Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 31_83-87 by John Blakely

Year built 1985  
Location of boat Middle River, Maryland  
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 1999  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, as many owners have said, it is a very good boat for the money.  
Gear that's been added HEAT/AC reverse cycle; GPS, Autohelm 4000, anchor roller and 35LB CQR anchor; TV/Stereo system; Oak wall and door to aft cabin; transom port window; exhaust pipe in back of transom; rubberized cockpit tread; fuel tank gauge; new life line stantions and lines(thru hull bolted with backing plates that are much stronger and 26" tall); dripless shaft seal(PYI);PYI Shaft flange; PYI motor mounts; new mainsail; spinnaker;  
Structural or complex improvements wall and door to aft cabin, added bimini and dodger; cut out old holding tank and installed larger removable one; new toilet and hoses; new cabin cushions; varnished interior; replaced fuel tank; epoxy barrier coat bottom and keel; All new port light lens and screens; replaced forward hatch; Raycor fuel filter;  
The boat's best features great space for size, comfortable for two for week or so; fast light to moderate wind sailor; spacious cockpit, big easy destroyer wheel steering; fuel miser; handsome boat with good lines; Even in l985, Hunter obviously paid attention to comfort with so many little amenities for livability; lots of light in boat, The boat is excellent.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Holding tank problems with associated bad smells required new system with breathing hoses on both sides of hull, multiple bleech soakings of bilge with air vents installed in floor; boat now smells fine. Previous owner was not up on many maintanence issues. Original stantion system weak and unsafe; winches borderline; some thin fiberglas work through out boat but adequate, I bought this boat knowing that it is a production boat and that it would need upgrading in some areas and need to be loveingly owned by a hands on, tinkering type person which I am. I had two Catalinas'before this boat and its basically the same issue - good dependable boat that requires regular maintenance and attention.  
Sailing characterisitcs This boat is fast as long as you understand sail trim and balancing the helm. It can sail in most conditions well. I regularily pass bigger boats, am comfortable and feel safe. We've been in several storms, usually did the right things for any boat under presented conditions and have lived to tell more sea stories. It is tender so pay attention to reduction of sail plan when needed but the other side of that issue is that in light to moderate winds, we always enjoy sailing instead of motoring. Sweet boat.  
Motoring characterisitcs great, dependable, noisy, vibrating little engine that is adequate except heading into strong wind and waves; But again, this is a 16 plus year old production boat. Learning to sail well in all conditions makes the small motor a minor issue.  
Liveability My wife and I are very comfortable with week long cruises and day sailing with six is very comfortable. I wouldn't want to be a livaboard on any 31 foot boat so not this one either. My wife and I have both had world champion naps on this boat and we don't nap unless we feel comfortable and safe.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) No direct contact with Hunter. Get parts and occasional help from TideWater Marina in Havre de Grace, Maryland; they are superb, professional, and good folks. I would buy a new or used boat from them and know they would be a stand up dealer.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Bought privately  
Other comments Hunter like Catalina, has really allowed people who are not rich to enjoy the world of sailing. This boat is excellent for what I can afford and it is a true blessing for my wife and I.  

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