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Review of the Hunter 31_83-87 by Bob Madeiros

Year built 1987  
Location of boat Tampa Bay, Florida  
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 1991  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? In a Heartbeat! It's a great VALUE for the money! She's got lot's of room below,and her looks are still contemporary...  
Gear that's been added LORAN, AM/FM cassette w/ cockpit speakers,Whisker pole, Binnicle guard and table, Bimini, roller furler, new BANKS Full batten Main and 140% RF Headsail. Safety stuff (jacklines, Lifesling, etc)  
Structural or complex improvements Rebuilt battery tray in engine compartment.(Later models moved the batteries from thestarboard side to reduce the 'starboardslist'. They now straddle the shaft justbehind the engine). The original tray wasweak fiberboard. Replaced with marine plywood. Modified mast step to eliminate waterleaking through cables into wood compression post. Weep hole to drainstep.  
The boat's best features B  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Nylon Stuffing box. It always seems to need adjustment. Will replacewith a Dripless next haul out!  
Sailing characterisitcs Generally a tender boat. Can build up some serious weather helm as wind builds (20-25 knots). Shortkeel (shoal draft) gives some leeway, but really increases gunk-holingcapabilities!Sails well with just the headsail inheavy winds/seas.  
Motoring characterisitcs 2 cylinder YANMAR works great (And putsout gobbs of hot water for showers). I'vegot a two bladed fixed prop which doesreverse quite well. Forward cruises well at 5.5 knots, andmileage is great. Finally had to replacethe mixing elbow after 10 years( not bad).  
Liveability Accomodates two VERY WELL for a week .Add three more kids, and the trips get shorter. Everything you need to liveaboard (exceptfor adequate hanging lockers).  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I've had only good experiences with the factory. The 1-800 number isvery useful. Living in Florida, we get to do the factory tour often!  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Working with the broker was not a badexperience.  
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