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Review of the Hunter 31_83-87 by Mac Smith

Year built 1984  
Location of boat Lake Murray, SC  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 5-6  
Liveaboard? Yes  
Owner bought the boat in 2002  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Absolutely! I have been to boat shows, and the newer boats seem to be so plain. I live on my boat from Friday through Sunday, and it is my home away from home.  
Gear that's been added Autopilot, electric head, DSC VHF radio, Previous owner installed Central Air.  
Structural or complex improvements Fuel Tank bypassed and now using 6-gallon auxiliary tank to minimize algae. Installed protective tape at spreader to mast connections to minimize headsail damage. Installed two 1-gallon zip lock bags filled with water in the bilge, to decrease standing water, to minimize possible floor damage due to excessive moisture. (Everything drains to bilge, even Ice Box) 18” Florescent lights. Threaded Waste deck mount. New PVC plumbing from head to holding tank-eliminated smells.  
The boat's best features Sails and Motors great! The most storage I have ever seen on a boat this size. Very functional lines to helm enables single-handed sailing. Shoal Draft keel.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Window leaks, minimized with new Dodger. Side stays leaks. Bilge is always wet, regardless of weather. B&R rig takes getting used to for tuning, and sailing downwind (mine has aft stays). Toe rails do not allow adequate drainage, holds water and can leak.  
Sailing characterisitcs Slow to heel, rounds up in gusts-Probably too much stowage, along with central air weight, along with shoal draft keel. PHRF 198 by local club. Needs new roller jib, now 143, wanting 155 jib. Easily reefed main.  
Motoring characterisitcs Motors at 6 knots. There is some vibration at 1800 RPM. Reverse is good once moving.  
Liveability Great livability! Passing others near bathroom door is tight, and only one person in galley at the time. Aft berth accumulates a lot of stuff, when not being used.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Never contacted Hunter. Winch parts are available from Australian Winch.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Purchased from individual-I am third owner.  
Other comments I sincerely love this boat, for a production boat. My first boat was a 25 Morgan, my second was a 27 Morgan, this Hunter 31 is my third boat. That being said, I have been in more extreme weather in the Hunter, with 40-50 MPH wind being more than I wanted to be in.  

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