be as simple as possible, allowing the owner to rig the boat and go sailing very quickly. The mast is light and can be put up by one person, although it's easier with two. The jib is set up on a roller-furling system with the sheets led back to swivel blocks in the cockpit. The mainsail is simple as well, with only one line necessary for the outhaul and a main halyard that is easily accessible on the mast from the cockpit. I was told that reef points for the sail are an option, but our test boat came with only two settings for the main-either all the way up, or all the way down. The mainsheet is placed conveniently near the helmsperson to trim while driving, but the block swivels so it can be trimmed just as easily by the crew. This simplicity results in a clean and uncluttered cockpit, making movement about the boat very easy.

The standard version of the Hunter 170 has a centerboard that draws 4 feet, 6 inches when fully lowered. It is built with a counterweight so it doesn't require a 270-pound linebacker or a maze of blocks to pull it back up. Combined with the swing-up rudder, landing on the beach or parking on a sandbar is a breeze. With the centerboard up the boat draws only 6 inches. An added bonus is the open transom, which allows for easy access when swimming or boarding. Another option is a 2.5-horsepower outboard, but we decided to go on our test with sails alone. With a blue sky, and about 15 knots of breeze, it couldn't have been a more perfect day for sailing. When I met up with Eric Macklin of Hunter Yachts at the Miami Yacht Club to take the boat for a spin, Macklin had the boat on the trailer waiting in line with the mast already up at boat ramp, and within minutes of our arrival, we had the boat floating at the dock.

Macklin gave me a verbal tour of the boat, and as I got myself acclimated, we sailed out into the bay. The boat comes with a canvas-covered storage area in the bow and sheet bags mounted at the mast. This is an excellent place to keep gear, life jackets, coolers, or other stuff out of the way. As I leaned forward to take the dockline off the bow, I found the one thing that I didn't like about the boat: It was a long reach from the cockpit to the forward cleats, and the canvas cover doesn't support a person's weight when leaning forward. This minor awkwardness aside, the canvas can easily be removed by unsnapping it if you need to reach forward, which is what I did.

The Hunter 170 turned quickly through the wind, and I found that, although a stable boat, it is still sensitive to weight placement, and in a breeze, you definitely need to be on the high side.

After the third tack, Macklin said, "Uh, you don't have to duck. That's one of the best things about the set-up." Of course, he was right and I had to laugh at myself. Years of sailing Lightnings had taken its toll-I was unconsciously ducking my head through each tack, even though the boom was a good three feet above it. In addition to the generous headroom, the clean layout of the cockpit can easily accommodate six people. The contoured benches were also very comfortable as we sat back to enjoy the view of Miami from the bay.

Upwind in the puffs, the wind was strong enough that we had to play the sails to keep the boat under control. Had we not been pushing the boat hard, we probably would have rolled up the jib and sailed under main alone, since with the fractional rig, the main alone provides plenty of power in breezier situations. With the boat heeled, I found that Hunter had the foresight to incorporate a toerail down the center of the cockpit floor. Sailing hard upwind with my feet now firmly planted, I noticed that the boat did not have a heavy weather helm even when it was fully heeled over. I was able to turn the boat up and down with the flick of the arm.

We cracked off slightly onto a reach, and the boat took off. The wide beam provided plenty of stability. Our test boat did not come with the optional asymmetrical spinnaker, but this is an option I would recommend for the sailor looking for lots of fun off-the-wind. We tested the roller-furling jib, and I found that, as with everything else on this boat, it was very easy to use. The line used to roll up the sail is led back to the cockpit and conveniently located next to the cleat for the jib sheet on the starboard side. Macklin suggested that the jib is easier to roll up when sailing dead downwind. The technique also made for a tidier-looking furling jib.

The 170 is built using Hunter's Advanced Composite Process, known as ACP, which makes the boat light, durable, and virtually unsinkable. The technique begins with a weather-resistant polymer on the outside and a knitted fiberglass fabric on the inside. A urethane foam is then injected in between and the resulting sandwich heated and vacuum formed, making it extremely strong and solid. The process is actually environmentally friendly, since the plastic used in the construction is recyclable. In fact, scraps from the building process are recycled on-site at the factory.

The exterior plastic is scuff-resistant, which makes the boat easy to clean and maintain. According to Hunter Marine, since the layers are bonded together and not laminated, delamination isn't even a possibility.

The foam core is also very light so that the boat weighs only 480 pounds. For the skeptics out there, Hunter stands behind the product and puts its money where its marketing is-the hull has a five-year warranty.

The 170's solid construction and straightforward layout make it ideal not only for beginners, but also for more experienced sailors who want a fast, simple boat to take out just for fun. Hunter has taken great steps to ensure that the 170 has a wide appeal by balancing durability and performance for a high fun factor. As is the case with so many of it boats, the company seems to have found the right combination.

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Should I buy a Hunter 17?

• Thread starter Don C.
• Start date Apr 2, 2000
• Hunter Owner Forums
• Smaller Boats

I'm interested in buying a Hunter 17. I had an O'Day 26 for 10 years and now want a a go-fast comfortable "adult" boat that I can keep in the driveway (I'm tired of Marina fees). How does the 170 handle and how is it for speed? Is it a well built boat? Any power boat waves come over the stern? How is the canvas on the "fore-deck"? Any information is appreciated! Thanks  

jordan egan

170 buy it It's a great boat. Very fast for a small displacement hull. Very dry as well. We have had ours in 4' seas in Galveston Bay and never took on any water from waves or wakes.I have owned seven sailboats of various sizes and types and this is the most fun so far.  

Mark Cooper

Go for it The 170 is a great little boat- fast and stable. Never had a problem with water coming in the open transom at all.  

I just did! Based in part upon advice from this board, I bought a used 1999 170 several weeks ago. I do not know how it handles in the water but it sure looks good in the driveway. FYI, Scott Hardy at The Boat Locker is selling a leftover 1999 with trailer for $6,500.  

Michael Stuart

Looks great in my driveway, too I bought a 170 two seasons ago. I have had great fun sailing it. As others have said, it is stable. Water comes in the transom only if the 170 is not moving, which happens when it's docked, becalmed, or in the driveway as mine is until the docks are put out for the summer. It does look good in the driveway tho. Make sure to get the motor mount and the mainsail cover. I'd pass on the cushions. The boat is easy to sail single-handed. Roller furling jib is excellent. No problems so far with leaks, as other posts have reported. The hull is strong and withstands dock-kisses.  

Tom Chulski

I'd buy another one... Beware of cup holders. Unless they've been resealed they're a potential problem. We know where my boat leaks; we're working with JY on fixing it. The only time we got water in over the stern was a day when we barely had way on and some ya-hoo with twin 250's dragged his quarter wave across our stern doing warp 9. We've been pleased. I'd buy another.  

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Marlow-Hunter, LLC

The 27 – an extraordinary entry-level crusier.

Novice sailors and veterans alike appreciate a boat that is easy to sail, packed with extra value and offers plenty of performance. The exciting Hunter 27 delivers all that and much more, resulting in an exceptional weekend cruiser with all the comforts of home. The Hunter 27’s impressive interior incorporates a refreshing sense of spaciousness with its large salon and 6’2” headroom. This interior shares the same warm, elegant design and materials with the largest Hunters. Other interior highlights on the Hunter 27 include solid wood cabinets and bulkheads, an L-shaped starboard galley, forward V-berth, private aft cabin, plus a fully enclosed head.

If you take a more environmentally-conscious approach to sailing, we also offer a completely green alternative to powering the 27. Partnering with the ELCO electric boat engine company, the Hunter team has developed a 100% emission-free propulsion and power package which we call the 27e. This breakthrough boat features the 10HP ELCO EP-1000. This state of the art electric propulsion system offers the same thrust as the standard 14HP diesel. Paired with our optional Green Energy package (Wind Powered Generator and T-Top with 3 Solar Panels, this power plant will propel and power your 27e with absolutely no emissions.

The Hunter 27 also features versatile sail plan options, allowing you to maximize your own performance requirements. Sail a Hunter 27 today. You’ll be glad you did!

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• Sailboat Reviews

Hunter 23.5

This family cruiser is innovative and has lots of room. in gusty winds, however, it is quick to stall..

Hunter Marine Corp. is noted for its slick, innovative and low-cost mass production sailers. The Hunter 23.5, new in 1992, fits the bill in all respects.

The 23.5 was designed as a trailerable family cruiser for entry-level sailors. Like most Hunters, the boat offers lots of space in the cockpit and down below, and comes with the famous Cruise Pac, which provides just about anything a customer needs, including sails, motor, trailer, lifelines, anchor, life jackets, flares and a copy of Chapman’s Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Handling . It’s this type of marketing (plus price: the 1992 price was $13,500) that has helped make Hunter one of the most successful sailboat producers in the U.S.

No one has ever faulted the Alachua, Florida, builder for offering anything but fresh, well-thought out designs. The most striking feature of the 23.5 is its water ballast system, new to Hunter. The system permits an operator to remove 1,000 pounds of ballast from the trailering weight. A retractable centerboard, kick-up rudder and mast that’s fairly easy to step and unstep further enhances trailerability. All told, boat, motor and trailer weigh a combined 2,450 pounds. This model also contains enough foam to provide positive flotation.

While Hunter has enjoyed considerable success with the buying public, it has also suffered from a negative image problem. Earlier PS reviews have criticized Hunter products for a lack of quality control-various systems kinks, lightweight hulls, poor finish work and general absence of blue-water seaworthiness. On the other hand, Hunter owners, while acknowledging a prevailing lack of respect, frequently defend their choice. In the realm of objective data, Coast Guard complaint and recall statistics reveal that Hunter has a better than average record when it comes to hull blistering. (Hunter offers five-year bottom blister warranty protection for the 23.5.) Clearly, the company is doing something right. The model we inspected (hull #8) showed, with very few exceptions, careful attention to detail and finish work in even the least accessible places-more than youd expect on a $13,500 boat. But it is also a boat with some inherent contradictions, in our opinion.

The 23.5 is a highly engineered product with lots of thoughtful features. Hunter, unlike some builders, constructs a mock-up, followed by a prototype that is extensively tested before final design decisions are made. The hull form is modern looking, almost powerboaty in appearance from some angles. Continuing a tendency evident in recent Hunters, the design team has given the 23.5 a relatively full hull, and raised the freeboard to reduce the cabin height, as well as add room below and keep those up top dry in a chop. Because the cabin extends to the rail (no side decks), you must climb over the cabin top to get to the foredeck.

The rig (a B&R design) consists of a 28-foot Z. Spar mast, fractionally rigged with swept-back spreaders that eliminate the need for a backstay (and make un-stepping/stepping, hence trailering, simpler); for the most part, the uppers are aft of the “after” lowers-until deck level-creating a triangular support system. Main and jib halyards are internal and led back to the cockpit. Power comes from a fully battenedmainsail and 110-percent jib (UK Sailmakers-Hong Kong) with a total of 236 square feet. For steering, the traditional wooden tiller has been replaced with a brushed aluminum tube that arches over the walk-through transom (swim ladder comes standard). The aluminum, said chief designer Rob Mazza, weathers better and is easier to arch in order to keep the rudder low and the tiller sufficiently high. Many helmsmen will use the standard Ronstan X-10 tiller extension.

The water ballast/keel system constitutes the key feature of the 23.5. The water ballast-125 gallons, or 1,000 pounds-takes about two minutes to bring on board. The system is activated by flipping up a lid at the base of the companionway, opening a vent and turning a T-valve; the valve in turn drops a circular stainless steel plate aft of the keel, exposing four holes in the hull. (The plate can then be closed flush.) And while you can’t jettison the water downwind, you can swing up the centerboard to reduce draft to 18 inches. The 4-foot centerboard, controlled by the outboard line to the cockpit, moves easily up and down via a cascade block and tackle arrangement.

The apparent thinking of Hunter engineers was to provide a simple, one-step water ballast system that keeps draft shallow while lowering the center of gravity for added stability and righting moment. The ballast-about 16 cubic feet in volume-lies immediately below the waterline. When the water is added, the boat sinks several inches. Nevertheless, while the water adds 1,000 pounds to the overall displacement, its location does not seem to provide sufficient righting moment for windward work in gusty conditions. On racing boats, water ballast is carried above the waterline and outboard under the settees, which of course provides more righting moment. But this water must be pumped into the chambers and drained before tacking-too complicated for Hunter’s purposes.

Construction of the boat is fairly straightforward, with balsa in the hull and plywood in the deck. The plywood core has the potential to encourage water migration should a deck leak occur at some point. The deck/hull joint, with a roll similar to a Hobie 18-a “modified shoebox,” one Hunter engineer described it-is bonded with glass and further fastened by flathead screws through the rubrail. Stanchions, fastened to aluminum backing plates that are glassed in, are sturdy. Though not a heavily-built boat, the 23 looks solid enough; in the absence of a graceful hull form-no sheer here-Hunter provides some added dash with a smoked forward-facing window and a green and purple hull swoosh graphic, which apparently has drawn strong reaction, pro and con (We liked it). Oddly, there is no waterline or boot scribed in the hull. Perhaps Hunter anticipates owners dry-sailing the 23.5, but the absence of a waterline mark will make bottom painting a difficult chore the first time.

Performance

We test sailed the 23.5 off Newport, Rhode Island. In light-air conditions, the shallow-body, lightweight boat (displacement 3,000 pounds with the water ballast) moved up to speed quickly. The boat pointed high and the few light puffs we experienced produced no noticeable helm. We did have some problem finding a definitive groove, especially after tacking. The boat glided through the water easily on a reach and downwind, with the board up, sped along as much as a 23-footer can (Mazza said it will surf under the right conditions). We moved relatively faster, in fact, than a Nonsuch 27 on the same tack.

In stronger 15-20 knot winds, it is a whole different experience. With a single reef in the mainsail, the boat consistently rounds up and stalls. In addition to the boat’s higher vertical center of gravity, this tendency may also be due to the very high-aspect ratio centerboard, which is generally associated with quick stall characteristics.

Complicating matters is the way the rig and sheeting are set up. With no backstay (or topping lift) and no traveler, and with the main sheeted down and far forward near the companionway, the main and sheet are highly stressed. And because the cam cleat for the mainsheet is down near the cockpit sole, it’s difficult to reach-especially in heavy air on a beat, when the helmsman and everyone else is out on the rail. The rounding up and stalling require constant spilling of the main. This may be okay (if tiring) for the experienced sailor, but a bit strenuous and nerve-wracking for the beginner at whom this boat is marketed.

Instead of a single reef, one solution might be to take a second reef in the main in anything approaching 15 knots, but that’s not much of a solution. With 236 square feet of sail-128 in the main, 108 in the foretriangle-for a sail area-displacement ratio of 18.9, the boat should not be overpowered. (The O’Day 23, of about the same displacement, but with 200 more pounds of ballast, carries 246 square feet)

Another solution, although it breaks up the cockpit, might be a barney post where there’s already a slot for the cockpit table, a system that worked well enough in the Alerion-Express. A traveler would be even better, though obviously Hunter wanted to keep the cockpit clear of obstructions as well as avoid the added cost.

Accommodations

You get a lot for your money with this Hunter model. One thing you get a lot of is interior space or, as company literature describes it, “a 25-foot boat in a 23.5 hull.” The main cabin is sizable and has more headroom than we’ve seen on a 23-footer. A pop-top hatch allows those down below to stand up in the center of the cabin. An optional canvas camper top ($300) provides protection from the elements. Poptops are notoriously leaky, and we can’t vouch for this one’s water tightness; however, Hunter has provided drains all around.

The smoked pop-top, plus three ports per side in the main cabin (two small circles, one longer swoosh-style forward) and the forward-facing window provide plenty of light. Hunter has made no attempt to yacht-up the interior: What you get is a basic cream-colored liner, offset on a portion of the topsides by a close-weave grayish fabric someone called “monkey fur.” Despite the plainness, we liked the clean look of the interior.

Aft to port in the main cabin you get a galley station with a one-burner alcohol stove, sink, and fold-out table with storage below. You won’t be whipping up any Cruising World -style feasts in this galley, but it’s nice to be able to heat up some coffee or a cup of soup. Forward of the galley is a small settee/berth, sized right for a child, with storage beneath and a cutout for a portable ice chest. Opposite is a somewhat longer settee/berth of less than six feet, with more storage and a battery compartment below. On the centerline is a slot for a small table that also can be set up in the cockpit.

There are a number of helpful additions: an automatic bilge pump, access plates underneath the cockpit winches. The portable toilet is located to starboard behind a half-bulkhead and privacy curtain, and under the V-berth. Aside from the standard V-berth in the bow, which seems a bit cramped, there’s a double berth (plus stowage) aft of the main cabin, under the cockpit and seats (not for the claustrophobic). It was back here in the bowels of the boat that we spotted the only untrimmed fiberglass.

On deck, there’s an equally roomy cockpit-7′ 9″ long and 6′ 2″ from coaming to coaming. The relatively wide beam makes the addition of a ridge along the centerline for use as a footrest a welcome touch. Foam padding on the seatbacks is another. A lazaret on either side provides on-deck stowage. There’s a #8 Barient winch on either side of the cabin top, each with an attendant cleat. Lines are meant to be kept in the no-name stoppers to starboard. Because of the profusion of lines led back on the starboard side, we’d prefer an extra cleat and winch.

Nonskid is molded in. The foredeck holds an anchor locker, which also contains a padeye for the stepping/unstepping operation. Skipping the details of this procedure-which involves use of a gin pole, the main and jib halyards and a bridle that controls lateral movement-we’d say that Hunter has devised as easy a way to drop a mast as is possible. Once down, the forward end rests in a U-shaped bend in the bow pulpit, the aft end on a roller-topped pole fitted at the transom.

Conclusions

In its attempt to create a simply operated, easily trailered, entry-level boat at a good price, Hunter has come up with some clever compromises. But they are compromises just the same. The 23.5 sails well on all points in light air; it does well off the wind in heavier air. Windward work over 15 knots in this boat is poor in our estimation. We’d strongly recommend that potential customers thoroughly test sail the boat in a variety of wind conditions, experimenting with one or two reefs, to be certain it’s something they’re able-and willing-to handle.

The Hunter 23.5 is clearly striking a chord with some buyers, and assuming many are entry-level sailors, we think it’s great that this boat is attracting newcomers to the sport. The design represents a clever way of managing the trailering problem (i.e., weight and draft). At the same time, we can’t help but wonder if its behavior in gusty winds is worth the convenience of dumping ballast on the launch ramp.

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excellent article.

Darrell – excellent review. Thanks.

Thanks for the review, I just saw one for sale online.

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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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• Sailboat Guide

2006 Hunter Hunter 17

• Description

Seller's Description

Hunter 17 sailboat that was used for one summer on fresh water lake; has been stored in shrinkwrap ever since; sails, inlcuding a roller furling jib, and accessories are like new. The boat just needs to be cleaned up. 4 stroke honda motor and trailer included!

Equipment: sailboat with all parts; Main sail; roller furling jib; honda motor; seat cushions; trailer

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)

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The Hunter 30 is a 30.4ft masthead sloop designed by John Cherubini and built in fiberglass by Hunter Marine (USA) between 1973 and 1983.

1000 units have been built..

The Hunter 30 is a moderate weight sailboat which is slightly under powered. It is very stable / stiff and has a good righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a coastal cruiser. The fuel capacity is originally very small. There is a very short water supply range.

Hunter 30 for sale elsewhere on the web:

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