Hunter 340 Information, Review, Specs

The Hunter 340 emerged from Hunter Marine's commitment to producing comfortable cruising designs, a focus that had been refined since the early 1980s. Hunter Marine, founded by Warren Luhrs in 1973, was known for applying production line efficiencies from its powerboat background to sailboat manufacturing, aiming to make sailing more accessible. The company's design philosophy emphasized spacious interiors, robust construction, and innovative features. A notable characteristic influencing the Hunter 340's design is the signature B&R rig, a masthead rig with swept-back spreaders and no backstay, which became a hallmark of Hunter yachts and was directly influenced by Warren Luhrs' extensive experience in single-handed ocean racing. This rig allows for larger mainsails and is intended to simplify sail handling.

The Hunter 340 was offered with different keel options, including a standard fin keel with a maximum draft of 4.5 feet, and a deeper 6.0-foot keel, providing options for varied sailing preferences and cruising grounds. Owners have noted that the shoal keel version can be more tender, suggesting the deeper keel provides better stiffness.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hunter 340's design ratios suggest a lively yet stable performance profile for a cruising vessel. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 19.32, she indicates good potential for performance in lighter air conditions, suggesting she can move well without excessive wind. Her ballast to displacement ratio of about 0.37 indicates a moderate level of stiffness, meaning she will stand up to a breeze reasonably well without becoming overly tender, though some owners of shoal keel versions have noted a degree of tenderness. The displacement to length ratio of around 211.33 positions the Hunter 340 as a medium-displacement cruiser, balancing internal volume with reasonable sailing characteristics.

Anecdotal reports from owners generally describe the Hunter 340 as an easy-to-sail sloop. While some owners, particularly those new to sailing, have felt the boat could sail faster, overall satisfaction with its sailing characteristics for cruising is high. The B&R rig, with its absence of a backstay, is designed to enhance sail-handling ease.

Accommodations and Layout

The Hunter 340 is celebrated for its spacious and comfortable interior, designed to maximize liveaboard comfort and appeal to cruisers. With a maximum headroom of 6.33 feet, the cabin offers ample standing room, a significant feature for a boat of this size. Reviews and owner feedback highlight a typical interior arrangement that often includes a V-berth forward, a large main salon, a well-equipped galley, a dedicated head compartment, and a spacious aft cabin.

The finish quality generally features wooden trim, contributing to a cozy and traditional aesthetic. Owners frequently praise the generous storage capacity and the functional layout that works well for extended stays or entertaining. Features like the stern pulpit seats are often popular among owners, adding to the boat's comfortable amenities. While specific details on ventilation require direct review, the emphasis on comfort in Hunter's design philosophy suggests adequate provisions for airflow.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hunter 340 consistently praise its comfortable layout and ease of sailing, making it a popular choice for coastal cruising and weekend trips. The spacious cabin area is frequently highlighted as a significant strength, providing ample room for occupants. The stern pulpit seats are also a well-liked feature.

However, common issues noted by owners include potential leaks at the mast compression post, which is a known area for maintenance requiring attention. Some owners have reported thin line cracks on the hull bottom near the bolted-on keel, and concerns about the original bilge float switch have also been raised. The rub rail has also been noted to discolor over time. For boats with the shoal keel, some owners describe the vessel as tender, suggesting that reefing may be necessary sooner in stronger winds. Despite these common maintenance points, overall owner satisfaction tends to be high, with many expressing long-term enjoyment of their Hunter 340s. The Hunter 340 is generally considered a coastal cruiser, and not typically recommended for constant heavy seas or ocean crossings due to its design.