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Review of the Hunter 31_83-87 by Mac Lindsay

Year built 1984  
Location of boat Vancouver,B.C.  
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 1984  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes;The 1984 Hunter 31 ft model is ideal for 2 to 4 people. My wife,cat, and I sail mostly together on week long vacations and weekends mostly. I do a lot of solo sailing, the crew doesn't talk back much, and find the Hunter a joy to handle. She is quick and responsive and with the correct sail balance, sails without helming for long period's of time. My wife and I sailed from Nanaimo bc to Vancouver bc, about 30 kn miles in rain and winds to 25 kn's and only touched the helm twice to tack out of the way of BC Ferry's. We stayed huddled under the dodger and kept warm and dry.My brother and sister were impressed enough on a weekend trip with us that they bought a 1985 Hunter 31 instead of a Catalina 30 or Yamaha 30 which they were interested in untill that sail.  
Gear that's been added  
Structural or complex improvements Added a shipmate solid fuel fireplace.Added an ardic forced air furnace.Added 12 volt refridgeration.Added a 3rd battery and marine charger.Built in a small book shelf and cel-phone holder.  
The boat's best features Ease of handling and good sailing characteristics.Very good boat for 2 to 4 people without breaking the bank to go sailing and have fun. Used 31's in this model range are a great deal for the money.We bought the boat new and lived aboard for over 4 years. She is now our summer cottage and retreat. And as our moorage is Stanley Park in Vancouver, we have a condo in the west end.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The only real problems we had were owner maintenance, ie I allowed water and algae build up in the fuel which caused a large repair bill.Here  
Sailing characterisitcs  
Motoring characterisitcs The 12 hp yanmar is sufficient for most motoring as I consider the engine the anti-christ but a neccessary evil. I prefer to sail and only turn the engine on in 0 winds and to meet a current slack in the many passes in our area.The boat motors good in reverse and starts easily.It pays to motor around,stop,start and get to know the characteristics of your boat and motor.  
Liveability As we lived aboard,2 adults and 1 cat, we found that it is more than adequate for us. It's a matter of defining your prioritys.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Wonderful. Any questions and inquiry's were quickly answerred. We visited the Hunter plant one year and that was quite a treat. Highly reccomended.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any The dealer we bought the boat is no longer in business and if he was I would not deal with him. The Vancouver Hunter dealer that we have now, Specialty Yachts, is very good and I would not hesitate to deal with them.  
Other comments  

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