Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 31_83-87 by Mike

Year built 1984  
Location of boat Kingsville, Ontario, Canada  
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 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2003  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? This boat was a total write off and needed a complete rebuild from scratch. It had no engine or much of an interior - it was pretty much a basket case. For what I paid for it I would absolutely buy this boat again! It sails great and is roomy and comfortable.  
Gear that's been added Repowered with a Universal M25 Diesel, most of interior new, rewired the boat, replumbed the boat, all new lines, some new rigging, bigger wheel than stock (42"), new interior cushions, new floor through out the boat, better ventilation, added a second built in cooler that also doubles as a chart table, a bigger hanging locker aft, a custom instrument pod at the steering pedestal.  
Structural or complex improvements See above!  
The boat's best features It is a simple boat with out complex systems to go wrong. It has some nice design features that where well thought out such as the way the genoa tracks are mounted flush to the deck, the outward turning toe rail to help minimize leaks through the hull deck joint, outwward mounted stanchion bases again to help prevent leaks into deck core, a decent sized anchor locker, lots of ventilation (6 opening side windows and 2 deck hatches), lots of deck space and good access to engine compartment.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The typical H - 31 problem of odors from behind the liner but I think I may have that problem solved. Light construction but OK.  
Sailing characterisitcs We purchased the boat in September of 2003 completely rebuilt the boat for our launch on April 24 2004, we have used it a lot since then and have had it out in winds to 35Knots, the boat performs exceptionally well, besides cruising pretty much every weekend we alsoi race on Wednesday nights and also some regattas. Although it is only 2 months into our sailing season I am exceptionally happy with balance of the boat and how well it goes to weather, down wind is still a challenge that I have to work out but the boat is awesome - way more boat than my old Catalina 27 (which was a great as well!)  
Motoring characterisitcs I try to avopid motoring as much as possible but I have about 12 hours this season so far and the boat is great with extra oomph of the Universal M25. I never had the experience of the Yanmar 2GM so I can't really compare it to that but I know when I need to really put the nuts to the boat it can. Using a 2 blade 15 x 12 fixed prop.  
Liveability The liveability is great, just got back from a several day cruise with the family and everyone had room to spare. The wife and I are talking about doing the Carribean in a few years and I think this boat would be just fine.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Haven't.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Didn't.  
Other comments I love this boat, I think the Catalina boats may be a bit better put together but I don't care as I have always bought salvage jobs and rebuilt them so it gets done the way I want it done and that makes it a better boat. As for an overall impression the Hunter is a decent production boat - it isn't a Hinckly or a custom boat but then I don't have much coin invested and get to sail pretty much anywhere I want too so life is GOOD!  

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