We are planning to buy an older sailboat & have looked at several different brands. We have never owned a sailboat, have had several powerboats over the years. We do plan to take lessons in sailing on the boat we buy. We plan to have a full survey, it just makes sense. Our question to you is: Are there any areas on a Hunter 30 (1981) that before we get fully serious and call for a survey we need to look at so as not to waist time and more importantly money?! My background is in aviation inspection on flight aircraft and I have a good working knowledge in this field. Sailboats from what I'm learning have their own issues and not having this working knowledge along with the advise from a long time mariner, owner of a Hunter 356 told me to post this question on this sight.
1981 Hunter 30
- Thread starter Jim Maureen
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Hi Jim Maureen,
There are quite a few places that you should take a look at. A few simple ones are to check the cockpit sole for delamination, check around ports for leaks, Check the Tranny fluid level, and check for leaks around the tranny and oil pan. Also, listen to the motor in gear for knocking sounds. if there are any, run!!! Check the shaft seal. Open the bilge and check the compression post for signs of major rust. Mines a little rusty, but solid.
Other than that, There could be more things wrong, but those are the main ones that I found on my boat. Of course, Mine was a project boat to start, and I expected stuff to be wrong with it. If you get past these, then consider a surveyor to come out and do their job.
Dave
There are quite a few places that you should take a look at. A few simple ones are to check the cockpit sole for delamination, check around ports for leaks, Check the Tranny fluid level, and check for leaks around the tranny and oil pan. Also, listen to the motor in gear for knocking sounds. if there are any, run!!! Check the shaft seal. Open the bilge and check the compression post for signs of major rust. Mines a little rusty, but solid.
Other than that, There could be more things wrong, but those are the main ones that I found on my boat. Of course, Mine was a project boat to start, and I expected stuff to be wrong with it. If you get past these, then consider a surveyor to come out and do their job.
Dave
I have a 79 Hunter 30 and I couldn't be happier with it. I bought mine last November and am still getting to know it. This site has been a wealth of information, so don't hesitate to post questions. As far as problems, a couple of my port lights have the broken sections on the outside splash shield. It doesn't affect function, but asthetically the Admiral says they need to be fixed. Replaced is the only really practical solution. They are at least $150 each, not cheap. We also replaced all the cushions as they smelled like a 30 year old fiberglass boat. Really not cheap, but the interior looks great now.
You'll want to check out the engine of course. As noted in the earlier post, a loud knocking may indicate a shaft misalignment. There are lots of threads about that for solutions. If the boat hasn't been hauled lately, a bottom cleaning will definitely be in order. Again, not cheap.
Look at hoses for signs of ageing and/or leaks. Look at all hose clamps for corrosion. Check all through hull valves to ensure they work and can be closed. Don't forget the head and tank up forward.
Look at the transducer thru-hulls for the knot meter and depth sounder. See if there's a plug on board to use so that you can pull them for cleaning. (it's exciting to do when the boat is in the water.)
Check the radio to see if it transmits to ensure the antenna cable etc. is good. Of course, check all lights including mast lights. My mast lights don't work. Haven't troubleshot them yet.
Last but not least, walk every square inch of the topsides looking for soft spots. The deck and cabin tops shouldn't flex. These boats are solid. Flexing idicates disbonds. Good luck!
You'll want to check out the engine of course. As noted in the earlier post, a loud knocking may indicate a shaft misalignment. There are lots of threads about that for solutions. If the boat hasn't been hauled lately, a bottom cleaning will definitely be in order. Again, not cheap.
Look at hoses for signs of ageing and/or leaks. Look at all hose clamps for corrosion. Check all through hull valves to ensure they work and can be closed. Don't forget the head and tank up forward.
Look at the transducer thru-hulls for the knot meter and depth sounder. See if there's a plug on board to use so that you can pull them for cleaning. (it's exciting to do when the boat is in the water.)
Check the radio to see if it transmits to ensure the antenna cable etc. is good. Of course, check all lights including mast lights. My mast lights don't work. Haven't troubleshot them yet.
Last but not least, walk every square inch of the topsides looking for soft spots. The deck and cabin tops shouldn't flex. These boats are solid. Flexing idicates disbonds. Good luck!
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