Hunter 34

The Hunter 34 is a small recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fiberglass, with wood trim. It has a masthead B&R rig, an internally-mounted spade-type rudder and a fixed fin keel. It displaces 11,820 lb (5,361 kg) and carries 5,000 lb (2,268 kg) of iron ballast.

The boat has a draft of 5.50 ft (1.68 m) with the standard keel and 4.25 ft (1.30 m) with the optional shoal draft keel. It has a hull speed of 7.12 kn (13.19 km/h). The boat is fitted with a Japanese Yanmar 3GM diesel engine. The fuel tank holds 25 U.S. gallons (95 L; 21 imp gal) and the fresh water tank has a capacity of 65 U.S. gallons (250 L; 54 imp gal).

In just over three years, from 1983 to 1986, over 800 Hunter 34s were built. For the 1986 model year, the 34 was phased out in favor of the even more Eurostyled Legend 35.

The Hunter 34 is a fast boat, particularly in light air. This is due almost entirely to her huge rig, which towers over 51′ above the waterline. Owners report that in winds of from seven to 12 knots, the boat is practically unbeatable in club racing. The typical PHRF rating of 135 for the deep keel boat is faster than most other cruiser/racers of her size.

There is a price to be paid for that speed, however. 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. In winds of 15 knots true or more, it’s time to reef the main when going upwind. In fact, the boat’s lack of stability is the single most commonly criticized aspect of the Hunter 34’s performance in our survey. One owner was considering cutting several feet off his mast. Others have stepped down from 150% headsails to 135% or smaller overlaps.

Source: Wikipedia & Practical Sailor