'78 H30 - Questions from a newcomer

[zipkruse]

Me & a couple of buddies may soon be given a 1978 Hunter 30. We've had only a cursory look at the thing - the hull, rudder, etc. appear to be in very good condition with no cracks or unexpected wear - but we're also going to have it surveyed. It's a bit rough to be sure. It'll certainly be a project boat, but we're delighted if things work out for a few thousand dollars-worth of investment if we're lucky.

Here's something I can't figure out just yet in reading the forums and surfing for pics online of the boat: Some of the late 70's Hunter 30's have 3 portholes per side (like ours), and others seem to have 4. Am I right in guessing that the Cherubini-designed boats have 3 per side? Are there other significant differences in these models?

Also, can anyone point me to a couple of useful lists on this site for this boat if they exist? I've had a good search, but these are relatively vague things:

1. Things to look for in considering (buying) a boat of this type/vintage
2. Priorities for maintenance/upgrades (This boat has a rolling furling headsail, so that's a nice start!)

Thanks kindly for all the generous information you're all sharing here. I've already read hundreds of your posts.

Barry

 

[David in Sandusky]

All 74-83's are Cherubinis

Until you asked, I had not noticed the 3 window variation in the pictures on this site. But they are all Cherubinis until 83.

Even if the boat is a gift, I would invest in a survey. It will give you a good maintenance list to plan around. After 10 years, we still have not adressed everything on our survey, but it was a great start.

On the other hand, none of the survey issues needed to be fixed before our first summer of sailing. Our first investments (over two years) were in new sails.

The most common issues for 30 year old boats involve water intrusion. The mast step, the stanchion bases, and the ports often need work, but we postponed the mast step for 2 years, and still have not replaced all of the leaking ports.

Cracks and/or corrosion in the standing rigging need to be addressed quickly, since a failure could cost you the rig.

You need a hand-held GPS and a depth guage - all other instruments are optional IMHO.

So I say get a survey, then sail her, then figure out what you want to fix, replace, or upgrade!

Good luck!

 

[Steve C.]

The first couple years had the large window and two ports per side, in 80-81 they changed to four ports per side adding ports in the V-berth. I like the amount of light that the large windows let in, I have thought about adding some ports in the V-berth but haven't done it. The compression post, engine, rigging, nav lights, and leaks-soft spots are your biggest concerns. Mine is a 78 as well and it is a great boat.

 

[Nereussailor]

So far, everyone is right about the water intrusion issue. Most of the H30's at this point will have some unless they were well taken care of. I bought my 1983 H30 5 years ago and the first thing I replaced were all 9 of the ports. My mast step was in good shape so i didn't have any problems there. After that, it was the Transmission, motor mounts, cutlass bearing, drip seal, shaft and shaft log tube. My drive train was really neglected so I replaced it all. The Motor was in good shape though. It just needed belts. I did change the oil and filter, even though it looked good. I also changed the fuel filters. My standing and running rigging were all in good shape. I did replace a couple of lines in the boom for reefing, and the out haul. I did a bunch of work replacing every hose clamp on the boat. Other than that, everything else was cosmetic. I still need new lifelines, and some straightening of the stanchions, but they are there and still secure, so they are still on my list.
If you have any questions, PM me. I have a lot of information on the boat, and repair manuals for the motor. I'd suggest buying the repair manual for your motor. It's well worth the money.


Dave

 

[zipkruse]

Great tips, gents. Sincere thanks for taking the time. We will be studying all these issues, and posting often for further guidance.

Just saw the boat again today and we will take ownership on Tuesday, having the boat moved to our location on the hard.

The boat hasn't been moved, cleaned or maintained in three years. That said, with some cleanup, and if the engine runs, it's going to be readily usable. Apparently, the headsail may have a tear. However, we're about two miles from Doyle Sailmakers, and understand that they may offer repair service.

Anyone have a source for discounted custom cut cushions or bulk foam for cushions? Thinking we could sew our own if I can find the foam at reasonable cost.

 

[zipkruse]

I've taken a bunch of pics of the boat on the hard and fairly "raw" and you can see them here on Photobucket here if you're interested. Those of you with "project boats" will recognize a good deal of what you see.

Couple of nice features - it comes with a dodger that appears usable and rolling furling headsail.

Anyone recognize this engine? I don't know enough about them to know whether it's an Atomic or Yanmar or what. Welcome your advice.

We're looking forward to showing the "after" pictures sometime this spring.

 

[Nereussailor]

Hey zipkruse,
I took a look at all of the pics, and guess what.......You've got your work cut out for a while. She's pretty rough, but I believe she's fixable.
The motor looks like a Yanmar YSM12, but I'm not 100% positive on that. It looks really rough and neglected. I guess I'd start with cleaning everything out, scrubbing everything down, and getting the bilge melted enough to get all the ice out of it. The hull will need some work. It's hard to tell by the pictures, but it looks like there is some damage. By the pictures, I can't tell if it's cosmetic or structural. I'd have a professional check it out though.
With the boat in that condition, I'd definitely have a survey done. It will give you a good to-do list like David said. And start buying books like Nigel Caulders "Cruising Handbook"
and Don Casey's "Sailboat Maintenance Manual". You're going to need them.
I'll be interested to see the progress, so please keep a photo log and updates here for us all. and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask, You will get plenty of information here. Good luck on your project.

Dave

 

[digby sailor]

congrats

I have the same boat mine is a 1978 30,I agree the engine is definitely a yanmar ysb12.there was a yse12 which was superceeded by a ysb12 and after a ysm12 they were all basically the same engine with minor variations.the large porthole with the two smaller ones on either side of the cabin top was replaced by the 4 opening ports on 1979 and up boats.Im sure your boat will come out just fine with alot of elbow grease.Doing all this work will gain you an intimate knowledge of your boat and will make you feel much better sailing and talking about her with others.Looking forward to progress reports.fair winds.