1981 Hunter 30 advice on purchase

[Cpt. Jon]

Hello,

I have recently come across a 1981 (i think) Hunter 30 for sale for what is looking to be a good deal. I know that they recently had the boat hauled and painted and I've only seen it from the outside (across the canal) until I schedule an appointment to go see it.

I have searched the forums and found something from several years ago asking almost the same thing as I am going to ask, but I am wanting to know of those of you that own(ed) or have extensive knowledge of this model what you think about it.

I haven't seen this particular one up close, but from everything I can tell so far is that the mast is deck stepped and that may be the one area to look out for most (mast sag I think it's called). Other than that, when looking at this boat, are there any other major things that I should be looking at?

How does this particular model sail? I have an '84(?) Hunter 25.5 and she sails great and upwinds great. We will be having another baby in spring and the 25.5 is going to be a little small for us pretty soon.

Any advice on what to look for etc is appreciated... I wouldn't have thought about getting a bigger boat at this time, but the price is right... or at least close enough.

Thanks!

Jon

 

[Ed Schenck]

Jon, go up to the "Boat Info" tab and see what all the current/previous owners wrote about the H30. I own a Cherubini-designed Hunter so am pretty favorably biased. One thing for sure, it is a lot different boat than your H23.5.

The main differences(maybe negatives) between the '81 and a newer design are: 1) much more traditional look and feel, 2) no walk-through transom, and 3) no big aft cabin.

The positives I think are: 1) much more traditional look and feel, 2) much heavier and solid, and 3) much less expensive to purchase. But you have to consider the ravages of time on the engine, the rigging, the portlights and hatches(leaks), steering gear, and the mast support. But then you would not consider a purchase without a survey would you?

 

[Nereussailor]

H30

I purchased a 1983 H30 a few years ago and some of the things I needed to replace were the transmission, motor mounts, shaft log tube, dripless seal, cutlass bearing, ports, and most of the wiring. My boat was neglected bad, and I knew what I was getting into when I purchased it.
the transmission problems came from old worn out motor mounts, which messed up everything behind it. The dripless seal was a drip seal and just needed to be replaced because I wanted it done.
The ports, if they're original, are probably due to be replaced if the tabs for the latches are broken or cracked. It's not a hard job, but it cost me about $1200 to replace them all when I did mine. the best place to buy them is here in the chandlery. You might be able to rebuild them if they aren't broken. The seals are available here too.
As for the wiring, like everything else on an old boat, it might need some attention. Mine was neglected and needed a lot of help.
Other than that, it's a great boat to sail, you'll see a huge difference from your other boat, and if you're tall like me, (6'1") you'll love the interior cabin height. just watch your head as you go into the forward cabin.
keep us posted if you purchase, and if you have any other questions, feel free to ask, and like everyone else will tell you, always get a survey.

Dave

 

[Cpt. Jon]

Thanks a lot for the information, I've read most of the reviews up top. Thanks for letting me know about the headroom, I was wondering about it and I won't be able to go look at the boat for a couple of weeks unfortunately as the owners will be out of town. They are the only owners of the boat and they are a really nice older couple, which is the reason for sale, they just can't use it like they used to. As far as I can tell, they've maintained the boat very well and likely have had most of the services done on it professionally.

Thanks again, for the replies, I'll keep you posted when I know more in a few weeks.