Steve, Mike from Camp Pendleton told me to ask you for 5 things I should look for when buying a hunter 31. Any advice would help. Tom
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
Not sure about the five points.
Tom: I am not sure about the five points that you are refering to but here goes. 1. The most common problem with these boats has to do with the compression post. The only real way to inspect it is to remove the teak cover. If the buyer will not let you or the surveyor do it then you will just have to depend on the surveyor check it out. There can also be a problem with the cross member that sits on top of the compression post. 2. Check for leaks around opening/fixed ports. Sometimes have rot in between the liner between the inner and outer cabin. 3. Check for any deck delamination. 4. Check the engine for proper running, smoking etc. Make sure that the engine revs properly in netural (3400-3600rpms) and it should be able to get between 3200-3400 rpms in gear and under power. Should not have any leaks from water or fuel. 5. The the obvious stuff, sails, bottom blisters, cutlass bearing, rigging, lines etc. Depending on how the boat is equipped and the general condition you can expect to pay anywhere from $24-32k. If you need new interior upholstery you are looking at $1200 -$1800. If the floors are in very poor shape they may not be able to be refinished. This may mean that the floor needs to be replaced (not cheap or easy). If you have any more questions feel free to contact by email. steve@sdcsoftware.com You do plan on getting a Surveyor? They charge about $10-12/ft. Not an insurance policy but it is sure better than going in blind. I'm sure that others will have some more input.
Tom: I am not sure about the five points that you are refering to but here goes. 1. The most common problem with these boats has to do with the compression post. The only real way to inspect it is to remove the teak cover. If the buyer will not let you or the surveyor do it then you will just have to depend on the surveyor check it out. There can also be a problem with the cross member that sits on top of the compression post. 2. Check for leaks around opening/fixed ports. Sometimes have rot in between the liner between the inner and outer cabin. 3. Check for any deck delamination. 4. Check the engine for proper running, smoking etc. Make sure that the engine revs properly in netural (3400-3600rpms) and it should be able to get between 3200-3400 rpms in gear and under power. Should not have any leaks from water or fuel. 5. The the obvious stuff, sails, bottom blisters, cutlass bearing, rigging, lines etc. Depending on how the boat is equipped and the general condition you can expect to pay anywhere from $24-32k. If you need new interior upholstery you are looking at $1200 -$1800. If the floors are in very poor shape they may not be able to be refinished. This may mean that the floor needs to be replaced (not cheap or easy). If you have any more questions feel free to contact by email. steve@sdcsoftware.com You do plan on getting a Surveyor? They charge about $10-12/ft. Not an insurance policy but it is sure better than going in blind. I'm sure that others will have some more input.
M
Mike
31 Hunter Guru
Steve, I told Tom that you are probably teh most knowledgeable H31 owner I know, and that you would have a few ideas about the most common faults on H31's. Tom will most likely be an H31 neighbor here in Oceanside, with in the next few months. You told me awhile back you may get down this way during late summer..are you still coming down? I told my wife about the ideas I have gotten from your posts for our H31, she suggested we invite you for a sail when your in the area.
Steve, I told Tom that you are probably teh most knowledgeable H31 owner I know, and that you would have a few ideas about the most common faults on H31's. Tom will most likely be an H31 neighbor here in Oceanside, with in the next few months. You told me awhile back you may get down this way during late summer..are you still coming down? I told my wife about the ideas I have gotten from your posts for our H31, she suggested we invite you for a sail when your in the area.
Has he found a boat yet?
Mike: Has he found a boat yet? I will be down around August 23 or 24th. We can get together then if you have time. I will be available most of the day on the 24th. The wedding is on Sat (25th). Get me off line at steve@sdcsoftware.com
Mike: Has he found a boat yet? I will be down around August 23 or 24th. We can get together then if you have time. I will be available most of the day on the 24th. The wedding is on Sat (25th). Get me off line at steve@sdcsoftware.com
T
Tim Leighton
A COUPLE OF OTHER POINTS
Tom: I agree w/ Mike that Steve is probably the most knowledgeable H31 guy around here. I've had mine for over 15 years and still learn new stuff every time I read his posts. Having said that, here are a couple of things I've seen/experienced from the "right" coast: 1. Over the years the toerail bolts loosen and can allow leaks, especially in the aft berth (wet bedding is no fun.) 2. I've had my mast down twice and think I've figured out why we have compression post problems. Water that gets into the mast can't get out through the way-too-small weep holes at the base and eventually reach the top of the PVC wiring conduit that is RTV'd in the center of the mast base. It then gets into the compression post area. I fixed the problem simply by replacing the PVC with a slightly longer one that ends above the halyard openings. That way, any trapped water flows out from there instead of through the wiring conduit. I would HIGHLY recommend you have the mast removed before you purchase (may be cheaper and easier to do than removing the teak cover over the compression post.) and have it checked out. 3. The 31 has a history of throttle/stop cable failures. Check for free play and proper operation. 4. The original electrical system/panel leaves a lot to be desired. Not enough circuit breakers for add-ons, no volt/amp meters, wiring not labeled, etc. Take a look behind the panel and see what has been done. Sloppy work there is an indication of poor or even unsafe wiring elsewhere. I also agree with Steve that the best insurance you can buy is having a reputable surveyor inspect any boat you are seriously considering. In fact, most insurance companies will insist on it if the boat is over 5 years old. Don't go with the cheapest one, ask around and find the best. It is money well spent. I've enjoyed my 31 for a number of years and while they have a few quirks (you will learn to reef!), TIDE has been a joy to own and sail. Hope you find the right one and enjoy her! I would also be happy to provide any additional advice you need. Contact me at my e-mail address below. Smooth sailing! Tim (S/V "TIDE") Chesapeake Bay TIDETIM@AOL.COM
Tom: I agree w/ Mike that Steve is probably the most knowledgeable H31 guy around here. I've had mine for over 15 years and still learn new stuff every time I read his posts. Having said that, here are a couple of things I've seen/experienced from the "right" coast: 1. Over the years the toerail bolts loosen and can allow leaks, especially in the aft berth (wet bedding is no fun.) 2. I've had my mast down twice and think I've figured out why we have compression post problems. Water that gets into the mast can't get out through the way-too-small weep holes at the base and eventually reach the top of the PVC wiring conduit that is RTV'd in the center of the mast base. It then gets into the compression post area. I fixed the problem simply by replacing the PVC with a slightly longer one that ends above the halyard openings. That way, any trapped water flows out from there instead of through the wiring conduit. I would HIGHLY recommend you have the mast removed before you purchase (may be cheaper and easier to do than removing the teak cover over the compression post.) and have it checked out. 3. The 31 has a history of throttle/stop cable failures. Check for free play and proper operation. 4. The original electrical system/panel leaves a lot to be desired. Not enough circuit breakers for add-ons, no volt/amp meters, wiring not labeled, etc. Take a look behind the panel and see what has been done. Sloppy work there is an indication of poor or even unsafe wiring elsewhere. I also agree with Steve that the best insurance you can buy is having a reputable surveyor inspect any boat you are seriously considering. In fact, most insurance companies will insist on it if the boat is over 5 years old. Don't go with the cheapest one, ask around and find the best. It is money well spent. I've enjoyed my 31 for a number of years and while they have a few quirks (you will learn to reef!), TIDE has been a joy to own and sail. Hope you find the right one and enjoy her! I would also be happy to provide any additional advice you need. Contact me at my e-mail address below. Smooth sailing! Tim (S/V "TIDE") Chesapeake Bay TIDETIM@AOL.COM
- Status
- Not open for further replies.