I have a 27' Hunter now and I am considering a 31' Hunter. I do a lot of single handle sailing and would like some input on single handling the 31 footer? Thanks, Norm
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Not a bad choice.
Norm: I assume that you are sailing a Cherubini 27'. Be aware that the later boats trade off a very easy to sail boat for a boat that takes a little more work to sail. One big advantages of the second generation boats is that most lines are rigged back to the cockpit. I sail on a Hunter 30 (1970-1980 model) on a regular basis. I have a good feeling for both of these boats. The engine on the H'31 (2GM20F) is wonderful. The later Cherubinis had this engine but most had the single cylinder Yanmars or even outboards on some of the smaller boats. The Cherubini 30 vs the H'31 is quite different. I prefer the sailing ability of the H'30 to the H'31. The H'30 is a more neutral boat. The down sides involve the accomodations in general. The galley, dinette and sleeping accomodations are far superior on the H'31. The galley is better on the H'31. The cockpit is better on the H'31. The H'31 has a better hull to deck joint (not many leaks if any). The traveler is mounted over the cabin on the H'31 making the cockpit better for guests. As for your concerns you can raise the sails from the cockpit. Adding a autopilot will make the H'31 a perfect boat for you. One think you MUST remember on the newer Hunters is to Reef early and sail fast. On your H'27 you can hang a larger sail longer (depending on your model). I have never wished that I had one of the Cherubinis (but I did have a H'25) before of my H'31. I have owned mine since it was new and the only real problem we have had was the compression post. The later model 31's are better than the earlier ones but none of them are bad. I do not think that you will be sorry.
Norm: I assume that you are sailing a Cherubini 27'. Be aware that the later boats trade off a very easy to sail boat for a boat that takes a little more work to sail. One big advantages of the second generation boats is that most lines are rigged back to the cockpit. I sail on a Hunter 30 (1970-1980 model) on a regular basis. I have a good feeling for both of these boats. The engine on the H'31 (2GM20F) is wonderful. The later Cherubinis had this engine but most had the single cylinder Yanmars or even outboards on some of the smaller boats. The Cherubini 30 vs the H'31 is quite different. I prefer the sailing ability of the H'30 to the H'31. The H'30 is a more neutral boat. The down sides involve the accomodations in general. The galley, dinette and sleeping accomodations are far superior on the H'31. The galley is better on the H'31. The cockpit is better on the H'31. The H'31 has a better hull to deck joint (not many leaks if any). The traveler is mounted over the cabin on the H'31 making the cockpit better for guests. As for your concerns you can raise the sails from the cockpit. Adding a autopilot will make the H'31 a perfect boat for you. One think you MUST remember on the newer Hunters is to Reef early and sail fast. On your H'27 you can hang a larger sail longer (depending on your model). I have never wished that I had one of the Cherubinis (but I did have a H'25) before of my H'31. I have owned mine since it was new and the only real problem we have had was the compression post. The later model 31's are better than the earlier ones but none of them are bad. I do not think that you will be sorry.
B
bob
h31's a treat choice
i owned a 1985 h31 for 5 years...she was a great choice for coastal cruising...reasonably fast and close winded, although a little tender...she needs to sail on her feet not to have weather helm...i often single-handed her...all you need is an auto-pilot...some boat have had problems with compression post rot, but it wasn't a problem with my boat and i had only a few minor blisters...i highly recommend..
i owned a 1985 h31 for 5 years...she was a great choice for coastal cruising...reasonably fast and close winded, although a little tender...she needs to sail on her feet not to have weather helm...i often single-handed her...all you need is an auto-pilot...some boat have had problems with compression post rot, but it wasn't a problem with my boat and i had only a few minor blisters...i highly recommend..
T
Tim
SAME FEELINGS
Norm: Have sailed my 85 H31 on the southern Ches Bay for over 15 years now. Great boat for cruising and as noted, with a few modifications (autopilot, cockpit GPS, some sort of main furling/flaking system [Dutchman, etc.], should serve you very well. You will learn to reef early, curse how she "sails" at anchor, has a terrible ice box location, and a couple of other annoyances. But the 31 is a great boat with only a few glitches. Make sure you get a good survey! Smooth sailing! Tim (S/V "TIDE")
Norm: Have sailed my 85 H31 on the southern Ches Bay for over 15 years now. Great boat for cruising and as noted, with a few modifications (autopilot, cockpit GPS, some sort of main furling/flaking system [Dutchman, etc.], should serve you very well. You will learn to reef early, curse how she "sails" at anchor, has a terrible ice box location, and a couple of other annoyances. But the 31 is a great boat with only a few glitches. Make sure you get a good survey! Smooth sailing! Tim (S/V "TIDE")
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steve
easy w/autopilot
I've been living on my h31 19 mth's now, installed 4000 ap and it's MUCH easier now. Before I had to bungee the wheel to go do things. Even w/o auto it's not hard, but would'nt do alot of offshore.
I've been living on my h31 19 mth's now, installed 4000 ap and it's MUCH easier now. Before I had to bungee the wheel to go do things. Even w/o auto it's not hard, but would'nt do alot of offshore.
D
Duane Cady
Love my 85 H31
I have had her now for about a year and a half, and have single-handed quite a bit on a local lake (read flat water). She points real well (full fin keel), and tracks real well. With the sails well-balanced and not over-powered, helming can be done with your fingertips. One of the strengths for single-handing is that the jib sheet winches are easily reachable from the helm. I bring the main sheet around the cabintop winch, and all the way back to the starboard stern cleat. I also run the traveller controls from the cabintop back to the helm position. With that, lazy jacks and a furling headsail (furling line reachable from helm), all main sail controls are reachable for the single-hander. 15-20 degree heel is about the max efficient heel, but I have had her over 45 degrees and ridden her there just to see how it felt. The rig seems real stout. Main reefing lines stop at the mast, so they arent so readily obtained. Shes fast and forgiving. A good survey, and shes a sure-bet for enjoyment. Duane
I have had her now for about a year and a half, and have single-handed quite a bit on a local lake (read flat water). She points real well (full fin keel), and tracks real well. With the sails well-balanced and not over-powered, helming can be done with your fingertips. One of the strengths for single-handing is that the jib sheet winches are easily reachable from the helm. I bring the main sheet around the cabintop winch, and all the way back to the starboard stern cleat. I also run the traveller controls from the cabintop back to the helm position. With that, lazy jacks and a furling headsail (furling line reachable from helm), all main sail controls are reachable for the single-hander. 15-20 degree heel is about the max efficient heel, but I have had her over 45 degrees and ridden her there just to see how it felt. The rig seems real stout. Main reefing lines stop at the mast, so they arent so readily obtained. Shes fast and forgiving. A good survey, and shes a sure-bet for enjoyment. Duane
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