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Review of the Hunter 31_83-87 by Leonard Hooks

Year built 1987  
Location of boat Clear Lake Shores, TX (Galveston Bay)  
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?  
Owner bought the boat in 1998  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. This was our first big water boat (not kept on a lake) and it has been ideal as a boat to get aquinted with big boat things: diesels, holding tanks, boat handling in a waterway, etc. We are planning to move up in size because my wife and I are both tall people (I'm 6'4  
Gear that's been added Electrified the head, grill, carry-on A/C. Single piece hatch board for when at dock (easy in-and out). Previous owner added seven sails, three different weights of 150's, a radial spinaker, a cruising spinaker with sock, and a windcatcher (obviously he liked to go fast), wind instruments, depth, and autohelm. Fishfinder (great backup depth finder). Custom woodwork - replaced the plexiglas doors with matching varnished wood - it's a simple change that transforms the boat. See at www.home.swbell.net/lhooks.  
Structural or complex improvements No. Have several things on the to-do list (as with any boat) such as replace some cushion foam, replace head hoses, awnings for summer.  
The boat's best features Get get a lot for the money. The style, appointments, sail plan and roomyness of the Hunter out-strips any other boat. The boat is fast, easy to handle and works great as a racer or cruiser.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. V-berth is to small for tall people and the aft berth overhang is too low. This is a great boat if your 6' or under.  
Sailing characterisitcs The boat is definitely tender in heavy air due the the large sail plan (of course a large sail plan can be fun, and fast). Just reef early.  
Motoring characterisitcs The boat is not over powered with the Yanmar 2GM. I have a three blade prop and still feel like I'm crawling especially in heavier seas or motoring into a heavier wind.  
Liveability The boat is excellent for weekend and short cruising. Needs more tankage for longer cruising. Aft-berth should be turned sideways. Kitchen is great but could have more storage (plan to convert the area under the chart table to drawer storage.) Head and shower are functional but a little small. Ours has the curved dinette (only on 87's) is very nice but does sacrifice some sleeping area. We found everyother boat in the size and price range to be inferior to the H31.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Not Applicable  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Excellent broker experience. We chose the broker we liked and trusted (after talking to several) then had him find us the boat we wanted and we looked at a lot of boats. We are using the same broker to look for a larger boat.  
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