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Review of the Hunter 31 by Mark Brown

Year built 2006  
Location of boat Huron, Ohio  
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? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2006  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? No, I would probably have gone with the 33. However, I still like the boat.  
Gear that's been added None yet. THe boat came pretty well fitted out for our needs. I am looking seriously at a spinaker though.  
Structural or complex improvements None yet  
The boat's best features There is a lot of interior room for a 31 foot boat. The cockpit is a nice size and lends well to single handing with the furling main and jib. It sails well to wind and is predictable in its response during gusty conditions. We have close quarters at our marina and the boat pivots on its' keel well. Turns on a dime going forward. Reducing sail is very easy when the wind pipes up. The boat does have weather helm but is is quite comfortable and doesn't seem to get so bad as to act like a brake if you reef too late.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. We have had voids in the gel-coat, spider web like cracks, pitting on the deck, bad joker valve on the head causing the head to fill, separating laminates in the flooring, chart table light in op, exterior lights in op,exterior speakers in op, missing remote for vhf, loose bolts for shrouds, missing bolts in arch, and multiple bumps and bruises from being a boat show boat. From what we have experienced thus far, this is not a racer by any strech of the imagination. Especially, on the down wind leg. Too many compromises for ease of use and comfort to make this a fast boat. If your ego bothers you when a 30 year old Tartan 30 passes you then this is not the boat for you. If you enjoy the comfort and accept that she is a cruiser and can put up decent times as a cruiser then enjoy! The side decks are extremely narrow. That combined with the shrouds of the B and R rig make going forward in sloppy seas feel as though you are on an obstacle course. Wicked prop walk and poor response in reverse. You just have to get used to it. Helm seat removal is cheesy and you scratch the gel coat easily if not careful. Cockpit locker is virtually useless. There is a ton of space available but they designed in some sort of tray that is a joke. They may have changed this in the 07 model Cheesy hatchboards make the boat look cheap. also changed in the 07 model. The table in the salon is difficult to get in and out of due to the drop leaf. Also it does not have a lock to hold it down. Also where it folds down there is a sharp edge so be weary of it in rough seas. Lack of storage, or ability to get to it. Anything you put under the starboard setee is a pain to get out. There is storage there but fighting with the cushions, table and cramped space is no fun. Only put occasionals there. Two speed winches would be nice on all four winches not just two. The angle on the see through on the bimini is awful. Regardless of your height you have to be virtually on top of the helm or in front of it leaning back to see the sail trim. I am not ripping the boat apart. Just being honest for potential buyers  
Sailing characterisitcs This boat sails well in most conditions we have put her in. Though not fast she is at least consistent. In 8knots of wind she will do 4 to 4.5 on a beam reach. Between 10 and 13 knots and 3 foot seas she can reach near hull speed fairly easily. Although we usually start to reef around 14 to 16 knots. We have had the boat out in 22 knot wind and gusts to 27 and 4 foot chop. Under reefed main alone she still felt comfortable though the ride was a little wet. She could stand to track a bit better but does ok considering the underwater configuration.  
Motoring characterisitcs Again, going forward she handles well and can nearly turn in her own lenth. Going in reverse, well not so good. Though this is no sailboats strong suit, she has a lot of prop walk and does not respond well.  
Liveability For a 31 footer this is about as good as it gets. Great headroom and my wife and I can both actually sleep in the v-berth. I am 6'1" and she is 5'10". Yes our toes occasionly touch but it works. The galley is serviceable and everything is laid out nicely. At first I did not like the ice box without a hinge but I have learned to love it now that I have realized it can be accessed from the galley or the settee without one. For a couple, I would say you could spend months on this boat with careful planning and if you use one of the berths for storage. Four people perhaps for a week or less. The boat is perfect for weekends for a couple or a couple with a child. We actually can't wait to get to the boat as the weekend approaches.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) We have not dealt directly with Hunter as of this date.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any We have dealt with Harbor North for both the purchase and the Service of the boat. Although we have had alot of quality issues with the boat they have helped out tremendously and have been top notch. I would recommend them to anyone interested in a new or used boat.  
Other comments I have tried to be as honest as I can be. Yes I like the boat. No, no boat is perfect. If had to do it over this would have been my second choice in the Hunter line. The 33 would have been my first. I don't have time for a big (40 plus) boat until I retire ( if I will want one then) I would have chosen the 33 beacause of it's sailing ability, looks and fewer compromises in the design. That being said the 31 is a fine boat that would satisfy most cruising couples or singlehanders most of the time. I am happy to discuss the boat at any time.  

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