1983 31, Looks good, should I get it

[John Shryock]

Looked at a 83 31. Really want to get it. Is it worth $20,000. I have a 75 25ft morgan I learned on. What should I look for. Never had an inboard. Not much on this, just the basics. Give me the Good, Bad and the Ugly.

 

[bob]

h31

i owned a 1995 h31 for 5 yrs, which i think is the same model....had great luck with the boat...relatively fast, good in light airs, points well, roomy..a perfect weekend/ week vacation coastal cruiser...on this site i've seen numerous refernces to wooden compression post problems with the h31 and h34...i suggest you check the archives and the boat review section...luckily i had no such problem with my boat...as with any used boat, you should obtain a good survey before purchase...i was so pleased with my boat that i bought a h40.5...good luck to you...bob

 

[Bob Rutland]

83 H31

i own a 84 h31. two things you should look out for are compression post rot (look for dark stains on the bulk head under the foward dinette seat, this is a sign that the boat has a common leak that rots the compression post)and a faulty rudder. hunters of this year and size have a common problem of unexpected rudder failure.(my boat is down as we speak because of this). i dont know of any way to check the rudder other than to ask the owner if the rudder has been replaced. all in all i love my boat and would buy it again. good luck and goon sailing. bob r. LADY DI II sailldydi@aol.com

 

[Scott B.]

Worth It

We own a 1985 H31 and paid more for it that what you say. We are very happy with the boat, and had almost bought a Catalina 30, but there is so much more room and storage in the 31. It sails nicely in 10-15 knots of wind with a 150 genoa on it, and will turn on a dime. The reports of the boat being underpowered with the 2GM have not really seemed to be a problem with us. Make sure you get a professional survey, including the bottom. If that is good, then GO FOR IT!!