2004 Hunter 33

[shellman]

Has anyone, other than a Hunter representative, sailed the new 2004 33? If so, care to share your thoughts? Also, have new Hunters historically sold at list price or at a discount to list?

[msl]

My wife and I have chartered a shoal draft Beneteau 331. We sailed and anchored the Alabama Gulf Coast. Is this the boat you are asking about?
I think a complete answer depends on how you intend to use it. For near coastal use, day sailing ... anchoring in protected waters (the Alabama estuaries create some beautiful inlets and bays) ... lots of room for relaxing, on deck and below (I would prefer less room in the cockpit for extended offshore work)... this is a good boat. It was a comfortable high performance, responsive "feel" sailing in 18 kts. ... I liked the stability. The boat we now own pitches (not quite hobbyhorsing) too much in choppy conditions. The 331 has a comfortable motion.
We liked the Beneteau layout and general quality.
Regards,
Mark L.

[msl]

...I''m very sorry. You asked about a HUNTER and I rattled on about a Beneteau. I know nothing about Hunter boats (never sailed one).
Please excuse my confusion.
Mark L.

[newuser]

Just saw one the other day liked the way it looks inside and out lots of usable storage good price ice on the creek and it wasn''t in the water please if someone other than a sailing magizine sails it let us know I don''t race and want to be comfly while sailing.

[jbrelin]

I own a Hunter 33, and am very pleased with it but I have one issue that I discovered while sailing SF Bay.

Before I begin, please note that the following may be a fact that most if not all sailboats handle in the way described below. I just happened to notice it on my Hunter 33.

With a 20 knot San Francisco wind, and a close reach, I could not help but oscillate the boat into and out of the wind. At one point, with the boat heeling way over, and with the helm all the way port, I moved starboard into the wind anyway. There could be several reasons for this:

1. I had full sails up, and the B & R rig just apllied too much torque. In other words, I should have reefed.
2. I should have anticipated and turned earlier before the moment. This would be user-error.
3. The rudder was slowing the boat and I lost horizontal force. At an angle, the rudder has less horizonal force than straight up-and-down too.
4. The concave bow helped to apply excessive turn pressure.

Other than this, the boat seems to handle just fine and I am extremely happy with it. I think it all comes down to knowing your boat. I hope this answers some questions.

[sailingdog]

JBrelin-

Welcome to sailnet... but I seriously doubt these guys care much anymore, since the post you're responding to is well over four years old. Please do check dates on posts before responding to them. Also, highly suggest you read the POST in my signature to help you get the most out of your time here.