Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 31_83-87 by Tim Leighton

Year built 1985  
Location of boat Norfolk, VA  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 1986  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes.  
Gear that's been added LORAN, GPS, AUTOHELM, WIND, SPEED, DEPTH, REFRIGERATION, FANS (4), BOW ANCHOR PLATFORM, ROLLER FURLING, DODGER, BIMINI, BINNICLE GUARD, SALT WATER WASHDOWN IN ANCHOR LOCKER, "SMART" BATTERY CHARGER.  
Structural or complex improvements Bow anchor platform  
The boat's best features Interior room, simple systems, roomy deck.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Tall rig very tender w/ need to reef in 15 knots. Winches too small. Leaky toe rail. Difficult galley layout (ice box hard to reach) Battery placement/security terrible. Gate valves vice seacocks on original boat. V-berth a bit too small. Terrible headroom in aft berth! No place in cockpit to lay down. B&R rig difficult to tune. Engine exhaust under stern counter and impossible to see. Engine too small.  
Sailing characterisitcs Rig very tender. Have to reef in 14-15 knots w/ sencond reef at 18 knots. Steering a bit sloopy. Sails fast when kept on her feet.  
Motoring characterisitcs Engine too small for waterline. Struggles to keep any speed at all in any kind of chop. Very maneuverable under power. Backs well. Prop properly sized.  
Liveability "Good." Lots of room below. Aft bunk has little headroom and V-berth is a bit small. So-so stowage.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Good. Minor problems solved before delivery.  
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