Hull, Construction, and Keel
Hunter built the 33.5 using hand-laid E-glass with polyester resin, producing a solid, uncored hull. A skin coat of chopped strand mat applied behind the gelcoat helped minimize print-through from the structural fabrics — 24-ounce woven roving being the primary reinforcement. Decks were cored, with some boats receiving 4-inch squares of plywood and others end-grain balsa, so buyers inspecting deck condition should probe for delamination carefully. Ballast was external, a straightforward arrangement that simplifies future keel work.
The keel story is one of the more interesting chapters in the 33.5's history. Hunter designed four different keel configurations — a deep fin, a bulb-wing, an elliptical wing, and the Collins tandem keel — then conducted both polar-plot simulations and real-world sailing trials between a deep fin and a bulb-wing on otherwise identical hulls. The bulb-wing showed slightly better performance in all conditions over the deep fin, and as a result it became the dominant production fitting. The shoal draft of 4 feet 6 inches makes the 33.5 well suited to shallow cruising grounds without meaningful compromise in upwind ability.
Rig and Sail Plan
The 33.5 carries a seven-eighths fractional sloop rig with double swept-back spreaders, double shrouds, and inboard-mounted chainplates. Designer Bob Perry noted at the time that Hunter stayed with the Bergstrom-Ridder rig, and that the swept spreaders accomplish multiple structural goals simultaneously: they eliminate the need for a babystay and for running backstays, simplifying the rig considerably and reducing the chainplate count to a single double fitting per side. The backstay is split to keep the helm station clear of interference.
The sail plan leans toward a tall, main-driven arrangement with a smaller, easier-to-trim jib — a 110 percent headsail suits the boat well. The sail area-to-displacement ratio of 17.4 is moderate, yielding respectable light-air performance without demanding a big crew to manage the canvas. Swept spreaders do limit how far the boom can be eased on a run, a common trade-off with this style of rigging.
Deck Layout and Handling
Deck ergonomics are genuinely good for a boat in this size range. Wide, clear sidedecks and an uncluttered cabintop make moving forward straightforward, with adequate handholds for anchor work. The cabin trunk is kept relatively low, preserving forward visibility from the helm. Stainless steel pulpits and double lifelines run the full length.
The cockpit features a mid-boom traveler just forward of the companionway, with twin aft corner lockers housing the batteries. The engine cut-off control is located at the top of the companionway steps rather than at the helm — an inconvenient arrangement that sailors should be aware of and may want to address. Under sail, the boat responds well: quick tacking with the shoal fin keel and spade rudder means sheets rarely need the winch in moderate conditions. The main does carry a tendency to overpower the boat, and early reefing prevents excessive weather helm. Helm feel runs on the light side — comfortable for extended passages, but short of true fingertip precision. Cockpit seats offer reasonable comfort, though they are spaced just a bit too far apart for comfortable bracing while heeled.
Accommodations
The three-cabin interior is the 33.5's strongest selling point as a value cruiser. Below decks, the dominant first impression is abundant wood and light, with multiple opening hatches and windows along the cabin trunk sides. The forward V-berth is self-contained with its own door, useful for privacy underway. The aft cabin, positioned athwartship under the cockpit, offers a generous berth but makes the outboard sleeper effectively a prisoner for the night — an arrangement couples aboard should think through.
The saloon features a wraparound dining table that lowers to form a berth for two, with the port settee serving as an additional berth once back cushions are stowed. The U-shaped galley occupies the aft starboard corner, providing substantial workspace. The head is to starboard with a separate vanity opposite. Engine and mechanical access — cooling through-hulls, water strainers, fuel filter, stuffing box — are routed through the aft cabin beneath the bunk cushions. The arrangement is functional but access to the rear of the engine is difficult.
Known Issues and Owner Observations
Several recurring concerns emerge consistently from owners. The manual bilge pump was the cheapest available and has been documented to fail catastrophically under load — early replacement with a quality unit is strongly advisable. The packing gland housing was made of plastic, which degrades over time and warrants inspection or upgrade. Deck hatches have a known history of leaking, with some owners reporting leaks since the boat was new.
The water intake is small enough to catch weeds and debris regularly, requiring periodic clearing. Passage belowdecks runs narrow in places, and the companionway passageways are tight. The Yanmar 2GM20F engine, fitted as standard, is considered underpowered for the displacement by some owners, particularly in strong current or heavy weather maneuvering. The plumbing used Qest fittings that are no longer readily available, complicating repairs and making full replumbing a practical choice on older examples. On at least some early models there is no anchor roller provision, and there is no way to install one without fabrication.
Refits and Upgrades
The 33.5 responds well to targeted upgrading. Replacing the bilge pump, replumbing with modern fittings, and addressing deck hatch seals are the three highest-priority items on any purchase inspection list. A full-batten mainsail with lazy jacks, as fitted to several documented examples, substantially improves sail handling for short-handed crews. The saloon layout offers room for a 16,000 BTU marine air conditioning system, and the wiring and mechanical runs accommodate a chart table and modern electronics on the forward saloon bulkhead. The open transom swim platform is a genuine asset, and several owners report stowing a dinghy against the stern rail effectively. For those who encounter the later Selden-rigged 335 variants, the earlier B&R rig is preferred downwind because the spreaders carry less sweep, allowing the boom to ease further off the wind.
The Verdict
The Hunter 33.5 delivers a roomy, three-cabin interior and competent sailing performance at a price point that reflects its economy-production origins honestly. Warren Luhrs's engineering approach — contemporary styling, performance, and very roomy interiors combined with very low prices — is evident throughout the boat. It is not a blue-water passage-maker; it is an inshore and coastal cruiser that singlehands sensibly, sails neutrally, and houses a couple or small family comfortably. The recurring mechanical and plumbing deficiencies are real but correctable, and the Hunter owners community remains a large and active resource for technical support.
Pros
- Roomy three-cabin layout with generous V-berth and convertible saloon
- Wide, uncluttered sidedecks with low cabin trunk for good visibility
- Simplified fractional rig eliminates runners and babystay
- Engineering-tested bulb-wing keel excels in shoal-draft applications
- Singlehander-friendly cockpit with open transom and easy boarding
Cons
- Stock bilge pump and plastic packing gland housing require immediate replacement
- Deck hatches have a documented history of leaking from new
- Engine cut-off positioned at companionway steps, not at the helm
- Qest plumbing fittings no longer in production; full replumbing often necessary
- Aft cabin is effectively a one-person berth once the outboard sleeper turns in
- Small water intake prone to clogging with weeds and debris
