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Review of the Hunter 31_83-87 by Gil Croome

Year built 1986  
Location of boat R.I.  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Multi-week coastal cruising  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 1994  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Absolutely! The boat was in terrible condition when I bought it, so the price was right, which is important to a 'working stiff' like me. One side had been damaged and repaired by a boat yard. They actually used Bondo as a filler and the paint was incompatable, so it all cracked and peeled. The interior was a mess. Beer cans and wine bottles galore, an anchor on the cushions dented the foam, the upholstery was rotten and there was 4" of ice in the cabin (it was February). The owner had 'walked away' from the boat. Six months of do-it-yourself work brought it back. I used U.S. Paint products for the hull repair and it came out great.  
Gear that's been added Added a bow roller w/Fortress anchor, GPS, 3 12v cigarrette lighter type plugs, replaced electric head with manual because elec fills holding tank too fast, added fuel gauge(after I ran out of fuel once), added tube type gauge to holding tank, changed mast wires from out-of-mast-thru-cabin-top with in-mast plugs, replaced main traveler with a Harken traveler, added movable cleats on sheet tracks, and other things I can't think of right now.  
Structural or complex improvements After being hit by some rough water, the bulkhead between the cabin and head was damaged, and the shower sump was wrinkled. When replacing the bulkhead, I added a 20" cross piece of 2" thick teek between the support post and cabin top where the mast sits to prevent future stress on the cabin top. Also, enlarged the storage at the quarterbirth by eliminating the 'hole' above original space, to port of the batteries. Also, re-inforced the locker under the port bunk across from the table because I store tools there and the plywood was popping out. Also, replaced all hoses for the head. Etc.  
The boat's best features Most boat for the Buck! Very easy to single-hand. Plenty of room for me and my dog, Sinbad. Enough room for two to comfortably cruise the 'Ditch' from RI to FLA, which I have done twice. (Next year, solo to the Bahamas). The boat is fairly easy to work on. There's enough room in engine compartment, and other tight areas, to access whatever needs to be fixed.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Main traveler and cheek blocks all broke, replaced w/Harken. Winches are poor, hope to replace this year. Haven't had a broblem yet, but am suspicious of the iron plates that the chromed bars screw into in the cabin, that are the tie-down bars for the spreaders. Curious to know if anyone has had the iron plates rust out and loosen the spreader system.  
Sailing characterisitcs I'm not the greatest sailor in the world, but she sails well enough for me. A bit tender, and likes to heel for more speed. I am often passed by Catalina 30's with crew.  
Motoring characterisitcs Motors OK. Average 6 kts down the ditch. Does not do well against wind and sea. Often slows to 2-3 kts in 2-4 ft sea and 15-20 kt wind. More engine would be nice, but then that would burn more fuel and cost more to maintain.  
Liveability Pretty good. I've lived on the boat for winter of 01/02 and 02/03, mostly with my dog, but some with wife, and some with brother, on my Florida trips. Last trip I soloed from Bradenton, FL to RI via the Okochobe waterway with no problem. The cooler is a bit inconvenient to reach into. The Origio stove is adequate. Water storage is a bit lacking, so I carry four 5 gal colapsable jugs on the cabin top. Fuel capacity could be more but I carry 6 gal extra and haven't had a problem. Like the rest of the world, I still get some odor from the holding tank.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Hunter Marine is GREAT! This is my second Hunter and whenever I've needed parts they either have them or tell me where to get them. I am very satisfied with their service.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any  
Other comments I'm quite happy with my boat. Of course, I'd like something a little bigger, but am retired now and don't have a lot of money to throw around. I like mine better than the 32's I've seen at the boat shows mostly because I have more storage room.  

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