Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 31_83-87 by Joe Burke

Year built 1983  
Location of boat Mayo, MD  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength less than 10 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2008  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Absolutely!!  
Gear that's been added Changing out the head and hoses  
Structural or complex improvements  
The boat's best features Ease of use and performance  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Can't think of anything  
Sailing characterisitcs The mainsail is a little "sticky" being raised Gonna try McLube on the slugs. Found the boat lively and cooperative. Very maneuverable. We have the 5.5 ft draft and this boat ain't a skiff but will go where pointed. Love it!  
Motoring characterisitcs We have the Yanmar 2GM20f, 18 hp and it motors real nice. Great to hear/feel that "thump". Fuel consumption is excellent. 'Course, engine was new in '04. Starts and goes every time.  
Liveability Don't use it for that. Very comfortable below, except for stink. Hoping that swapping the toilet and hoses will correct the problem.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I called them, Hunter in Fl, and the guys in the parts dept have been OK  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Greg at Grab Bag Sailboats (www.grabbagsilboats.com) is great! His inventory is worth a look and seems everyone on the bay has bought or sold a boat through him. Hear he doesn't lose a sailing race, either.  
Other comments I'm in my late '50s and been promising myself a boat for decades. Always was going to be when this or that happened. Got tired of waiting. If not now, when? In ten years I'll be approaching '70. I did a very active search and crammed like a mad man. I bugged Greg at Grab Bag Sailboats mercilessly. When I found "Life's Love", it was before Greg got it. I followed it on line and when Greg got it, I pounced. I started my search in Oct. '07. Bought the boat in April '08. Got a deal and have loved it ever since.