Hello All, I am in the process of buying a Hunter 30. Current owners, please help me imagine the possibilities for my new boat. What are the coolest/neatest/safest things you've done to upgrade your boat? Things I've thought of: 1. Freshwater shower on the transom. 2. Gauges on the water and holding tanks??? 3. Re-routing the ice box drain to a pump in the sink for pre-rinsing dishes. In some of the pictures I've seen, maybe of older H30's, I see what appears to be a teak lid in the cabin table. What's under there? How do you gain access to the holding tank and water tank? By process of elimination, I've decided the holding tank must be under the port aft lazarette, but batteries are mounted there, and I don't see any way to access the holding tank. Also by process of elimination, I've determined that the fresh water tank must be under the storage tray under the v-berth. But once again, how do you get to it? I'm trying to soak up everything I can about this boat. Any and all suggestions are GREATLY appreciated! Sherry
H30 Improvements - Imagine the Possibilities???
- Thread starter Sherry
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worthwhile improvements?
I have a somewhat older Hunter 31, but I would choose things completely different from the items on your list. So much depends on what you are going to do with the boat, but personally, I have no need for a transom shower. I don't miss the lack of gauges on the tanks at all (though a diesel gauge would be helpful). The icebox drain "prewash" thing seems worthless. Here is what I'd look for/wish for, assuming the boat does not already have them: * full bimini/dodger on the cockpit * decent cockpit cushions * refigeration * AC * lazy jacks * decent cockpit audio
I have a somewhat older Hunter 31, but I would choose things completely different from the items on your list. So much depends on what you are going to do with the boat, but personally, I have no need for a transom shower. I don't miss the lack of gauges on the tanks at all (though a diesel gauge would be helpful). The icebox drain "prewash" thing seems worthless. Here is what I'd look for/wish for, assuming the boat does not already have them: * full bimini/dodger on the cockpit * decent cockpit cushions * refigeration * AC * lazy jacks * decent cockpit audio
oh yeah....
...the teak cover on the table is likely a small storage tray. We use ours for storing tableware and salt/pepper shakers.
...the teak cover on the table is likely a small storage tray. We use ours for storing tableware and salt/pepper shakers.
Possibilities are endless
and are only limited to the size of your pocket.... 1. Access to the Holding tank: indeed it is located in the aft port lazarette. First you need to remove the batteries. Underneath you will find a panel that is screwed in - once you take all of the screws you will see the holding tank and quite a bite of unused storage space. If your tank is aluminum and your "new" boat is more than 12 years old, you may think of replacing the tank with plastic, and new hoses, but that is a whole new ball game. 2. The icebox can be converted to fridge/freezer - very helpful and usefull, especially if you want to be out on the water for longer periods of time 3. standard two blade fixed prop is slow and inefficient. convert it to Max prop 3 blades folding prop and you will gain 1 knot of speed under power and sail and much improved manuverability 4. PSS packless gland - keeps your bilge dry and happy 5. Fresh water tank is in the v-berth - the same story, lots of screws and you can gain access to part of it - through the remocable storage bin. If you want more access you need to cut the fiberglass along the hull edges of the v-berth. but you really dont need that much room. Once you remove the storage bin you will have plenty of space to "do things"... ...the list goes on.... Check the archives and happy sailing, You got yourself a great 30 footer that is bigger inside than many larger boats out there...
and are only limited to the size of your pocket.... 1. Access to the Holding tank: indeed it is located in the aft port lazarette. First you need to remove the batteries. Underneath you will find a panel that is screwed in - once you take all of the screws you will see the holding tank and quite a bite of unused storage space. If your tank is aluminum and your "new" boat is more than 12 years old, you may think of replacing the tank with plastic, and new hoses, but that is a whole new ball game. 2. The icebox can be converted to fridge/freezer - very helpful and usefull, especially if you want to be out on the water for longer periods of time 3. standard two blade fixed prop is slow and inefficient. convert it to Max prop 3 blades folding prop and you will gain 1 knot of speed under power and sail and much improved manuverability 4. PSS packless gland - keeps your bilge dry and happy 5. Fresh water tank is in the v-berth - the same story, lots of screws and you can gain access to part of it - through the remocable storage bin. If you want more access you need to cut the fiberglass along the hull edges of the v-berth. but you really dont need that much room. Once you remove the storage bin you will have plenty of space to "do things"... ...the list goes on.... Check the archives and happy sailing, You got yourself a great 30 footer that is bigger inside than many larger boats out there...
First thing first
You do not mention your year that you are purchasing. My suggestion is to replace your mixing elbow, if not replace- remove and inspect. Then you can go from this point and work on your survey gigs. good luck
You do not mention your year that you are purchasing. My suggestion is to replace your mixing elbow, if not replace- remove and inspect. Then you can go from this point and work on your survey gigs. good luck
H30 Improvements
I've been working on a 78 Hunter 30'. Got a long list of things to improve. Starting to look new again. I enjoyed your enthusium. If you were closer I'd ask you to go sailing!
I've been working on a 78 Hunter 30'. Got a long list of things to improve. Starting to look new again. I enjoyed your enthusium. If you were closer I'd ask you to go sailing!
thanks for ideas
I am buying a 1992. Thank you all for the great suggestions! I have several of the things already - bimini, cockpit cushions and AC. I still need cockpit speakers - have great below-decks sound system. I'll have to think about/look into refridgeration. Also want to pursue auto pilot, as i will be singlehanding some. We are replacing batteries soon, so while they're out, I'm going to go ahead and make my way to the holding tank - visual inspection and just to understand where it is. Good idea on the prop - I assume that you must haul the boat to change that out? We scuba, but I'm not sure if that's a job to tackle on scuba??? Steve - good point on the mixing elbow. I have a mechanic coming this week to general engine review - oil/fuel filters, oil change, belts, water pump impeller, etc. I will also get him to take a look at that. Hadn't thought about it. Any other areas I should get him to service? I know just enough diesel to be dangerous, so I'll reserve that work for the experts until I get a bit better. So what are the favorite/best things you've done to your 78?
I am buying a 1992. Thank you all for the great suggestions! I have several of the things already - bimini, cockpit cushions and AC. I still need cockpit speakers - have great below-decks sound system. I'll have to think about/look into refridgeration. Also want to pursue auto pilot, as i will be singlehanding some. We are replacing batteries soon, so while they're out, I'm going to go ahead and make my way to the holding tank - visual inspection and just to understand where it is. Good idea on the prop - I assume that you must haul the boat to change that out? We scuba, but I'm not sure if that's a job to tackle on scuba??? Steve - good point on the mixing elbow. I have a mechanic coming this week to general engine review - oil/fuel filters, oil change, belts, water pump impeller, etc. I will also get him to take a look at that. Hadn't thought about it. Any other areas I should get him to service? I know just enough diesel to be dangerous, so I'll reserve that work for the experts until I get a bit better. So what are the favorite/best things you've done to your 78?
Engine zincs
Might as well have the mechanic change the sacrificial zincs on the motor while he's at it. These are often overlooked for years and are almost impossible to get out. They do more for the motor than most people think. They cost almost nothing. I'll second the mixing elbow recommendation. Went through the failure problem shortly after I bought my boat and cost me several thousand in engine work. Furling sails would be my next improvement if you don't already have them, especially if you want to single hand. The foredeck is a nasty place to bring down a sail if you get caught in rough weather, not to mention if you are alone. I'm going to replace some of the rocker switches on my power panel with illuminated ones to see them better at night.
Might as well have the mechanic change the sacrificial zincs on the motor while he's at it. These are often overlooked for years and are almost impossible to get out. They do more for the motor than most people think. They cost almost nothing. I'll second the mixing elbow recommendation. Went through the failure problem shortly after I bought my boat and cost me several thousand in engine work. Furling sails would be my next improvement if you don't already have them, especially if you want to single hand. The foredeck is a nasty place to bring down a sail if you get caught in rough weather, not to mention if you are alone. I'm going to replace some of the rocker switches on my power panel with illuminated ones to see them better at night.
Air Conditioning Installation
I am in the process of installing an Air Conditioning unit in my 93 30T. The easiest spot I can find is on the prot side of the aft berth. I tried the head vanity storage area, but could not get the facia removed. (Could have been the heat, too.) I still have to track down a path for the duct work and the cables. If anyone has a suggestion, I'm all ears!!! Thank you, Bill Jaworowski
I am in the process of installing an Air Conditioning unit in my 93 30T. The easiest spot I can find is on the prot side of the aft berth. I tried the head vanity storage area, but could not get the facia removed. (Could have been the heat, too.) I still have to track down a path for the duct work and the cables. If anyone has a suggestion, I'm all ears!!! Thank you, Bill Jaworowski
A/C More
Bill, Let me know if you get it figured out. Someone at Carlyle with a 33 sent me picutres; he put it under the nav station. But, the area there for a 33 is bigger than the 30T. I gave up and still use the portable A/C.
Bill, Let me know if you get it figured out. Someone at Carlyle with a 33 sent me picutres; he put it under the nav station. But, the area there for a 33 is bigger than the 30T. I gave up and still use the portable A/C.
A/C Installation Plan Outline
I know Jeff with the 33.5 ... and you are right. There is more room under his nav station. So far, I have concluded that spot is not as desirable as the head vanity storage area. Unfortunately, I could not get the facia removed last week end. So, I have targeted the prot side of the quarter berth. I have a pattern set up and will build a platform about 6" high to mount the unit. (Then build a tasteful wall around it and mount the air return grill. (will require altering the port cushion) Plans are to cut a hole (holes) through the bulkhead into the vanity storage area for the duct work. From there the ducts MAY fit under the vanity sink ... under the nav station ... into the port settee ... through the fwd bulkhead and up the Vee locker ... back out the bulkhead. I am speculating I can mount the thermostate above the navstation and find a path for the cables. (Sure are a lot of 'if's' in that statement.) I'll take pictures and if I can pull it off I'll be glad to share them with you. BTW: I bought the same brand as 33.5Jeff ... he has a 16500 btu, I have a 12500 btu unit. They are the same physical size, though. www.flagshipmarine.com Their web site has suggestions about calculating the but reqirements ... mine came to about 9500 btu, their rep. agreed it was big enough, but I opted for a larger unit. With a 100 deg day coming this weekend, anything would be underpowered. So I think this 12500 will, generally, do the job, if I can get it installed. At least let's keep in touch ... e-mail me directly at (bjaworowski@erac.com), if you like. Bill Jaworowski.
I know Jeff with the 33.5 ... and you are right. There is more room under his nav station. So far, I have concluded that spot is not as desirable as the head vanity storage area. Unfortunately, I could not get the facia removed last week end. So, I have targeted the prot side of the quarter berth. I have a pattern set up and will build a platform about 6" high to mount the unit. (Then build a tasteful wall around it and mount the air return grill. (will require altering the port cushion) Plans are to cut a hole (holes) through the bulkhead into the vanity storage area for the duct work. From there the ducts MAY fit under the vanity sink ... under the nav station ... into the port settee ... through the fwd bulkhead and up the Vee locker ... back out the bulkhead. I am speculating I can mount the thermostate above the navstation and find a path for the cables. (Sure are a lot of 'if's' in that statement.) I'll take pictures and if I can pull it off I'll be glad to share them with you. BTW: I bought the same brand as 33.5Jeff ... he has a 16500 btu, I have a 12500 btu unit. They are the same physical size, though. www.flagshipmarine.com Their web site has suggestions about calculating the but reqirements ... mine came to about 9500 btu, their rep. agreed it was big enough, but I opted for a larger unit. With a 100 deg day coming this weekend, anything would be underpowered. So I think this 12500 will, generally, do the job, if I can get it installed. At least let's keep in touch ... e-mail me directly at (bjaworowski@erac.com), if you like. Bill Jaworowski.
holding tank
No one brought up the aluminum holding tank issue- these original tanks are prone to leaking and should be replaced with a poly tank before they leak- I learned the hard way. Funny, aluminum is not the best choice for a holding tank... And all the other tanks on the boat are not metal, so go figure. It's not an easy job to replace but after it's done you sleep a lot better knowing you aren't going to have a big stinky mess all over your boat.
No one brought up the aluminum holding tank issue- these original tanks are prone to leaking and should be replaced with a poly tank before they leak- I learned the hard way. Funny, aluminum is not the best choice for a holding tank... And all the other tanks on the boat are not metal, so go figure. It's not an easy job to replace but after it's done you sleep a lot better knowing you aren't going to have a big stinky mess all over your boat.
Portable A/C?
Instead of adding a window unit, has anyone considered one of these portable units for Air Conditioning? http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0006FTXGQ/qid=1122305975/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-7870529-4891839?v=glance&s=kitchen&n=507846
Instead of adding a window unit, has anyone considered one of these portable units for Air Conditioning? http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0006FTXGQ/qid=1122305975/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-7870529-4891839?v=glance&s=kitchen&n=507846
Let's go Sailing
Hi Steve. I own a 79 H30 that I am refitting. If you'd like, send me an email and we can discuss possibilities. ggrizzard@att.net
Hi Steve. I own a 79 H30 that I am refitting. If you'd like, send me an email and we can discuss possibilities. ggrizzard@att.net
Your Bimini and dodger
Sherry..I too have just purchased a 30T 1994 without a bimini or dodger..any chance you could send me photos of yours? I know these can be trickey on this model...send to info@kalwall.com if you can...I have another inquiry out on the Forum for any others...Thanks!
Sherry..I too have just purchased a 30T 1994 without a bimini or dodger..any chance you could send me photos of yours? I know these can be trickey on this model...send to info@kalwall.com if you can...I have another inquiry out on the Forum for any others...Thanks!
How hard is it
Please give me some pointers on replacing the holding tank. Did you upgrade the hoses too, or are those white ones good enough?
Please give me some pointers on replacing the holding tank. Did you upgrade the hoses too, or are those white ones good enough?
Bruce
Bruce, I have a pretty cool dodger/ bimini on my 88 H30. Actually that and the AC is the reason I bought this boat. Take a look.
Bruce, I have a pretty cool dodger/ bimini on my 88 H30. Actually that and the AC is the reason I bought this boat. Take a look.
H 30T improvements
Write to to Roy Mosteller, he's the guru of holding tank replacement on a 30T. roynjean@cox.net He has a whole write up with pictures and all.! DO IT NOW! I did mine last winter. When I took it out there were 2 tiny "smuges" on the bottem. When I touched them with a screwdriver it went right through!! I told a friend with the same boat but he decided to wait. His "let go" 2 weeks ago. I replaced the hot water heater too. It was starting to weep around the pressure release valve threads. Not a bad job since the whole section of the seat support comes right out. While I was down there, I also put a amall pump in the icebox drain and routed it (with a $2 plastic dishwasher connection) to the gally sink. Works slick. No more stinky wet bilge. I have pictures of most of the fun. Write me if you want to see them. bzimme@verizon.net Bruce Z
Write to to Roy Mosteller, he's the guru of holding tank replacement on a 30T. roynjean@cox.net He has a whole write up with pictures and all.! DO IT NOW! I did mine last winter. When I took it out there were 2 tiny "smuges" on the bottem. When I touched them with a screwdriver it went right through!! I told a friend with the same boat but he decided to wait. His "let go" 2 weeks ago. I replaced the hot water heater too. It was starting to weep around the pressure release valve threads. Not a bad job since the whole section of the seat support comes right out. While I was down there, I also put a amall pump in the icebox drain and routed it (with a $2 plastic dishwasher connection) to the gally sink. Works slick. No more stinky wet bilge. I have pictures of most of the fun. Write me if you want to see them. bzimme@verizon.net Bruce Z
PS: while you're at it
Replace all the sanitary hoses with Sealand Odor Safe. It's expensive but it works! The worst part of the job was hanging upside down in the after locker pulling those hoses through! I figured if I passed from all the blood rushing to my head who would find me? Better yet, who would care......... If it's cold when you "pull", fill the hose with boiling water for 5 minutes. Turns it into a snake! Otherwise it's a nightmare. Have fun BZ
Replace all the sanitary hoses with Sealand Odor Safe. It's expensive but it works! The worst part of the job was hanging upside down in the after locker pulling those hoses through! I figured if I passed from all the blood rushing to my head who would find me? Better yet, who would care......... If it's cold when you "pull", fill the hose with boiling water for 5 minutes. Turns it into a snake! Otherwise it's a nightmare. Have fun BZ
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