Cabin make-over

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ShooterII

I am new to sailing/boating. I bought an '83 H31 in July. Looking at photos of H31s from '84 and '85, I noticed they have very similar dinettes but the table seems to drop to form a mid-ship berth. I was wondering what it would take to modify my dinette to be the same. Any ideas? While I'm at it, I likely will be single-handing and the mainsail does not have LazyJacks or Dutchman or furling. I figure to be able to raise the sail but dropping (dousing) is another story. I tried it once and suffice it to say, I would like a better idea. Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance.
 
Ed Schenck

Ed Schenck

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Jun 2, 2004
5,802
Hunter 37-cutter, '79 41 23' 30"N 82 33' 20"W--------Huron, OH
H31 mainsail handling.

I often sail alone on my H37C. Many years ago while the mast was horizontal I installed EZ-Jax ( http://www.ezjax.com/ ). They store against the mast so if I have crew I do not use them. And unless the weather is questionable I do not sail with them on the boom. As I enter the safe harbor I set the autohelm while I attach them to the boom.

If you do a site search on "lazyjacks" you will find lots of ideas including how to make your own. The EZ-Jax are nice because there is no extra line and no blocks. Only hooks are necessary because it is all stretch cord. And after eight years they still stretch as tightly as ever. I think that is amazing when you consider what the sun does to regular shock cord.
 
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Steve Dion

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Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
There were 2 different salons in the Hunter 31. One was a table in the middle and seating on each side. The other was only on the later models and it was a horse shoe shape. The photos on the website show the original setup.

As for Lazy anythings or a Dutchman, the Dutchman is a much easier setup for a single hander, but it is NOT recommended in a older sail.

The battens tend to get caught in the lines on a Lazy system. If you decide to go that route, I would suggest that you set them up so you can retract them when you raise the main.

You best bet is to purchase an autopilot to be your extra hand regardless of what you decide to do.
 
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DSELR

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Sep 25, 2008
12
Hunter 31_83-87 Lake Ouachita, Royal, AR
I am a new owner of an 83' H31, purchased in April. Initally I thought my dinette was permantely installed, it sure looked like it. I found that the support pole was not attached to the table and it inserts into a hole in the floor (no fasteners top or bottom). On the buklhead side the table slides down on two clips.
Just lift straight up on the table. It might take two people applying equal pressure on each side the first time. You will find the seat back cushions at the table along with the seat back cushions on the port settee fit perfectly to form a berth.
 
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Steve Dion

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Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
You've got it! That is the original setup.

It is a good idea to clean the support and lubricate it. You are correct in your thought about having assistance when you r/r the table. If you are not careful you can chip the formica on the top.

These are great boats. I owned one for 18 years. If we would not have suffered from BBF we would still own her.
 
Coyote

Coyote

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Sep 30, 2008
132
Hunter 30T Madeira Beach, Florida
Hey ShooterII::

Welcome,,,, as a new Hunter Owner as of this past June (1984 Hunter 31'),,, I will let you now that there is NO BETTER Resource than this website, it's Contributors possess an amazing knowledge of sailing, and there chosen craft, Hunters,,, and most important, they are most willing to share their information, and help!!

I have just completed the restoration of our cabin, amongst other projects, and am most willing to offer suggestions and opinions on your efforts,,,

fyi ,,, we have Lazy Jacks,,,

let me know if I can help,,, and here is a sample of what I've accomplished,, so far , Attached,,,

Before and After,,,

"Coyote"
 

Attachments

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Benny

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Sep 27, 2008
1,149
Hunter 320 Tampa, FL
A drop table is nice as it serves dual purpose while providing self storage. The draw back is that it has to be the same size as the leg opening in between the banches and once installed it may not be as sturdy as a fixed table. I would suggest you visit an RV dealer and look at a few swing tables as most of them use them. Check the hardware and take a few measurements to see if you can use them on your boat. If for any reason you cannot use the swing bar you may still be able to use the clips and you would just have to pick up the table yourself and set it dow. If you like what you see and think it can work the RV dealer may be able to order the hardware parts for you. I would give serious consideration to whether having the additional berth is necessary or not as I personally like a rather big sturdy table in the cabin than can be used when underway at sea by crew or when off watch. I don't think you may get a double berth out of it but it certainly would be comfortable for one person. Check that the back cushions for the dinnete can be removed as they will go to feel the space on top of the table. By all means check the length is adequate. If needed and done right it can be a good project. About lazy-jacks, I hate them and would not recommend them unless needed to handle a heavy mainsail. The problem comes with their need to be adjusted at least a couple of times on each outing. You also have to point the boat exactly into the wind to prevent the sail battens from getting hung up on them when raising the main. Even with the jacks loose the gap is narrow. You would need a modified sail cover or retractable jacks which entail additional deployment when they are needed. Droping the main also entails pointing the boat into the wind. I used to drop the sail in stages and apply the ties accordingly and never had problems. I would release the halyard and let the the sail go down 1/3 and close the brake. I would jump up on the cabin top with ties in hand and start tying the sail from the back. Once I had that done I would reach down open the brake and let it fall another 1/3. And repeated the operation until done. If done with patience in fair weather you can even flake the sail as you take it in. I could even take the sail down when going downwind. I would center the boom and release the halyard. Now I use the as they came with the boat and the large roach main is quite heavy but I still hate them.
 
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Steve Dion

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Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
Benny:

These tables are slightly wider than the opening. The table actually sits on the edge of the seat. They are very sturdy and can hold my fat ....

Unfortunately because of the hull/floor configuration a folding table is really not practical.
 
reserche

reserche

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Dec 19, 2008
40
Hunter Legend 35.5 marina del rey
You cabin re-do looks great!

Coyote said:
Hey ShooterII::

Welcome,,,, as a new Hunter Owner as of this past June (1984 Hunter 31'),,, I will let you now that there is NO BETTER Resource than this website, it's Contributors possess an amazing knowledge of sailing, and there chosen craft, Hunters,,, and most important, they are most willing to share their information, and help!!

I have just completed the restoration of our cabin, amongst other projects, and am most willing to offer suggestions and opinions on your efforts,,,

I have the same Hunter 31 - been working on restoring/ cleaning up since Summer- its looking good! I did the cabin sole- but not the chart table and all. What did you use on that? It has a nice sheen to it that I like.. :)

Thanks!

Julie
Click to expand
 
Coyote

Coyote

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Sep 30, 2008
132
Hunter 30T Madeira Beach, Florida
Hey Julie:::

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you,,, --HOLIDAYS---
I used "Helmsman" Varinish, semi Gloss on the Nav Desk,,,

send me you E Mail address, or send it to me at Hunter31Coyote@aol.com
and I'll send you pictures of the rest of the "restoration" looks great!!!
happy to assist with your effort,,, been there!!!

"Coyote"
 
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