33' Hunter 1980

[MDhillon]

I thought I was going to have to wait another year but my neighboor is aging and is listing his 33' Hunter 1980 for 10k, it has a 15 hp diesel and roller furling jib. Everything works for the most part it has just been neglected for a few years (bottom paint and a good power wash will do half of it) this is about the size i wanted and the inboard diesel is a plus as i have heard terrible things about the atomic 4's reliability. Those who have had one or sailed one some, what was your general opinion on it. pro's/con's. I am buying a boat with the intention of crossing the atlantic eventually so how would this model fair the blue water? Im pretty sure its a good price i just wanted some insight from people who have through the paces aboard one. Thanks for your time reading/responding

[Captain Bill]

Are you sure it's an atomic 4? Every Atomic 4 I ever saw was gasoline, I didn't think they made a diesel?

[MDhillon]

right i was saying i was glad it didnt have an A4

[Captain Bill]

Sorry, misread it

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by Captain Bill

Are you sure it's an atomic 4? Every Atomic 4 I ever saw was gasoline, I didn't think they made a diesel?

It has a diesel.....not an A4......unless I can't read.

I've never sailed on the exact boat, but the guy I share a finger pier with has an '83 31' hunter. While it would more likely than not survive the atlantic crossing it was not what these boats were intended to do. I'd have no problem stepping on my neighbors boat right now and doing the caribbean though.

[gonesail]

it's a little underpowered with a 15 hp .. newer 33 boats usually have 30 hp. that being said it is a lot of boat for 10k. good luck.

[slomotion]

The H33 is a Cherubini design and pretty much does everything well. Fairly fast in light winds, but not too tender, excellent in stronger winds, likes to heel and just keeps going faster, handles rough water without drama. They came in shoal draft and deep draft versions - don't know how much difference it makes. With boats of this vintage, it's all about condition. It probably doesn't make anyone's top 10 list for crossing oceans, but many lesser boats have done it. For owner reviews, go here:

HunterOwners.com

[Alan Brown]

I own an 1981 Hunter 30. It's a great boat for coastal cruising and the Bahamas, but I would never consider it for an ocean crossing. It's not designed, nor built, to handle serious offshore conditions.

I strongly suggest that you have the boat professionally surveyed before making a purchase decision. A $10K asking price sounds enticing, but another $10K to replace rigging, re-build engine, etc., puts this boat in a whole new light.

Act in haste, repent in leisure, as the old saying goes. This especially holds true for 30-year old sailboats.

Just my $.02.

P.S. Can the owner provide you with a maintenance/service history for the vessel?