![]() In winds of 15 knots true or more, it’s time to reef the main when going upwind. A number of owners responding to our survey report that the original Hunter 34 is a very tippy boat, in either the deep keel or shoal draft version. There is a price to be paid for that speed, however. The typical PHRF rating of 135 for the deep keel boat is faster than most other cruiser/racers of her size. ![]() Owners report that in winds of from seven to 12 knots, the boat is practically unbeatable in club racing. This is due almost entirely to her huge rig, which towers over 51′ above the waterline. The Hunter 34 is a fast boat, particularly in light air. You are therefore less likely to find major upgrades on older boats than you would find on a boat that has been in production for a long time. All reported that the Hunter 34 was lightyears ahead in both design and workmanship compared to earlier models.īecause the Hunter 34 was only in production for a few years, few changes were made between model years. For the 1986 model year, the 34 was phased out in favor of the even more Eurostyled Legend 35.Ī number of Hunter 34 owners responding to our survey moved up from smaller boats in the Hunter line-exactly what every builder would like to see happen. In just over three years, over 800 Hunter 34s were built. For more experienced sailors who would rather choose their own gear, the Cruise Pac idea is not necessarily a plus. This certainly reduces the amount of decision making required by inexperienced boat owners, and has been a successful marketing strategy. ![]() Hunter has always gone after the entry-level cruising boat owner, and has traditionally pushed its “Cruise Pac” concept-a boat delivered equipped down to the life jackets, and ready to go. Although Luhrs has not been particularly successful in his racing, his own boats have been innovative, and the concepts of innovation and high-tech have to some degree rubbed off on Hunter’s production boats. The Hunter company has been strongly identified with the long-distance singlehanded racing of its president, Warren Luhrs. When the Hunter 34 was introduced in late 1982, it was the second of the “modern” generation of Hunters, the first being the rather remarkable Hunter 54. ![]()
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