The design was originally marketed by the manufacturer as the Hunter 33, but is often confused with the 2004 Hunter 33-2004, which was also sold as the Hunter 33, and the 2012 Hunter E33, which is in production as the Marlow-Hunter 33.[1][4]
The Hunter 33 is a small recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fiberglass, with wood trim. It has a masthead sloop rig, a raked stem, a raised reverse transom, an internally-mounted spade-type rudder controlled by a wheel and a fixed fin keel. It displaces 10,600 lb (4,808 kg) and carries 4,100 lb (1,860 kg) of ballast.[1]
The boat has a draft of 5.25 ft (1.60 m) with the standard keel and 4.0 ft (1.2 m) with the optional shoal draft keel.[1]
The boat is fitted with an inboard motor for docking and maneuvering.[1]
With the standard keel the design has a PHRF racing average handicap of 144 with a high of 150 and low of 141. With the shoal draft keel the design has a PHRF average handicap of 165 with a high of 174 and low of 156. Both configurations have hull speeds of 6.97 kn (12.91 km/h).[5][6]