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Review of the Hunter 31_83-87 by Jay HIll

Year built 1985  
Location of boat Ft. Worth, TX  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1999  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Tough question, but I would probably look for the same model in the 37'. I love the boat but would like a slightly larger head.  
Gear that's been added Nothing special  
Structural or complex improvements Lots of rigging improvements to enhance the single-handed ability of the vessel. Added rope clutches so there are four on each side of companion hatch. Port side is all foredeck: Spinnaker and Jib Halyards, topping lift, foreguy. Starboard side is main controls: Main Halyard, single reef, double reef, outhaul. Also changed mainsheet from winch-controlled to fiddlebock on the traveller with 6:1 purchase; provides easier control of sail with one hand.No other changes.  
The boat's best features Stays on good track under sail or power, strong rigging, simple electrical system, lots of wood on interior and just enough on exterior, oversized wheel, stern lockers, room salon  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Bilge flow holes are not drilled low enough to allow ALL the water in a compartment to flow to lowest bilge compartment. This leaves standing water in each of the bilge compartments and leaves stains on the bilge.Yanmar oil dipstick on starboard side has to be accessed through hatch under sink. All items must be removed under sink before hatch is accessible. On port side of engine there is tons of room in the cabin sole for personnel, but no access to engine on port side; poor design, put dipstick on same side as the most room for personnel.Water pump belt on Yanmar is very difficult to find; had to perform modification on motor to fit after market belt.65 USG water tank is too small. Even with careful rationing, it barely lasts a weekend with 4 people. No salt water foot pump in galley, must use fresh water supply for dishes, etc.  
Sailing characterisitcs Easy turning shoal keel; boat turns on a dime (actually less than one boat length due to force on keel) Tracks well under sail or power. Will actually sail under main only. (Several other Hunter models, specifically the Hunter 25 and Hunter 33, will move through the water under sail only, but at about 3 knots and will NOT tack.) This boat, on the other hand will sail 5.5k under main only in the same wind she sails at 7.2 k under main and 100 jib. she tacks well under main only (total surprise)Not a performance cruiser, need lots of wind to make her go, go, go, but she's really comfortable (trade-offs are everything and I prefer the roomy interior)  
Motoring characterisitcs Even with brand new cutlass bearing, shaft, stuffing box, packing, and transmission, the propeller still vibrates above 4.7k. (With motor off, the propeller develops vibrations under sail above 5.1k.)Very tight turning, excellent for confined space maneuvering, very little prop walk. rudder is only 2  
Liveability Berths are huge; I'm 6'0  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any  
Other comments  

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