Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 31_83-87 by Vic C

Year built 1986  
Location of boat Pt Roberts WA  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Racing  
Normal wind strength less than 10 knots  
Average size of crew 5-6  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2005  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, but probably the later model (87) due to the dinette design change.  
Gear that's been added By myself and previous owners: BBQ, beer holders !!!!!!!!! Webasto hydronic cabin heat, water heater, Did I mention beer holders, headsail furler, ran the spinnaker halyard outside the mast, added spinnaker track to the mast,put on a Kiwi prop, Autohelm, Plotter,  
Structural or complex improvements None needed  
The boat's best features Roomy, value for money, great owner community,lots of storage, great wine locker !A lot of boat for the money !  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Had to get rid of the underfloor smell. A couple of well placed holes and a seasonal wash out did the trick. The ice box is in a silly place. If you're not a 6 footer, getting the last beer from the bottom is a problem. (Is there a theme developing here ?). In all seriousness, if you don't get everything out of the ice box before starting a meal, it's dangerous to have to lean over a lit stove  
Sailing characterisitcs Points ok, Great from close reach to just aft of the beam, ok downwind especially with a 600 sq ft kite up. Tried a cruising spinnaker but found it had limited usefulness due to being blanketed by the main. Really needs a sprit to make use of an assymetrical. Reef the main at 12 knots or so or be prepared to dump the traveller a lot. Not great in light winds but then again it is 10,000 lbs plus the junk on board. Could do with a deeper heavier keel to combat some of the tenderness, having said that it soon stiffens up when over at 25 degrees !  
Motoring characterisitcs Generally underpowered unless you're in flat water and little headwind. Could really do with a bigger motor. Reversing with the Kiwiprop is very controlable and minimal prop walk.  
Liveability Good  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Never had to deal with them  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Broker was knowlegable, helped with the transfer paperwork (US to canada)  
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