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Robert
31' Hunter
I have had very little problems with my'86. Minor upkeep items but generally a good sound vessel. I have a lot of friends that wonder why I do not have the problems they do. I get a little nervous without a gas gauge or a ampometer? but those can be added. Beware of the alcohol stove if you have one, mine was removed by the previous owner, I hear they are pretty dangerous.
I have had very little problems with my'86. Minor upkeep items but generally a good sound vessel. I have a lot of friends that wonder why I do not have the problems they do. I get a little nervous without a gas gauge or a ampometer? but those can be added. Beware of the alcohol stove if you have one, mine was removed by the previous owner, I hear they are pretty dangerous.
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Eric Steege
Love it and recommend it
I have had mine for three years, and I love it. I have a family of 5 with the three kids in pre-teen age. We have plenty of room. She sails very well, and is not too much work to keep clean and ship shape. I moved up from a trailerable 23 foot. Can't be happier, and don't think I will ever want a different boat. As far as the alchohol stove is concerned, I have one and love it. I don't know why it might be considered dangerous. I use it often, and cook wonderful meals. We also have a grill on the stern rail for steaks etc. I recommend adding this, but it is tough to use in the rain and wind. Go for it -- you won't be sorry. Regards, Eric Steege Perfect Union, '84 Hunter 31 Bayport Marina, Bayport, MN
I have had mine for three years, and I love it. I have a family of 5 with the three kids in pre-teen age. We have plenty of room. She sails very well, and is not too much work to keep clean and ship shape. I moved up from a trailerable 23 foot. Can't be happier, and don't think I will ever want a different boat. As far as the alchohol stove is concerned, I have one and love it. I don't know why it might be considered dangerous. I use it often, and cook wonderful meals. We also have a grill on the stern rail for steaks etc. I recommend adding this, but it is tough to use in the rain and wind. Go for it -- you won't be sorry. Regards, Eric Steege Perfect Union, '84 Hunter 31 Bayport Marina, Bayport, MN
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Tim Op't Holt
'31's a shure thing
I have an 85 model, which is probably not much different than the '84. She sails great, quite forgiving. The accessories I have include the aforementioned alcohol stove. Just remember to add alcohol when the stove is cold! The Yanmar 14 hp is a little small if you are trying to go through a pass with the tide running against you, but I don't sail in the Gulf that much. I find the cabin spacious and it provides adequate storage. Rigging has been no problem. Mast height and keel depth is ideal for coastal cruising. I think the Hunter is the most boat for your dollar! Be sure to get a survey just in case - and it will help establish a reasonable sales price.
I have an 85 model, which is probably not much different than the '84. She sails great, quite forgiving. The accessories I have include the aforementioned alcohol stove. Just remember to add alcohol when the stove is cold! The Yanmar 14 hp is a little small if you are trying to go through a pass with the tide running against you, but I don't sail in the Gulf that much. I find the cabin spacious and it provides adequate storage. Rigging has been no problem. Mast height and keel depth is ideal for coastal cruising. I think the Hunter is the most boat for your dollar! Be sure to get a survey just in case - and it will help establish a reasonable sales price.
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Don
Loved mine.
I had an '84. Loved it, and am having a little buyers remorse that I sold it and moved to a 37.5 this winter. The 31 is a terriffic boat. But be sure to examine the compression post. Actually open the box and check for damange. This issue has been discussed many, many times here at HOW. Search the archives and you will find many postings. The cause was a knucklehead engineering decision by the manuf, but we love them anyway. I sense that not all surveyors are aware of this unique Hunter problem. It can be an easy or difficult fix, if it's a problem at all on your particular boat. IMHO, they are great boats for the money. Nothing better in the price range. (Steve Dion, resident 31' expert, will undoubtedly echo my opinion.)
I had an '84. Loved it, and am having a little buyers remorse that I sold it and moved to a 37.5 this winter. The 31 is a terriffic boat. But be sure to examine the compression post. Actually open the box and check for damange. This issue has been discussed many, many times here at HOW. Search the archives and you will find many postings. The cause was a knucklehead engineering decision by the manuf, but we love them anyway. I sense that not all surveyors are aware of this unique Hunter problem. It can be an easy or difficult fix, if it's a problem at all on your particular boat. IMHO, they are great boats for the money. Nothing better in the price range. (Steve Dion, resident 31' expert, will undoubtedly echo my opinion.)
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Dave Laing s/v WindSong
Safe Alcohol Stove
I think Robert might have been talking about one of the older "pressure" alcohol stoves. Those could be dangerous. The newer Origo stoves use a storage container and wicking action to bring the alcohol to the burner. Enjoy your Hunter!!!!
I think Robert might have been talking about one of the older "pressure" alcohol stoves. Those could be dangerous. The newer Origo stoves use a storage container and wicking action to bring the alcohol to the burner. Enjoy your Hunter!!!!
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Bob Rutland
84 H31
Go for it!! I have owned our 84 H31 for three years, and am still madly in love with it. Yes, every now and then I get the urge for a bigger boat, but I have still yet to find another boat that fits my needs and has the bang for the buck that the H31 has. Do be weary of the compression post and the rudder. The post are prone to rot inside the cosmitic teak post. The rudders are prone to fatique(most rudders are for any boat of this age). Good Luck, **Bob S/V Lady Di II ** "Your Eastcoast H31 expert", Ha! Ha!
Go for it!! I have owned our 84 H31 for three years, and am still madly in love with it. Yes, every now and then I get the urge for a bigger boat, but I have still yet to find another boat that fits my needs and has the bang for the buck that the H31 has. Do be weary of the compression post and the rudder. The post are prone to rot inside the cosmitic teak post. The rudders are prone to fatique(most rudders are for any boat of this age). Good Luck, **Bob S/V Lady Di II ** "Your Eastcoast H31 expert", Ha! Ha!
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Mac Lindsay
H31
Dick; I have owned my 1984 H31 since new. !7 years now. My wife and I lived aboard for the first 4 years. When the boat was new I installed a CNG stove,refridgeration,forced air furnace, and a solid fuel fireplace(shipmate). The engine may be a little short on hp for going against currents and tide but we must remember that we have auxillary powered sailboats, not motorboats. Most of the time when motoring the power is not an issue. As for the alcohol stove, the Origo's are great as they are not presurized. I had a presurized alcohol stove on a previous boat(1972 Northern 25) and it was quite dangerous. Any fuel that leaked when the stove was in use would ignite and in bright light light or sunshine, you had an invisable trail of fire. The only problem I have had with my Hunter is not always having enough time to go for a sail. As for condition, it is up to the owner to maintain his boat in good condition so get a survey done. So far I have not had any compression post problems as other owners have had. It is not an epidemic, more of watching it and good maintenance. Good sailing, Mac Lindsay S.V. Kitkatla 1984 H31
Dick; I have owned my 1984 H31 since new. !7 years now. My wife and I lived aboard for the first 4 years. When the boat was new I installed a CNG stove,refridgeration,forced air furnace, and a solid fuel fireplace(shipmate). The engine may be a little short on hp for going against currents and tide but we must remember that we have auxillary powered sailboats, not motorboats. Most of the time when motoring the power is not an issue. As for the alcohol stove, the Origo's are great as they are not presurized. I had a presurized alcohol stove on a previous boat(1972 Northern 25) and it was quite dangerous. Any fuel that leaked when the stove was in use would ignite and in bright light light or sunshine, you had an invisable trail of fire. The only problem I have had with my Hunter is not always having enough time to go for a sail. As for condition, it is up to the owner to maintain his boat in good condition so get a survey done. So far I have not had any compression post problems as other owners have had. It is not an epidemic, more of watching it and good maintenance. Good sailing, Mac Lindsay S.V. Kitkatla 1984 H31
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Scott B
Ditto All
Ditto all the positive comments. We moved up from a Catalina 22 a few years ago and have used the boat extensively. Works great for a family of four. Use the alcohol stove extensively with no problems. Have been out in wind clocked at over 40 knots and found it stable under power. Most important thing is to do the survey. Good luck and go for it!
Ditto all the positive comments. We moved up from a Catalina 22 a few years ago and have used the boat extensively. Works great for a family of four. Use the alcohol stove extensively with no problems. Have been out in wind clocked at over 40 knots and found it stable under power. Most important thing is to do the survey. Good luck and go for it!
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Tim Leighton
GREAT BOAT
Dick: I echo just about everything you've seen so far. I've had my '85 31 since mid-86 so have quite a bit of experience (mostly from stupid mistakes!). The rig is very tall which equates to fairly tender. You will have a lot of practice reefing. I put my first one in at around 15kts and the second no later than 18-19. That keeps the boat on her feet and my wife from screeming at me to get the #$%$##@ heel down! I've had her offshore a few times but wouldn't plan any circumnavigations with the original rig/rigging. Engine IS a bit small (especially on the 84-86 models...before they retooled the 2GMF to 20 hp), but adequate in all by the biggest seas. Electrical is adequate, but I've done extensive modifications to mine. Cabin is HUGE for a 31'. Galley OK but ice box/fridge a bit hard to get into. TERRIBLE head room in main stateroom area aft! Feel like I'm back in the Navy! I could go on and on, but basically the 31 is a great boat with just a few quirks. I'm sure you will enjoy it if you decide to buy. Tim (S/V "TIDE") Chesapeake Bay
Dick: I echo just about everything you've seen so far. I've had my '85 31 since mid-86 so have quite a bit of experience (mostly from stupid mistakes!). The rig is very tall which equates to fairly tender. You will have a lot of practice reefing. I put my first one in at around 15kts and the second no later than 18-19. That keeps the boat on her feet and my wife from screeming at me to get the #$%$##@ heel down! I've had her offshore a few times but wouldn't plan any circumnavigations with the original rig/rigging. Engine IS a bit small (especially on the 84-86 models...before they retooled the 2GMF to 20 hp), but adequate in all by the biggest seas. Electrical is adequate, but I've done extensive modifications to mine. Cabin is HUGE for a 31'. Galley OK but ice box/fridge a bit hard to get into. TERRIBLE head room in main stateroom area aft! Feel like I'm back in the Navy! I could go on and on, but basically the 31 is a great boat with just a few quirks. I'm sure you will enjoy it if you decide to buy. Tim (S/V "TIDE") Chesapeake Bay
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Tim Leighton
GREAT BOAT
Dick: I echo just about everything you've seen so far. I've had my '85 31 since mid-86 so have quite a bit of experience (mostly from stupid mistakes!). The rig is very tall which equates to fairly tender. You will have a lot of practice reefing. I put my first one in at around 15kts and the second no later than 18-19. That keeps the boat on her feet and my wife from screeming at me to get the #$%$##@ heel down! I've had her offshore a few times but wouldn't plan any circumnavigations with the original rig/rigging. Engine IS a bit small (especially on the 84-86 models...before they retooled the 2GMF to 20 hp), but adequate in all by the biggest seas. Electrical is adequate, but I've done extensive modifications to mine. Cabin is HUGE for a 31'. Galley OK but ice box/fridge a bit hard to get into. TERRIBLE head room in main stateroom area aft! Feel like I'm back in the Navy! I could go on and on, but basically the 31 is a great boat with just a few quirks. I'm sure you will enjoy it if you decide to buy. Tim (S/V "TIDE") Chesapeake Bay
Dick: I echo just about everything you've seen so far. I've had my '85 31 since mid-86 so have quite a bit of experience (mostly from stupid mistakes!). The rig is very tall which equates to fairly tender. You will have a lot of practice reefing. I put my first one in at around 15kts and the second no later than 18-19. That keeps the boat on her feet and my wife from screeming at me to get the #$%$##@ heel down! I've had her offshore a few times but wouldn't plan any circumnavigations with the original rig/rigging. Engine IS a bit small (especially on the 84-86 models...before they retooled the 2GMF to 20 hp), but adequate in all by the biggest seas. Electrical is adequate, but I've done extensive modifications to mine. Cabin is HUGE for a 31'. Galley OK but ice box/fridge a bit hard to get into. TERRIBLE head room in main stateroom area aft! Feel like I'm back in the Navy! I could go on and on, but basically the 31 is a great boat with just a few quirks. I'm sure you will enjoy it if you decide to buy. Tim (S/V "TIDE") Chesapeake Bay
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