Hunter Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997
Contact us
Hunter OEM Parts
General Marine Parts
 
 

Review of the Hunter 31_83-87 by Forrest B True

Year built 1987  
Location of boat South Freeport Me  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 87  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes.Major complaints: Shower should be more water tight, little cramped.Around 15 knots should be reefed.Although Hunter supposedly corrected the rudder problem by this time, I have on two separate occasions experiencedrudder stall, not fun.Cast iron keels are very strong but the center of gravity just isn't low enough for maximum stability, one of the reasons for the tenderness.Bought the boat new in 87, commisioned her in 88.She has been a really trouble free boat in all the time we have owned her. Dealers can make the differance whether or not you have a pleasant experience.  
Gear that's been added Yes, first item was a new 150 genoa that we had cut to fit the furling gear (Hood continuous line drive) and yes we do love the system, works great.We have added numerous custom goodies down below to make sailing life a lot easier.  
Structural or complex improvements Structually no.  
The boat's best features Points very well, broad reaching very good.Beam reaching in light air is lousy. Contrary to most reports the performance down wind isn't thatbad. The boat has more than enough storage and plenty of room. Water storage is ok for four people for the weekend. Wheel steering is very responsive. All in all a very good compromise at the right price.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Would like to have a lead keel to help improve the above mentioned tenderness. Finally had to sand blast the keel this spring to get rid of the rust.The engine water intake location, raw water side, should be located somewhere else. It sucks up grass to easily.Gelcoat crazing and cracks (superficial) are hereand there.Changing the cheap white sanitary hoses is a must,after installing the expensive stuff the boat liveability was enhanced a thousand per.  
Sailing characterisitcs 6 to 18 knot winds very good. Must reef early.Close hauled very good.Running good, beam reaching in light air ????.We motor  
Motoring characterisitcs We motor at about 2800rpm giving us a sog (Gps)of about 5.5kts to 6.4 knots depending on conditions. We do motor a lot, probably 60 per cent of the time.  
Liveability Very comfortable for a couple and two kids.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I have not but the dealer I bought from was very inconsiderate concerning every matter except price. A VERY BAD experience.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any See above.  
Other comments  

Contact
About
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Limited Liability
Advertise Here
Copyright 1997-2024 SB Owners, LLC
All rights reserved.

Other Sailboat Owners web sites:
CatalinaOwners.com | HunterOwners.com | MacgregorOwners.com | OdayOwners.com | SailboatOwners.com | 10,000 Boat Names |