I am purchasing an 84 Hunter 31 and am going to have a marine survey performed this Friday. Are there any issues specific to this boat that myself and the surveyor should look for? She appears to be well cared for and and in good condition. Also, any information about this boat including sailing and motoring characteristics. Am also curious what the HP of the Yanmar that's in it. Thak you in advance. Ted Vaughn, Beesley's Pt., NJ
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Compression Post
Make sure the compression post is inspected. I had to replace mine a year after I purchased my 1987 Hunter 31. Water makes it way down the mast wire conduit and causes the wooden compression post to rot.
Make sure the compression post is inspected. I had to replace mine a year after I purchased my 1987 Hunter 31. Water makes it way down the mast wire conduit and causes the wooden compression post to rot.
Compress post for sure!
Ted: The compression post can definitely be a problem. I am not sure that you can determine if there is any rot without removing the teak covering from the post, but you and your surveyor will need to determine that. The repair can run from about $2500 - 4000 depending on the extent of the damage. Also check under the forward/aft cushions for any signs that the waste (forward) or water (aft) tanks are leaking. I think that the engine should be a 2GM20F (18HP). They are very reliable and can provide for unless years if properly cared for. Generally a fairly bullet proof boat!
Ted: The compression post can definitely be a problem. I am not sure that you can determine if there is any rot without removing the teak covering from the post, but you and your surveyor will need to determine that. The repair can run from about $2500 - 4000 depending on the extent of the damage. Also check under the forward/aft cushions for any signs that the waste (forward) or water (aft) tanks are leaking. I think that the engine should be a 2GM20F (18HP). They are very reliable and can provide for unless years if properly cared for. Generally a fairly bullet proof boat!
Hunter 31
Ted: I just bought a Hunter 31 (1983) in November of 1986. I found the boat to be pretty reliable this last summer. I would look closely above the fuel tank to make sure there are no fuel line leaks. I had one which ran down into the Quarter Berth. The PO placed some of that paper which soaks up oil on top rather than fix it. All it took was tightening the hose clamps which are hard to reach. My surveyor never spotted it - it was a cold winter day when he climbed down into the lazarette. I would also look closely at the exhaust hose. Mine appeared to be original and I just had them replaced this last fall by the yard because I didn't want to try to reach the hose outlet connection behind the fuel tank. I don't contort as well as I use too. Check the light above the chart table - My light does not work even after replacing the bulbs. I am not sure what is going on - If anyone else has fixed this problem, I would be interested in knowing how. I reteaked my entire interior utilizing Seafin teak oil as recommended by Hunter. The boat turned out beautiful inside. I used a foam brush and then wiped off with a clean cloth after about 30 seconds. Good Luck, Greg Weisheipl "SlipAway"
Ted: I just bought a Hunter 31 (1983) in November of 1986. I found the boat to be pretty reliable this last summer. I would look closely above the fuel tank to make sure there are no fuel line leaks. I had one which ran down into the Quarter Berth. The PO placed some of that paper which soaks up oil on top rather than fix it. All it took was tightening the hose clamps which are hard to reach. My surveyor never spotted it - it was a cold winter day when he climbed down into the lazarette. I would also look closely at the exhaust hose. Mine appeared to be original and I just had them replaced this last fall by the yard because I didn't want to try to reach the hose outlet connection behind the fuel tank. I don't contort as well as I use too. Check the light above the chart table - My light does not work even after replacing the bulbs. I am not sure what is going on - If anyone else has fixed this problem, I would be interested in knowing how. I reteaked my entire interior utilizing Seafin teak oil as recommended by Hunter. The boat turned out beautiful inside. I used a foam brush and then wiped off with a clean cloth after about 30 seconds. Good Luck, Greg Weisheipl "SlipAway"
Good Boat
We bought ours two years ago. The PO replaced the compression post so that was taken care of. I replaced the sink in the head with SS and solid surface counter top. But no real boat issues. The head hoses will probably need replacing. Oh check the keel joint that is an area of minor cracking. Overall we have had zero problems and love the way the boat handles.
We bought ours two years ago. The PO replaced the compression post so that was taken care of. I replaced the sink in the head with SS and solid surface counter top. But no real boat issues. The head hoses will probably need replacing. Oh check the keel joint that is an area of minor cracking. Overall we have had zero problems and love the way the boat handles.
Here's a few of the problems I had
When I bought my 31 I had it surveyed. Surveyer found moisture readings around the chainplates and rudder - but that was about it. After I bought the boat figuring I would repair these items time permitting, I found a few more problems: Leaking water tank lid Sanitary hoses to and from holding tank - smell was unbearable after summer hit (if you're buying the boat in the winter you may not notice this, warm weather will be the big test). Leaking main hatch. Hunter 'smile' on the keel (not a big problem) Gate valves instead of ball valves (a DIY project but you'll need help to replace). Throttle would not stay in position. Despite the problems I would buy the boat again only I would have offered about 4K less for the boat than I did knowing the problems. (I traded up to a 36 last summer).
When I bought my 31 I had it surveyed. Surveyer found moisture readings around the chainplates and rudder - but that was about it. After I bought the boat figuring I would repair these items time permitting, I found a few more problems: Leaking water tank lid Sanitary hoses to and from holding tank - smell was unbearable after summer hit (if you're buying the boat in the winter you may not notice this, warm weather will be the big test). Leaking main hatch. Hunter 'smile' on the keel (not a big problem) Gate valves instead of ball valves (a DIY project but you'll need help to replace). Throttle would not stay in position. Despite the problems I would buy the boat again only I would have offered about 4K less for the boat than I did knowing the problems. (I traded up to a 36 last summer).
boat problems
Any one who takes a survey at face value is wrong and you should be looking at the wording and the pictures that are taken. The main thing to remember is that you get what you pay for. If a boat is on the hard there are a lot of systms that will not be tested due to not being operational. Good luck and fair winds. Ron
Any one who takes a survey at face value is wrong and you should be looking at the wording and the pictures that are taken. The main thing to remember is that you get what you pay for. If a boat is on the hard there are a lot of systms that will not be tested due to not being operational. Good luck and fair winds. Ron
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