H30 Advice

[newage1461]

I'm going to look at a 1981 Hunter 30 tomorrow. It's on the hard so I can't check everything, but, is there anything in particular that I should be aware of and keep a lookout for on one of these. Any problem areas or weak spots.

Thanks

 

[Ed Schenck]

You could start with Boat Info: http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/in...&Itemid=248&task=3&kb=1&model=23&brand=Hunter . Read "Owner Mods" and Reviews. Major items are the mast step, thru-hulls and valves, and engine. A wet deck will cost thousands to repair.

 

[Dalliance]

Check the compression post in the bilge. IF it's the same design as my '82 H30, you'll find a vertical 2x2 steel tube welded below a horizontal one. The bottom end is partially covered with fiberglass and especially vulnerable to corrosion.

 

[John T1594]

Things to check

Yes, the deck under the mast step is a critical point, as is the base of the mast support in the bilge. If the doorway arch over the forward bulkhead has dropped, the deck and support have probably sagged.
Check if the boat has the old style gate valves on the thru hulls as these will have to be replaced. The small 12 HP yanmar that was standard is a bit underpowered. The list goes on - so get a good survey and check all of the H30 archives on this site.

 

[ggrizzard]

But, we should add that the HC30 is a GREAT boat! I know, I've owned mine for 33 years. Have fun and report back what you find and if you bought it.

 

[MLampner]

Love my 30 but if you have the original YSB 12 it was underpowered when new and will be worse now. That being said under sail there are few boats it's size faster when going to weather. I'd like to take the credit but belongs to the boat. We frequently out run people with 42 and newer hulls.

 

[H30Gary]

One more thing to look at are the turnbuckles. If they have some adjustment left, that is good. If they are bottomed out with no adjustment left, it means the standing rigging has stretched and will need to be replaced soon.

PS: I love my H30 also. Just a very nice boat all around.

 

[newage1461]

Well, I bought the boat.. It needs a good cleaning and eventually the Micron orange peel sanded off the bottom.. The boat was shrink wrapped and I didn't even consider trying to squeeze my fat as* thru the small zippered opening, so my son went in and checked over everything using a flashlight. He gave it 2 thumbs up even if it is "an old mans boat". It has the 15 hp Yanmar, CDI furling, and what I think is the most important, a T cockpit. It seems like every H30 I look at is different, for a production boat it seems a little strange. The mast on this one appears to sit on an aluminum base. I haven't seen this on any other boats.

 

[RichLan]

This is the same style mast base as my 82 Hunter 30. The Hunter 30 is a fun boat. Handles well in light and moderately heavy winds. My wife and I have found it comfortable below and above for two for weekend sailing and anchoring. Hope you enjoy it, too.

 

[H30Gary]

Interesting. The mast base on my 1980 H30 does not look like that at all.

Like Rich, I think you'll find the H30 to be a fun little boat. Maybe not a young person's boat like the 505 I also sail, but very comfortable and pleasant to sail.

 

[newage1461]

That's what I want, "an old mans boat" as my son calls it. I had an S2 7.9 for the last 3 years and determined that it was a great boat for a younger person with knee's and a back that bend properly. The PHRF of the H30 isn't a whole lot higher than the S2, so it should be fun.