Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 31_83-87 by John Noland

Year built 1983  
Location of boat Michigan - Lake St. Clair  
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 1998  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes - Very good boat for the money spent.  
Gear that's been added GPS, lazy jacks  
Structural or complex improvements Epoxy barrier coat on keel. Reseal waste holding tank.  
The boat's best features Lots of room in a 31 footer, relatively inexpensive first boat, good speed.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Blisters in fiberglass. Flat hull area in front of keel is good for speed, but pounds in choppy waves (had stress cracks repaired in that area).  
Sailing characterisitcs Sails fast, even with my old main sail. Reef early, boat is tender. Try not to go directly downwind with main sail up, sweptback spreaders interfere with letting main out fully. Boat screams downwind in 20 knot winds with foresail only.  
Motoring characterisitcs Motoring is slow with 13 hp version of Yanmar 2GM, but boat is frugal with fuel (14 MPG).  
Liveability Nice salon arrangement.Sleeping: both berth areas are good for one, tight for two. Bring salon table down for another 'tight for two' berth. Last salon seat makes total sleeping for 7, but size-wise some should be kids or midgets.Galley: good.Head: good.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Hunter has been VERY GOOD in helping me obtain a hard to find (but inexpensive) part.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any  
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