I'm looking at a 1987 Hunter 31. Any of you own one of these or been on this boat? Are there any problems with this boat that I should be aware of? I see no reviews of this boat here and I'm wondering if this would be a good buy. I plan to use it with my wife mostly at Barnegat Bay, NJ. This is my first post, so thanks in advance. Bernard
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answers
good value but they are cheaper than catalina 30's for several reasons. they leak, have common problems with compression posts, they leak, they have cast iron keels and they leak
good value but they are cheaper than catalina 30's for several reasons. they leak, have common problems with compression posts, they leak, they have cast iron keels and they leak
remeber some guys tend to be bitter
and post nothing but crap on the site. great fun boat. that will sail the doors off a catalina.
and post nothing but crap on the site. great fun boat. that will sail the doors off a catalina.
daryl...
is like a broken record with nothing new to offer. Many of the 31s out there that HAD a compression post problem have already been fixed. Virtually EVERY boat leaks to some degree. And many production boats built today, including some VERY high dollar boats, still use cast iron keels. As geo said, they will sail the doors off a Catalina 30, hell my old 28.5 would do that. You will find lots of happy 31 owners here with lots of advice. You need to learn how to use the "Forum Archives" as they will direct you to information specific to certain models, by subject.
is like a broken record with nothing new to offer. Many of the 31s out there that HAD a compression post problem have already been fixed. Virtually EVERY boat leaks to some degree. And many production boats built today, including some VERY high dollar boats, still use cast iron keels. As geo said, they will sail the doors off a Catalina 30, hell my old 28.5 would do that. You will find lots of happy 31 owners here with lots of advice. You need to learn how to use the "Forum Archives" as they will direct you to information specific to certain models, by subject.
No leaks!
Bernard: We have not had any leaks on our H31 over the years. We purchased it new and it has been an excellent boat. We did replace the compression post (and the one you are looking at may have had this done too. This is actually something that is preventable. So it can be taken care of in the off season. The only real problem we have had with our is the water tank under the aft berth. We had problems with it leaking over the last few years. I ended up having the lid glassed in place (never to leak again). The keel on this vintage was cast iron, but there are several boats on the market today that still use iron keels. They take periodic maintenace, but it is not something that should alter your decision. I just purchased my 3rd Hunter. They are fine boats and they are an excellent value. You really will be pleased with the boat. Check out the owners reviews on these boats. There are many satisfied owners.
Bernard: We have not had any leaks on our H31 over the years. We purchased it new and it has been an excellent boat. We did replace the compression post (and the one you are looking at may have had this done too. This is actually something that is preventable. So it can be taken care of in the off season. The only real problem we have had with our is the water tank under the aft berth. We had problems with it leaking over the last few years. I ended up having the lid glassed in place (never to leak again). The keel on this vintage was cast iron, but there are several boats on the market today that still use iron keels. They take periodic maintenace, but it is not something that should alter your decision. I just purchased my 3rd Hunter. They are fine boats and they are an excellent value. You really will be pleased with the boat. Check out the owners reviews on these boats. There are many satisfied owners.
Thanks everyone...
Thanks for the replies all. I didn't find owner reviews on this forum, but I figured out how to use the archives. It's nice to see satisfied and proud Hunter owners. I now know to address the compression post with the owners of the 31. I love the style and layout of the Hunters. It's not the first time that a Catalina owner has told me that Hunter's are cheap, but I decided to go with what I like based on what I've read here from happy and satisfied Hunter owners. Also common sense. Someone told me that Hunters are not seaworthy, but that just makes no sense at all. Thanks again folks. I hope to make an offer soon. Bernard
Thanks for the replies all. I didn't find owner reviews on this forum, but I figured out how to use the archives. It's nice to see satisfied and proud Hunter owners. I now know to address the compression post with the owners of the 31. I love the style and layout of the Hunters. It's not the first time that a Catalina owner has told me that Hunter's are cheap, but I decided to go with what I like based on what I've read here from happy and satisfied Hunter owners. Also common sense. Someone told me that Hunters are not seaworthy, but that just makes no sense at all. Thanks again folks. I hope to make an offer soon. Bernard
H31 problems
Hope you used Steve Dion's link to look at the owner reviews. There is a lot of info on this boat. It is a popular model. I own an 85 H31. Other than the previously mentioned compression post problem (which does not affect all boats, it didn't affect mine), there are common problems with water trapped under the liner and deterioration of the joint between keel and hull. I'd also include the problem Steve mentioned with the fresh water holding tank leaking as being a common problem(I have that as well, though it is not severe). You can read about all these in the archives. Typical praises for the boat include an excellent layout and large amount of living space down below. The 2GM Yanmar engine is considered underpowered by many, but it is very reliable. It can be easily operated single handed. Some praise the B&R mast design, some don't like it. I was told by a broker that H31's and similar size Hunter models are considered high value bargains in the used market, and hence did not last long once put up for sale. When in production Hunter considered the H31 their smallest blue water craft, but the definition of what truly makes a boat blue water capable varies among boaters. It definately has all the basics. Most criticisms I heard centered around the smallish size of the holding tanks and fuel tank. Don't pay attention to those who will tell you this or that about Hunter vs any other brand. That is just their brand loyalty talking. If Hunters truly were terrible performers or "not seaworthy" they would never have been around so long in the marketplace. I've heard those same criticisms said about Catalinas. The two brands are kind of the Ford and Chevy of the Sailboat world. You could do a lot worse than an H31, and to get MUCH better you would have to pay considerably more. Its hard to determine if what you are looking at is a good buy without knowing the asking price, the condition, and how the boat is equipped. You can find H31's for sale at this site as well for comparison. Good luck
Hope you used Steve Dion's link to look at the owner reviews. There is a lot of info on this boat. It is a popular model. I own an 85 H31. Other than the previously mentioned compression post problem (which does not affect all boats, it didn't affect mine), there are common problems with water trapped under the liner and deterioration of the joint between keel and hull. I'd also include the problem Steve mentioned with the fresh water holding tank leaking as being a common problem(I have that as well, though it is not severe). You can read about all these in the archives. Typical praises for the boat include an excellent layout and large amount of living space down below. The 2GM Yanmar engine is considered underpowered by many, but it is very reliable. It can be easily operated single handed. Some praise the B&R mast design, some don't like it. I was told by a broker that H31's and similar size Hunter models are considered high value bargains in the used market, and hence did not last long once put up for sale. When in production Hunter considered the H31 their smallest blue water craft, but the definition of what truly makes a boat blue water capable varies among boaters. It definately has all the basics. Most criticisms I heard centered around the smallish size of the holding tanks and fuel tank. Don't pay attention to those who will tell you this or that about Hunter vs any other brand. That is just their brand loyalty talking. If Hunters truly were terrible performers or "not seaworthy" they would never have been around so long in the marketplace. I've heard those same criticisms said about Catalinas. The two brands are kind of the Ford and Chevy of the Sailboat world. You could do a lot worse than an H31, and to get MUCH better you would have to pay considerably more. Its hard to determine if what you are looking at is a good buy without knowing the asking price, the condition, and how the boat is equipped. You can find H31's for sale at this site as well for comparison. Good luck
We like ours
Hey those guys who cry mine is better than yours are not worth listening to. I asked a question about mine and got responses from "other than Hunter" owners to get a real boat. Well ours is a real boat it is an h31 the previous owner did replace the compression post but that is all the repair stuff. A friend bought a Catalina 30 at the same time we bought the hunter. Both are very nice boats and will suit us well. I like his Cat he like my Hunter. The nice thing is both are afforadable production boats that will give many years of great fun and safety on the water. My wife and first mate loves the layout. The cockpit could be a bit larger but you would give up cabin space. The cat as longer cockpit but it narrows in the rear and the back stay hits you in the head when you stand at the helm if you are 5' 9" or taller. So you see you can find faults with all boat a perfect one has yet to be built. Buy it you will enjoy it just have the compression post checked. Keith
Hey those guys who cry mine is better than yours are not worth listening to. I asked a question about mine and got responses from "other than Hunter" owners to get a real boat. Well ours is a real boat it is an h31 the previous owner did replace the compression post but that is all the repair stuff. A friend bought a Catalina 30 at the same time we bought the hunter. Both are very nice boats and will suit us well. I like his Cat he like my Hunter. The nice thing is both are afforadable production boats that will give many years of great fun and safety on the water. My wife and first mate loves the layout. The cockpit could be a bit larger but you would give up cabin space. The cat as longer cockpit but it narrows in the rear and the back stay hits you in the head when you stand at the helm if you are 5' 9" or taller. So you see you can find faults with all boat a perfect one has yet to be built. Buy it you will enjoy it just have the compression post checked. Keith
Just bought an 85
Just bought an 85 model in January after reading the reviews - I've got some of the same problems with the water tank leaking and water in the bilges but all and all I'm very satisfied with the Hunter. I've been out on lake Michigan several times so far and I have not had any other sailboats pass me. Very easy to single hand. My boat has the original mainsheet traveler which is the only piece of equipment that I really feel needs to be upgraded to a better setup (I learned to sail on Hobie Cats so I like having good control over the mainsheet - others may feel differently).
Just bought an 85 model in January after reading the reviews - I've got some of the same problems with the water tank leaking and water in the bilges but all and all I'm very satisfied with the Hunter. I've been out on lake Michigan several times so far and I have not had any other sailboats pass me. Very easy to single hand. My boat has the original mainsheet traveler which is the only piece of equipment that I really feel needs to be upgraded to a better setup (I learned to sail on Hobie Cats so I like having good control over the mainsheet - others may feel differently).
I'm happy with mine...
I've had my '86 H31 for 11 years now. A common problem is odor due to rotten water being trapped between the hull liner and outer hull. If you have this problem just drill a 1/4" hole in each corner of the bilge where your bilge pump is. Only drill thru the hull liner, NOT THE OUTER HULL! If this has not been done, the water will really STINK so make sure no one is standing near your bilge pump discharge when the water flows out. Had to replace the rudder two years ago. It was 'corroding' where it goes into the bottom due to 'oxygen deprivation' I was told. The top of the water tank leaked a little last year but I cut out some old caulking and caulked with 5200. No more leak. No compression post problem but I reinforced it a few years ago 'just in case'. I usually sail single handed, and have taken the boat from RI to FL alone twice. These boats are really super easy to handle. I have one phantom rain water leak but it's not bad. Some day I may try the leaf blower technique to find it, maybe. The iron keel requires annual touch-up. The Yanmar engine is sufficient for the boat. Value-wise, these boats are nearly unbeatable. Good luck with it.
I've had my '86 H31 for 11 years now. A common problem is odor due to rotten water being trapped between the hull liner and outer hull. If you have this problem just drill a 1/4" hole in each corner of the bilge where your bilge pump is. Only drill thru the hull liner, NOT THE OUTER HULL! If this has not been done, the water will really STINK so make sure no one is standing near your bilge pump discharge when the water flows out. Had to replace the rudder two years ago. It was 'corroding' where it goes into the bottom due to 'oxygen deprivation' I was told. The top of the water tank leaked a little last year but I cut out some old caulking and caulked with 5200. No more leak. No compression post problem but I reinforced it a few years ago 'just in case'. I usually sail single handed, and have taken the boat from RI to FL alone twice. These boats are really super easy to handle. I have one phantom rain water leak but it's not bad. Some day I may try the leaf blower technique to find it, maybe. The iron keel requires annual touch-up. The Yanmar engine is sufficient for the boat. Value-wise, these boats are nearly unbeatable. Good luck with it.
for Gil C.
I have read time and time again about fixing the trapped water problem by drilling holes. I have yet to see a post describing where to drill that is clear enough so I would undertake the job. Can you (or anyone else describe exactly where in the bilge to drill weep holes? Maybe more importantly, where not to drill? Where exactly does the liner end and the hull begin? Anybody have a photo or two? I would be very interested in this.
I have read time and time again about fixing the trapped water problem by drilling holes. I have yet to see a post describing where to drill that is clear enough so I would undertake the job. Can you (or anyone else describe exactly where in the bilge to drill weep holes? Maybe more importantly, where not to drill? Where exactly does the liner end and the hull begin? Anybody have a photo or two? I would be very interested in this.
smoking fast boat
HI, welcome to hunterowners group. this is a smoking fast boat to sail the only boat in my size range that beats me regularly is a fullrace j105. I have had this boat out in many conditions and found it very seaworthy if handled properly. good luck finding your new boat.
HI, welcome to hunterowners group. this is a smoking fast boat to sail the only boat in my size range that beats me regularly is a fullrace j105. I have had this boat out in many conditions and found it very seaworthy if handled properly. good luck finding your new boat.
Our offer was accepted!
Thanks for the warm welcome and the numerous informative replies. We've made an offer on the 31 and it was accepted! This is very exciting. My loan has been approved and we began making calls to surveyors in the Upper Chesapeake area. Thanks again
Thanks for the warm welcome and the numerous informative replies. We've made an offer on the 31 and it was accepted! This is very exciting. My loan has been approved and we began making calls to surveyors in the Upper Chesapeake area. Thanks again
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