I am looking to upgrade from my 28 Newport to a 86 H31. I've heard all sorts of negative stories about the sailing qualities. I do some PHRF around the cans and a bit of cruising so I'm looking for a compromise boat. It needs to be fairly stiff, more freeboard than my Newport and sail well in 10 to 15 kts which is about what we get in the NW. All and any comments welcome.
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PHRF Ratings
You should compare the Sail Area/Displacement ratio of your present boat and the Hunter 31 to get a basic sense of power to weight. Also, compare the PHRF ratings for your boat and the particular 31 you wish to buy and presumably race. I just looked up the PHRF ratings for Hunter 31's on the Chesapeake Bay as a comparison; but they were all shoal draft and most had roller furling headsails smaller than 155%. All were rated between 180 to 183 while a race rigged deep draft Hunter 28.5 is typically rated 174 or 6-9 seconds per mile faster than the 31. Maybe in heavier air the 31 would be more competitive, but I'd look for a deep keel, folding prop and reasonably large non-furling headsail if you are serious about performance.
You should compare the Sail Area/Displacement ratio of your present boat and the Hunter 31 to get a basic sense of power to weight. Also, compare the PHRF ratings for your boat and the particular 31 you wish to buy and presumably race. I just looked up the PHRF ratings for Hunter 31's on the Chesapeake Bay as a comparison; but they were all shoal draft and most had roller furling headsails smaller than 155%. All were rated between 180 to 183 while a race rigged deep draft Hunter 28.5 is typically rated 174 or 6-9 seconds per mile faster than the 31. Maybe in heavier air the 31 would be more competitive, but I'd look for a deep keel, folding prop and reasonably large non-furling headsail if you are serious about performance.
Hunter 31 has 162 on Great Lakes
We have a 1987 Hunter 31 fin keel that we race with MAST (Mid America Sail & Trail) out of Milwaukee. They use the the Great Lakes Spinnaker ratings so we start with a 162. Fortunately, if you finish out of the money, they tack on 2 more points to your rating. We're not very good racers so I don't know if the 31 is competitive or not. But it is stiff after an initial 15 degree heel. Good luck with your upgrade. We love our 31.
We have a 1987 Hunter 31 fin keel that we race with MAST (Mid America Sail & Trail) out of Milwaukee. They use the the Great Lakes Spinnaker ratings so we start with a 162. Fortunately, if you finish out of the money, they tack on 2 more points to your rating. We're not very good racers so I don't know if the 31 is competitive or not. But it is stiff after an initial 15 degree heel. Good luck with your upgrade. We love our 31.
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