Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 31_83-87 by Shambie Hammett

Year built 1984  
Location of boat Annapolis, MD  
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 solo  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1992  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes! She's a sturdy boat with greataccomodations and convenient for single-handing or bringing friends/family along.The price was right, too.  
Gear that's been added There were few modifications made to thisboat when I bought her, which I considereda good thing. I got to choose the equipmentmyself.I added roller furling to the jib, anAutohelm Autopilot, handheld GPS and EPIRB,a dinghy and outboard, a Racor fuel filter,spreader lights, and I'm replacing the onething I don't like about the boat -- the cheapplastic milk jug sorry excuse for a fuel tank.  
Structural or complex improvements We had to take out the bulkhead betweenthe quarter berth and fuel compartment totake out the fuel tank. Since the woodis rotted from spilled diesel, I'm thinkingof replacing it with a new piece that hingesso you can access the fuel tank, and thethrough-hulls behind it from the quarter berth.I'll let you know how it works out.  
The boat's best features As Bob mentioned, the B  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The #  
Sailing characterisitcs She tracks EXTREMELY well, gets in thegroove and GOES without fussing. Sincethe 31 is a relatively heavy boat, shedoesn't do all that well in  
Motoring characterisitcs Well, motoring should be a lot morecarefree now that I'm replacing the fueltank. It had contamination problems aswell when I bought it, and I had the fuelcleaned, but I still go through lots ofRacor filters and on-engine fuel filters.Of course, the filters tend to gum up whileat a low idle, like when you're trying to dock,then the engine dies, and you get someexcitement!Otherwise, no complaints other than the usualprop-walk in reverse. I'm finally getting soI can back her straight. Backing to theright is VERY difficult. I have the original prop.  
Liveability I could wish for another foot or so in thev-berth. Like the 34 (sigh). The boatfits me just fine. My 6'3" husband feelscramped, especially in the head. But there'sa variety of bunks, including a decent sea berthin the main cabin. I have the originalalcohol 2-burner stove/oven, and after replacingthe burners, it works great! I see no reasonto go to propane, kerosene or CNG. I likethe storage around the main cabin.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I haven't had a need.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Bought her used from a small broker inEdgewater. He replaced a broken winchfor us, and kept every promise he made.  
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