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Review of the Hunter 31_83-87 by Ken Honeycutt

Year built 1985  
Location of boat Chicago Monroe Harbor  
The boat is sailed on The Great Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength less than 10 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2005  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, but knowing what I know now, would have offered less for the boat.  
Gear that's been added Air X wind generator, 200 AH golf cart batteries, 20 Amp battery charger, 3500 watt inverter, 120 watt solar panel, 6.5 Btu reverse cycle A/C, PHII toilet, Norcold AC/DC refrigerator conversion kit, Gaurhaur(sp?) mainsheet traveler and two speed (3:1 and 6:1) mainsheet block.  
Structural or complex improvements Replaced the old sanitation hose with PVC pipe.  
The boat's best features Roomy interior for a 31, easy to single hand. Spend our weekends on the boat and it is set up well for living on a mooring for short periods.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Most of the complaints on the message board. Boat was almost unliveable until I replaced the sanitation hose and got rid of the smell. Water tank leaks and main hatch leaks (haven't had the chance to repair these yet).  
Sailing characterisitcs Pretty much what has been said on the reviews. I've had her out in 20+ knot winds and 5-6 foot waves on Lake Michigan. Handled it well with reefed main and jib. A blast to sail with the rail in the water - just have to get used to the tenderness with wind gusts. Added the Gaurhaur mainsheet system to make faster adjustments (also keeps the admiral happy).  
Motoring characterisitcs Motors well at 2800 RPM. Vibrations when heeled while motor sailing. Has a hard time with wind on the nose in rougher conditions. Couldn't keep up with a cal 30 when motoring in 4 ft. chop and 20 knot winds.  
Liveability Liveable for weekends but gets a little cramped for any longer time. Holding tank and water tank capacities are not set up for extended cruising. Aft sleeping area is large but a little difficult crawling in and out of.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Never dealt with them.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Individual.  
Other comments Overall it is a good quality boat. The things that go wrong are to be expected with anything over 20 years old. Now looking at a new 36 foot Hunter.  

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