Hunter Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997
Hunter OEM Parts
General Marine Parts
 
 

Review of the Hunter 31_83-87 by Steve Dion

Year built 1985  
Location of boat Rio Vista, CA (Cal. Delta)  
The boat is sailed on Rivers  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1986  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, this is our second Hunter. Previous was a 1975 Hunter 25.  
Gear that's been added Stereo, refrigeration, Delta plow anchor for grass  
Structural or complex improvements Mast compression post and bulk head was replaced. This was caused by the lack of pre-delivery preperation. Also replaced Maxwell winch (17) for main sheet with a 2 speed Model 25. Replaced original head w/Groco because plastic manifold cracked. Re-worked head plumbing to make legal.Added a self-tending jib (camber spar) and dutchman to main. Added carpet under companion way area and under dinning area. Added a two drawer unit under port settee. Added a Racor filter for fuel. Added an additional 10 gal of water and another battery for refrig. Modified battery tray to support batteries properly.  
The boat's best features Interior room, rigging.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.  
Sailing characterisitcs Fast in medium air. We need a new main sail after 12 years. Boat heals quickly with baggy old main sail. Self-tending jib is wonderful in Sacremento River. Needs a crusing spinnaker for lite air.  
Motoring characterisitcs We usually motor for only short periods of time 5 minutes to an hour at a time. We only have about 360 hours on motor.  
Liveability Great for weekends w/3-4 aboard. Too crowded with more overniters.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Have spoken with Hunter factory many times over the years. Only negative is the problem with the compression post. They acted like no one ever had this problem.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Got a great price on boat when new $40,000. Dealer did not prep the mast step properly. This is what caused our compress post to rot out.  
Other comments