A new Hunter 33 came into my club a couple of weeks ago and I finally got a
close look. 1st of all, this is not a typical bathtub hunter like Horvath's and
most others. They actually gave the boat some lines. Some damage is done by the
three odd sized windows/ports, but the overall look of the boat is a huge
improvement. They also carried the doghouse coachroof too far forward for
volume, but that can be forgiven in today's market. Down below one gets the
impression that Hunter is continuing to improve. Fit and finish was good, the
sole was solid and things were less plastic-like. The cockpit was well laid out
and the big swimplatform/scoop looks like fun. I've sailed side-by-side with
the boat and it sails well, though it has in mast furling.

Here's a pic from Yachtworld...
http://newimages.yachtworld.com/1/1/6/8/3/1168390_6.jpg

Right now, Catalina has been the only "family" boat at a low pricepoint I'd
consider for a new boat. Beneteau quality has always been suspect along with
Hunters. I think the new Hunter looks nicer/as nice as the Catalina 32 and they
have clearly cleaned up somewhat on quality.

RB