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Review of the Hunter 31_83-87 by Michael O'Mara

Year built 1985  
Location of boat Cleveland  
The boat is sailed on The Great Lakes  
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 1985  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? We'd buy the '31 again as a first boat. The $$cost-benefit ratio tough to beat!  
Gear that's been added GPS color plotter(Garmin), instrument pods(depth, speed, wind) on pedestal with teak table, roller furling, dripless stuffing box, lazy jack system for full battened mainsail, backstay tensioner, cabin radio/tape with cockpit speakers, cd player, autohelm 4000, new binnacle compass, folding(geared) canvas chairs for cockpit(perfect for helm seat with back support)  
Structural or complex improvements Replaced plywood supports for batteries with stronger wood. Drilled weep holes for cowling over companionway for water drain. Added dripless stuffing box, re-upholstered all cushions in cabin, added contoured foam padding underneath v-berth cushion, replaced v-berth cushions with single cushion(nobody gets the crack!).Also replaced and added dual florescent lights in cabin with white and red lights for night vision. Replaced head bowl and pump unit(SeaLand technology co.) when gasket gave out. All engine hoses have been replaced.Replaced prop with Gori folding prop(excellent)  
The boat's best features The '31 has the best cabin dinette table layout available, roomy-comfortable with storage space. There is also plenty of headroom below. The swept back spreaders are a blessing going upwind (curse downwind!). Great boat for two people.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. V-berth is just too tight for two adults. We replaced v-berth cushions with single PADDED cushion for comfort. Placement of the icebox in galley makes it difficult to lean over and get things out of the bottom.No guages on fuel tank, water tank, or holding tank has always been a frustration. My spouse is tired of descending into the deep cockpit lazarette to check the fuel supply with a flashlight.In the cockpit, the floor drain/scupper on the port side is not flush with the floor and never properly drains.There is no way to remove and replace the hot water heater without major surgery.  
Sailing characterisitcs She is a tender boat and moves best when sailed fairly flat. We never single reef the main, and go right to the second reef when it starts to blow. Strongly recommend a well cut jib for the roller furler in addition to the genoa workhorse. When the wind picks up above 16knots, get the smaller headsail hanked on rather than use a rolled genny.And no, you're not going to point as high with the shoal draft keel, but so what?-it pays when you gunkhole! We've put about 9 thousand miles under her keel in just about every kind of condition and she's gotten us home without incident every time.  
Motoring characterisitcs The 2gm Yanmar is slightly underpowered. You'll notice it when punching into the wind and waves. However, the Yanmar has been very dependable year after year.This boat doesn't handle well in reverse and takes some serious practice to get used to the prop walk.  
Liveability We've spent 7 weeks at one time living aboard as we cruised the North Channel. In fact, we spend a minimum of 30 days each summer cruising from Lake Erie up to Mackinac Island/ Manitoulin Island and back. Most people guess we own a '34 when they come aboard. The boat is really great for two people and easy to entertain more. With the size of the v-berth, you'd better REALLY like the person you're sleeping with.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) n/a  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any The dealer we bought the boat from is no longer in business, thank goodness.  
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