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Review of the Hunter 31_83-87 by Ron Buzil

Year built 1984  
Location of boat Chicago  
The boat is sailed on The Great Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 5-6  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1984  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, given my financial resources at the time.  
Gear that's been added Autopilot, stereo radio/tape/CD w/cabin  
Structural or complex improvements I added a 20 gallon water tank under aft dinette seat to augment the existing 35 gal. tank under quarterberth. Replaced all windows and ports in 1997 and rebuilt all of the cabinetry in the head as the wood was rotting after years of getting wet (from showers). I also redesigned the mainsheet which now uses a 6:1 purchase on a Harken fiddle block with cam cleat. I also lead the topping lift, outhaul and reef lines aft with Harken deck organizers and 2 triple Lewmar Superlock rope clutches.  
The boat's best features I lived on this boat for 2 years (May-Nov) and it was very comfortable. The interior layout, headroom and storage space is exceptional for a boat this size. Although some of the details on the boat may have been compromised due to pricing, the basic design and structure is sound as is testified to the fact that the keel once hit a rock while she was motoring at 5.5 knots with minimal damage to the boat as a result.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. In 1996 the rudder broke off at night on Lake Michigan in 7' waves and 25 knot wind. Not fun! In 1997 the mast broke with resultant loss of spars, 2 sails, running and standing rigging. Luckily nobody was hurt. This was in 6' waves and 25-30 knots winds. Also, not fun! When the boat was new the water and holding tanks both leaked, problems which I fixed by opening them up and rebedding the bolted on covers after discovering that the original sealant used was only applied to about half of the perimeter. The toilet broke after 2 years and was replaced with a Raritan PHII which has performed well for the next 13 years. The sliding whisker pole car on the mast has broken 2 or 3 times. Other comments: There should be a drain in the fuel tank. Fuel, water, and holding tank gauges would be welcome. The  
Sailing characterisitcs I've been racing the boat for several years now and have found that when pointing or on a close or beam reach she can hold her own with most of the fleet. On a broad reach or when runnng, without a spinnaker, she is slow but with boats in her PHRF class she more than keeps up. Once, when running downwind wing-on-wing with poled out jib in 25 knot winds and 6' following seas she hit 12.3 knots (on the loran). She has handled 50 knots with a crew of 4-6 on a couple of occasions with storm jib and double reefed main. Many times I've sailed without touching the helm for 6-8 hours and for 30 to 50 miles with the wheel locked down and the sails balanced.  
Motoring characterisitcs The Yanmar engine has been very reliable but it is somewhat underpowered. The tendancy for the stern to swing to port when backing down can be used to great advantage when parking in a tight space on a wall.  
Liveability The large lazerette to starboard and ample storage under the helmsman seat frees a lot of interior space for other use like storage or living space. The cavernous quarter berth tends to collect  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Hunter was somewhat helpful when the rudder and then the mast broke. In each case they referred me to the subcontractors who manufactured those items.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any  
Other comments  

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