Complete Interior Makeover??

[Richard Deep]

Has anybody contemplated or undertaken a complete interior makeover on an older Hunter? I have an '85 H-31 which has served me well for the past 17 years. No problems with blisters or compression post or any of the other issues that sometimes show up in these boats. I've got it set up the way I like it (singlehanded sailing), upgraded the instruments, equipment and the electrical panel. I know the boat and how she handles.

The only thing I'd like is a little better utilization of the space below. More room in the head/shower, maybe more space or a different arrangement in the V-berth. I'll admit to a little new boat envy. They've done a lot with the interiors since '85!

But rather than spend $120K+ on a new boat, I'm thinking I could do a lot for $20-30K on the interior. But what I have in mind would require pulling most of the interior walls and berths apart, right down to the sole.

So, has anybody done that? If so, did you do it yourself or hire it out? How'd it turn out? Any pictures?

- Richard
s/v Discovery
San Francisco, CA

 

[Steve Dion]

Richard: I hate to tell you but I don't think there is much you can do to a H31 to make it much better. How much time do you send in the head? If you make the vberth bigger that head is going to get smaller.

The H'31 of that era is bigger than the newer boats of the same size from today's configuration.

We had our 31 for about 20 years and finally bit the bullet and got a Vision 36. It only cost about $40-50k more and we have a lot more boat.

 

[brian3820]

Richard. I have an 84 Hunter 34. I am coming down the home stretch of a complete refit. We purchased ours in late September... We live in a rural area, so I had the boat and cradle trucked 100 miles to my home. She had a few cracks in the transverse stiffeners so it had to go all the way down to the hull inside. We had new boat envy as well, just didn't feel the same about new boat prices... So ... REFIT. The entire galley and salon have been totally redone.... Moved the stove to the left, silverware drawer to the right, smaller sink, rebuilt base cabinets, new settee's, new nav station, smaller nav station wall, removed those black plexiglass cabinets, etc etc...the list goes on. Everything had an inch or so trimmed off here and there...long story short, MUCH more interior space and allocated much better. The ENTIRE boat has ALL new surfaces... My teak was neglected by the previous owner... SO, the answer was to do the entire boat in laminate, much like most of the new boats... Basically, formica. I chose Pionite brand "Oiled Cherry"...( Everything except galley counter and floor) As for the v-berth, luan panels cut for those areas on either side with carpet, sealed on back side with lacquer, covered in laminate... same cabinets, but new doors made "Inset" in the frame instead of surface mount... all covered in laminate. Head, unchanged. Sink area of head.. Built custom cabinet over sink, all laminate.... Aft cabin, removed carpet...All laminate.... Carpet on galley and salon walls, removed, luan and laminate...... Custom built electrical/radio area..... LONG LONG story short... completely new boat!... Every surface is brand new.... and about half have been rebuilt to make more space, and better use of the space.

IF you have the skills set to build, and IF you have the tools, or can borrow them...it can be done. And I am here to tell you, I have done mine for about 10% of the number you mentioned above. Keep in mind, everything in my boat has been done by me... if you have to hire someone, it will cost a bit more...but, you get the idea. Materials themselves don't cost that much. Wood is cheap, laminate for my boat was $2.45 per square foot... If you have the time and place to do it, I would highly recommend it. It is a good deal of work, but you are adding value to your boat, and...giving it that new boat feel. I am still taking pics, and will be posting shortly, but if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.... Good luck....

 

[inarathree]

Look forward to seeing the pics. I have often thought about either re-habing an older boat, or a couple times a year Catalina (which is right down the street) sells a uncompleted hull and deck, very cheap.

 

[jorgefife]

Complete interior makeover?

Look forward to seeing the pics. I have often thought about either re-habing an older boat, or a couple times a year Catalina (which is right down the street) sells a uncompleted hull and deck, very cheap.

I completely agree with Brian 3820: I too did not know a thing about remodel, but took one job at a time: at some point (and when I got the boat) there was a lot of water inside, so the bottom of the cabinets were all delaminating: I took them apart, got ner birch planks, stained with Minwax gel stain (use a cloth) it comes out nice, then varnish with Helmsmans spar urethane, 3-4 coats: came out like new. Removed all smelly carpets on both sides and V berth, glued in furring strips (propped up with poles and glued with liquid nails), spaced every foot or so. In between I insulated with foam ( a sheet costs $8.00 at Home Depot, I think I used 2 sheets in total, excluding quarter berth, which I still have not tackled) Then I used aromatic cedar panels (4" x 8 feet, tongue in groove) which I buy from a fried for abot $ 3.00 a panel: I think both sides and V berth cost $ 60.00
Re-glued the teak and holly floor panels (in fact just did that last night, on port side) and look forward to sand them and varnish them over the weekend, I had a posting on this forum for advice on what varnish to use)
So I think, so far, the wood for the cabinets that needed replacement. the cedar, varnish, etc, etc, has set me back $ 200.00
The boat has a different look now, and it did not break the bank... I keep telling my self I'm not Rockefeller, I'm the other feller...

 

[jmce1587]

Brian3820 - can you post pics? I too have a '83-H31 and am interested in interior projects as mine is showing its age.

Jorgefife - would also like to see what you have done. I too am in Seabrook so if you can drop me a note, I would appreciate it.

thanks - Jerry

 

[brian3820]

Hi Guys! .... I am doing a TON of the laminate tomorrow.... I will try to post photo by Sunday or Monday.... They start clear down at the Hull and Liner... go through the glass repair and onto the construction and finish.... Give me a couple days and I will get them posted.... I'm thinkin 6 weeks to splash down....

 

[jorgefife]

Complete interior makeover

Hi Guys! .... I am doing a TON of the laminate tomorrow.... I will try to post photo by Sunday or Monday.... They start clear down at the Hull and Liner... go through the glass repair and onto the construction and finish.... Give me a couple days and I will get them posted.... I'm thinkin 6 weeks to splash down....

jmce
My boat is at Lakeside Marina, 1 traffic light before the bridge, where Turtle Club is at I was there 2 days ago finishing my sole, and could meet you midweek, if it suits you: I have to deliver some doors to Galveston, thought of stopping there to start giving some serious coats of varnish to the floor; you will like the cedar bulkheads, would love to see your boat also
Glad to help
Jorge