I'm a reporter in Cleveland and owner of an H31 for the last 16 years. I'm doing research on whether Hunter Marine has ever contributed to the repair of any compression post problems on the H31 and H34 models. If you have ever contacted Hunter regarding the compression post repair problem, please send me an e-mail (Momara@raycommedia.com) or call me at (216) 367-7348. Thanks, Michael O'Mara CBS 19 News Cleveland, OH 44114
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Check the archives.
Michael: Check the archives. I THOUGHT that someone said they had Hunter contribute to the repair. When I contacted them it was sort of like T.S. If you want my opinion on this subject (I know that I do), this was actually a commissioning problem. If the delivery dealer would have sealed this area properly it probably would have never happened. The pipe that extends through the deck should have been about 4-5 inches above the deck. The wires should have been looped down and back into the tube. If water would have run down the wires the water would have drained off the wires and out thru the weep holes at the bottom of the mast. There are probably more H'31-H'34's that never had this problem than the ones that have. If a boat is in a place like FL. or any place on the Gulf Coast (constant rain, year round) and this problem existed they would have had to replace the compression post by now. Regardless of the out come, I would replace the compression post with either stainless steel (that is what we did) or alum. I will be interested is know how your situation turns out. PS: I have our bill for the repair and it was about $3k. We did not have any deck problem, but the post and the bulkhead between the salon and the head all needed replacing.
Michael: Check the archives. I THOUGHT that someone said they had Hunter contribute to the repair. When I contacted them it was sort of like T.S. If you want my opinion on this subject (I know that I do), this was actually a commissioning problem. If the delivery dealer would have sealed this area properly it probably would have never happened. The pipe that extends through the deck should have been about 4-5 inches above the deck. The wires should have been looped down and back into the tube. If water would have run down the wires the water would have drained off the wires and out thru the weep holes at the bottom of the mast. There are probably more H'31-H'34's that never had this problem than the ones that have. If a boat is in a place like FL. or any place on the Gulf Coast (constant rain, year round) and this problem existed they would have had to replace the compression post by now. Regardless of the out come, I would replace the compression post with either stainless steel (that is what we did) or alum. I will be interested is know how your situation turns out. PS: I have our bill for the repair and it was about $3k. We did not have any deck problem, but the post and the bulkhead between the salon and the head all needed replacing.
I had a problem, and hunter helped
When my boat (Hunter 33, 1982) was almost new, about 4 months old, the deck area supported by an aluminum post sunk by almost 1 1/4 inches. I think the rigging was over tightened and it kinda had no choice but to dip in. Anyway, Hunter was contacted, they agreed to repair it and the rigger followed this proceedure: Loosened all rigging, unbolted the top of the compression post so the deck would be free to move, jacked the deck up 1 1/4 inches and positioned an aluminum plate of that thickness between the top of the compression post and the top of the cabin. Provisions were made for the wiring so it did not have to be cut, the plate was two pieces with a hole in the middle, then bolted in place, house jack lowered everything was back to normal with a very nice result..repair has lasted over 19 years and counting. Hope this is some help, good luck, David Underwood
When my boat (Hunter 33, 1982) was almost new, about 4 months old, the deck area supported by an aluminum post sunk by almost 1 1/4 inches. I think the rigging was over tightened and it kinda had no choice but to dip in. Anyway, Hunter was contacted, they agreed to repair it and the rigger followed this proceedure: Loosened all rigging, unbolted the top of the compression post so the deck would be free to move, jacked the deck up 1 1/4 inches and positioned an aluminum plate of that thickness between the top of the compression post and the top of the cabin. Provisions were made for the wiring so it did not have to be cut, the plate was two pieces with a hole in the middle, then bolted in place, house jack lowered everything was back to normal with a very nice result..repair has lasted over 19 years and counting. Hope this is some help, good luck, David Underwood
Where did it go???
Where did that 1 1/4 inches go??? Elves didn't come in and cut it out of the middle of the post. It must've pushed the post down into ________________???
Where did that 1 1/4 inches go??? Elves didn't come in and cut it out of the middle of the post. It must've pushed the post down into ________________???
Where did it go? are you asking me?
Doug, I guess you are asking me where the 1 1/4 inch of space went on my hunter 33, and the answer is we thought it was a combination of the hull being pulled up slightly and the compression post (metal) being pushed down further into its bedding which must have had some give to it. Anyway, it was repaired to my satisfaction.. by the way, Hunter i think asked the same question and the rigger told them he had no idea.
Doug, I guess you are asking me where the 1 1/4 inch of space went on my hunter 33, and the answer is we thought it was a combination of the hull being pulled up slightly and the compression post (metal) being pushed down further into its bedding which must have had some give to it. Anyway, it was repaired to my satisfaction.. by the way, Hunter i think asked the same question and the rigger told them he had no idea.
Hunter's Response/"Not Aware"
In response to your e-mail. We at Hunter are not aware of any defect's concerning the compression post area of the H31 or H34. We are however, aware of a minimal amount of situations where water has been allowed to penetrate the interior of the boat from leaks, which originated above deck level and migrated down to the compression post area. With the most common area being where the mast light wires enter the cabin just below the mast step. As a journalist we feel sure you must have some form of written documentation to support what is being regarded as a systemic problem or design defect with the compression post on your H31. Since building nearly 2000 of the H31 and H34 combined we have received no correspondence pointing out any type of design defects with this area of the boat. Therefore, we would be very appreciative if you could supply us with this information so we may research it further. Once we receive the information should we determine there is some type of design fault we will contact you promptly. In order to help us complete this research we will also need your boats complete hull ID number and the name your selling dealer. If you are not the original owner we would then need the name of the original owner as well. Thanks Eddie Breeden 1-800-771-5556 ext. 3032 Customer Service Department customerservice@huntermarine.com
In response to your e-mail. We at Hunter are not aware of any defect's concerning the compression post area of the H31 or H34. We are however, aware of a minimal amount of situations where water has been allowed to penetrate the interior of the boat from leaks, which originated above deck level and migrated down to the compression post area. With the most common area being where the mast light wires enter the cabin just below the mast step. As a journalist we feel sure you must have some form of written documentation to support what is being regarded as a systemic problem or design defect with the compression post on your H31. Since building nearly 2000 of the H31 and H34 combined we have received no correspondence pointing out any type of design defects with this area of the boat. Therefore, we would be very appreciative if you could supply us with this information so we may research it further. Once we receive the information should we determine there is some type of design fault we will contact you promptly. In order to help us complete this research we will also need your boats complete hull ID number and the name your selling dealer. If you are not the original owner we would then need the name of the original owner as well. Thanks Eddie Breeden 1-800-771-5556 ext. 3032 Customer Service Department customerservice@huntermarine.com
RESEARCH??
When can we expect to see this on the evening news? Or this simply leverage to get someone to pay for repairs on your 16 year old boat? I'd be curious ot know if your producer is aware of how you're using the CBS name.
When can we expect to see this on the evening news? Or this simply leverage to get someone to pay for repairs on your 16 year old boat? I'd be curious ot know if your producer is aware of how you're using the CBS name.
Michael, I Think You Should Post A Clarification
..very few people choose to disclose their profession or employer on this site, despite their sometimes frustration over boat or equipment issues. I believe there is a lot of clout present, just a reluctance to use it for personal leverage. A journalist should, I think, exercise a good deal of care in matters where one's occupation may leverage a situation for personal gain. Most journalists are sensitive to linkage and exercise a lot of care. I have personally experienced a couple of distasteful exceptions. Maybe you should more fully disclose your intentions in this query. For what its worth, Rick D.
..very few people choose to disclose their profession or employer on this site, despite their sometimes frustration over boat or equipment issues. I believe there is a lot of clout present, just a reluctance to use it for personal leverage. A journalist should, I think, exercise a good deal of care in matters where one's occupation may leverage a situation for personal gain. Most journalists are sensitive to linkage and exercise a lot of care. I have personally experienced a couple of distasteful exceptions. Maybe you should more fully disclose your intentions in this query. For what its worth, Rick D.
Guys - He did disclose who and what...
Looks to me like he was 'up front' with who he is and what he is doing: "I'm a reporter in Cleveland and owner of an H31 for the last 16 years. I'm doing research on whether Hunter Marine has ever contributed to the repair of any compression post problems on the H31 and H34 models...."
Looks to me like he was 'up front' with who he is and what he is doing: "I'm a reporter in Cleveland and owner of an H31 for the last 16 years. I'm doing research on whether Hunter Marine has ever contributed to the repair of any compression post problems on the H31 and H34 models...."
My sense is using his title for leverage
I can understand being miffed about a problem. But I think that using the "Research" and "CBS" connection is about like using "CC:Attorney" for a personal gripe.
I can understand being miffed about a problem. But I think that using the "Research" and "CBS" connection is about like using "CC:Attorney" for a personal gripe.
Clarification/Update
My preliminary information indicates that at least twenty (20) owners of the Hunter 31/34 models have repaired the compression post on their boats. Although they are "not aware" of the problem, Hunter Marine has referred one owner to the excellent HOW web site article on the repair process (posted in the HOW archives). I am trying to determine if this problem is more widespread than twenty owners, and if so, to what extent. The shared experience of the HOW members will help shed light on the issue and put it into proper perspective. Unfortunately, many owners are not subscribers to HOW. I think it's important for Hunter owners to know about important potential design flaws or structural defects (if any). I'm sure the company would appreciate the information since they have "received no correspondence pointing out any type of design defects with this area of the boat". I hope my candor about my occupation is not a distraction in this regard. For the record, I'm also an attorney. Thanks for your feedback!
My preliminary information indicates that at least twenty (20) owners of the Hunter 31/34 models have repaired the compression post on their boats. Although they are "not aware" of the problem, Hunter Marine has referred one owner to the excellent HOW web site article on the repair process (posted in the HOW archives). I am trying to determine if this problem is more widespread than twenty owners, and if so, to what extent. The shared experience of the HOW members will help shed light on the issue and put it into proper perspective. Unfortunately, many owners are not subscribers to HOW. I think it's important for Hunter owners to know about important potential design flaws or structural defects (if any). I'm sure the company would appreciate the information since they have "received no correspondence pointing out any type of design defects with this area of the boat". I hope my candor about my occupation is not a distraction in this regard. For the record, I'm also an attorney. Thanks for your feedback!
Compress Post problem.
Michael: I am not sure about the design flaw as much as I would be a comissioning problem. I personally believe that IF Hunter would have trained their dealers to seal this area properly there never would have been a problem. Yes, it could have been designed better. But this is not to say that if the delivery dealer would have used the proper sealant on the pipe for the wire chace there probably would not have been a problem in the first place. The newer boats have wires running down the mast, thru the deck and they do not seem to have these problems. Even some of the original H31-34 that did not have the same deck plate seem to do better. It will be interesting to see what other owners of the boats have to say about their problems and if they had any contact with Hunter. I think that you are going to find that the original owners of these boats are going to be a little more sensative about this issue. Others that purchased used boats may just expect to have SOME problems with their vessel.
Michael: I am not sure about the design flaw as much as I would be a comissioning problem. I personally believe that IF Hunter would have trained their dealers to seal this area properly there never would have been a problem. Yes, it could have been designed better. But this is not to say that if the delivery dealer would have used the proper sealant on the pipe for the wire chace there probably would not have been a problem in the first place. The newer boats have wires running down the mast, thru the deck and they do not seem to have these problems. Even some of the original H31-34 that did not have the same deck plate seem to do better. It will be interesting to see what other owners of the boats have to say about their problems and if they had any contact with Hunter. I think that you are going to find that the original owners of these boats are going to be a little more sensative about this issue. Others that purchased used boats may just expect to have SOME problems with their vessel.
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