Cored or solid hull on 1980-1982 H-36

[David Evans]

Does any know if the 1980-82 Hunter 36 has a cored or solid hull? Also, does anyone have experience taking this model on an extended offshore sailsuch as to the Bahamas or BVI's?

 

[Been there]

Here's how to tell

There are two easy ways to tell if a hull is cored. First, the taper of the two skins from core to non-core is visibly apparent from the inside, at the hull-deck joint and other places where the core must end. Second, look for the light. From inside the boat, look for light shining through the hull. It may help to have a friend outside with a strong flashlight. Fiberglass is translucent, and thin layers of gelcoat and paint are only partly effective at keeping the light out. Coring is opaque. Again, the acid test is when you find the edge of the core. If the entire hull seems opaque, you aren't running the experiment right.

 

[David McKie]

h36

Solid hull

 

[Captain Neil]

Solid or Cored Hull / Offshore

I have owned a 1980 Hunter 36 and had it for 10 years. The Hull was cored with 3/8 closed cell foam, sandwiched between the liner and hull. The hull was made of PRG epoxy and the liner is also PRG epoxy.I purchased the vessel in Honolulu, Hawaii recently after it had been sailed from Los Angeles. the trip took 23 days. The boat was sailed back from Honolulu to San Diego in 1998. the trip took 21 days. This was after an extensive refit for off shore waters. You will not want to take a stock 36 off shore. It is underrigged and the fitings must be oversized, including the rudder post and mast step. Watch out for the iron compression post under the cabin floor and the keel. It is notoriously week and under-engineered and will bring your rig down if not replace with stainless steel.