Hello, I have an opportunity to purchase a 1987 Hunter 31 for a very good price. The boat has some problems, it seems someone left a hatch open then left the boat. As a result the interior got very wet, moldy, etc. The boat needs all new cushions, and a good cleaning. Is it possible to get the moldy smell out of the boat? It has carpet like material on the inside of the hull. I am not very familiar with Hunter boats, I have been learning a lot about Catalina 30, Newport 28, Ericson, S2, and other boats. Is there anything wrong with mid 80's Hunter 31's? Is the keel iron where the others use lead? The gear seems OK, Lewmar winches, Harken RF, etc. I don't expect perfect woodwork, etc. I do want a boat that sails well, holds up, looks nice, and can fit a family of five for a weekend or longer. Anything else? I would get the boat surveyed before I paid for it. Thanks, Barry
- Status
It can be done
Barry, I bought a 27' Sun last fall with 2' of rain water in the cabin. I have only been tinkering with her in my spare, but I have 95% of the odor out. Clean then ventilate seems to be the key. We will see though now that it is warming up outside. Best of luck with your decision. Bryon Thomas "Shore Leave"
Barry, I bought a 27' Sun last fall with 2' of rain water in the cabin. I have only been tinkering with her in my spare, but I have 95% of the odor out. Clean then ventilate seems to be the key. We will see though now that it is warming up outside. Best of luck with your decision. Bryon Thomas "Shore Leave"
easy to clean
I had to clean out my mcgregor. It had about a foot of water in it. I used Simple Green full strength with a power washer. Then replaced all fabric material. The wood cleaned up pretty good with some bleach and sanding and varnish. Today I have a very nice smelling boat. I also installed a solar vent, makes all the differance
I had to clean out my mcgregor. It had about a foot of water in it. I used Simple Green full strength with a power washer. Then replaced all fabric material. The wood cleaned up pretty good with some bleach and sanding and varnish. Today I have a very nice smelling boat. I also installed a solar vent, makes all the differance
Just pass
Not trying to stir the Hunter crowd up, but quality-wise, you can do better than an eighties Hunter. Again, my apologies to those who disagree.
Not trying to stir the Hunter crowd up, but quality-wise, you can do better than an eighties Hunter. Again, my apologies to those who disagree.
Good boat in general.
Barry: You can replace the interior of this boat for about $1200 (US Yacht Cushions). The interior fabric can either be cleaned or replaced. You could have a cleaning service try cleaning before you even purchase the boat if you are in doubt. These boats sail well and you will not find a boat with a stronger rig. The iron keel can be sealed with epoxy. While it is not a permanent solution, it will last for several years. The major thing you want to look at is the compression post. This can cost between $2500-5000 to repair. The rot can be in the compression post and/or the crossmember. The general price for these boats runs from the low 20's up to about 30+. If you are getting a deal you need to make sure that you allow for new sails and an interior (add that to your offer). We have owned ours since new. We have never had a blister on this boat. We have nothad any problems with the rudder (some others have had problems in this area). I doubt that you find a boat with more interior space a living accomodations in this size range and the boat sails with most boats it range. ....and John we forgive you, you probably really do not know.
Barry: You can replace the interior of this boat for about $1200 (US Yacht Cushions). The interior fabric can either be cleaned or replaced. You could have a cleaning service try cleaning before you even purchase the boat if you are in doubt. These boats sail well and you will not find a boat with a stronger rig. The iron keel can be sealed with epoxy. While it is not a permanent solution, it will last for several years. The major thing you want to look at is the compression post. This can cost between $2500-5000 to repair. The rot can be in the compression post and/or the crossmember. The general price for these boats runs from the low 20's up to about 30+. If you are getting a deal you need to make sure that you allow for new sails and an interior (add that to your offer). We have owned ours since new. We have never had a blister on this boat. We have nothad any problems with the rudder (some others have had problems in this area). I doubt that you find a boat with more interior space a living accomodations in this size range and the boat sails with most boats it range. ....and John we forgive you, you probably really do not know.
There is a reason John Dawson made that comment
This is a survey-opinion on a Hunter 28 of the same vintage. http://www.yachtsurvey.com/boatreviews/hunter28.htm I will not make any claims for or against the Hunter 31.
This is a survey-opinion on a Hunter 28 of the same vintage. http://www.yachtsurvey.com/boatreviews/hunter28.htm I will not make any claims for or against the Hunter 31.
and my impression was....
David: When I read that survey (that you wrote) I thought it was based on a powerboat survey person. After looking at your site it confirmed my opinion. This is not to say that you were not correct, but not very objective.
David: When I read that survey (that you wrote) I thought it was based on a powerboat survey person. After looking at your site it confirmed my opinion. This is not to say that you were not correct, but not very objective.
Want some opinions look right here on this site
It has current asking prices and info http://www.sailboatowners.com/boats/model.tpl?sku=30179116948424&fno=0&bts=T You can also read all the peoples reviews http://www.sailboatowners.com/reviews/revlist.tpl?fno=0&brand=Hunter&model=31 I guess it depends how much they are asking and for the right price might be a decent boat. Steve D has highlighted some important areas to keep an eye on, which is always helpful. All boats have issues and if you go with your eyes wide open then it could be a happy union between owner and boat. Just remember mildew and cleanup is easy to fix and do yourself. These do look a bit more traditional and much more pleasing to my eye that some other models. But Steve I have a little "nit" with your one comment where you said "you will not find a boat with a stronger rig." Boy that is a bold statement. Unless you mean compared to some other Hunter rigs without backstays and metal tripods for support. Remember this is still a deck stepped, dual spreader B&R rig. Personally I would consider a basic single spreader rig with lower fowards and afts and a mast stepped "telephone" pole like mast to be sturdier, like on my Catalina 36 and my old Watkins 27. Since they only have a single spreader they make the extrusions much bigger. Not high tech but damn strong . I know a few C36s that have lost forestay and shrouds but did not lose the mast. Now THAT is a strong mast, you will be hard pressed to find many C36 dismasted in the last 20+ years they've been making them (knock on wood..knock knock, knock)
It has current asking prices and info http://www.sailboatowners.com/boats/model.tpl?sku=30179116948424&fno=0&bts=T You can also read all the peoples reviews http://www.sailboatowners.com/reviews/revlist.tpl?fno=0&brand=Hunter&model=31 I guess it depends how much they are asking and for the right price might be a decent boat. Steve D has highlighted some important areas to keep an eye on, which is always helpful. All boats have issues and if you go with your eyes wide open then it could be a happy union between owner and boat. Just remember mildew and cleanup is easy to fix and do yourself. These do look a bit more traditional and much more pleasing to my eye that some other models. But Steve I have a little "nit" with your one comment where you said "you will not find a boat with a stronger rig." Boy that is a bold statement. Unless you mean compared to some other Hunter rigs without backstays and metal tripods for support. Remember this is still a deck stepped, dual spreader B&R rig. Personally I would consider a basic single spreader rig with lower fowards and afts and a mast stepped "telephone" pole like mast to be sturdier, like on my Catalina 36 and my old Watkins 27. Since they only have a single spreader they make the extrusions much bigger. Not high tech but damn strong . I know a few C36s that have lost forestay and shrouds but did not lose the mast. Now THAT is a strong mast, you will be hard pressed to find many C36 dismasted in the last 20+ years they've been making them (knock on wood..knock knock, knock)
Steve, I read the review and it did not seem all
negative. In fact he said things like "Hunter had finally got the grid liner right in this 1991 model. While this is unquestionably a low price boat, overall it seemed to be fairly well built and there were no problems with the framing system at all. The interior has a complete fiberglass liner that is well executed. With the mast stepped on deck, there was no sign of the structural weakness in the cabin to as is so often the case with this type of boat." And "We were also suprised to find that there were no significant leaks inside. " It sounds as if it has been written by someone who has seen a lot (w/regards to boats and issues) and possibly overly critical of features/issues he see's on boats as they "could" become an issue if the boat was pushed to the max. It just sounds as he is unbiased and unemotionally attached to boats as he is not an owner, and as we all know owners would tend to only register praise on their own boats , but overlook shortcomings (sort of like what we do with our spouses...LOL) I also think you give him a bit of a short shrift on being a "powerboater" as he commented that " I've sail raced all over North American, and I've seen my share of hull failures, including some that have cost lives. In one case, a knock down with the spinnaker up resulted in the deck pulling right off the hull. In another, the hull side caved in when hit by a wave broadside." Sounds like he's seen somethings and thus his over critical analysis. But isn't that what you want out of a surveyor??
negative. In fact he said things like "Hunter had finally got the grid liner right in this 1991 model. While this is unquestionably a low price boat, overall it seemed to be fairly well built and there were no problems with the framing system at all. The interior has a complete fiberglass liner that is well executed. With the mast stepped on deck, there was no sign of the structural weakness in the cabin to as is so often the case with this type of boat." And "We were also suprised to find that there were no significant leaks inside. " It sounds as if it has been written by someone who has seen a lot (w/regards to boats and issues) and possibly overly critical of features/issues he see's on boats as they "could" become an issue if the boat was pushed to the max. It just sounds as he is unbiased and unemotionally attached to boats as he is not an owner, and as we all know owners would tend to only register praise on their own boats , but overlook shortcomings (sort of like what we do with our spouses...LOL) I also think you give him a bit of a short shrift on being a "powerboater" as he commented that " I've sail raced all over North American, and I've seen my share of hull failures, including some that have cost lives. In one case, a knock down with the spinnaker up resulted in the deck pulling right off the hull. In another, the hull side caved in when hit by a wave broadside." Sounds like he's seen somethings and thus his over critical analysis. But isn't that what you want out of a surveyor??
Steve
Have to agree with Tom. The report was objective from a knowledgeable person. Your bias always shows. Many of your posts can even be incorrect!
Have to agree with Tom. The report was objective from a knowledgeable person. Your bias always shows. Many of your posts can even be incorrect!
Don't judge by folklore
A couple of points on this discussion-- Cleanable--Bryon and Gary are right that these things can be cleaned and ventilation makes a great difference. Having a boat with built-in dorade vents is a big bonus, as they are always passively at work. I would say it's also worth plugging all the sources of leakage into the bilge from rainwater, etc. so that the bilge can be sponged dry when it's put away for the season and remain (mostly) dry. Hunter 31--It's a wearisome fact about asking for advice in these forums that some people get stuck in time warps. People who are looking for Hunters will know that the line that includes the 31 and 34 were redesigned in the early 80's. Quality control problems with 70's boats are not the standard by which these models should be judged. When I was doing some serious boat-shopping this Winter I was very impressed with the way the deck hardware and cockpits of Hunters from the late '80s conformed to the preferred design considerations described by the Practical Sailor buying guide. You cannot find a used boat on the market in those size ranges that have more amenities and living space, including impressive gallies and heads. I inspected some 31's and 34's and was very impressed with the rig. Their full keels also seemed to represent the purest compromise between speed and stability I had seen. I didn't buy one because one didn't come my way in the right price/condition, but it was close. Tom--you need to get with the times on this issue of the rig. Cabin-stepped masts are the norm now for boats which are intended as coastal cruisers. The Catalinas from 22' to 34" are all deck-stepped now. It's not helpful to be telling the lad to go looking for a configuration he won't find in that size range! Deck-stepped masts are suitable for their purpose when they're properly designed (and cared for). Keel-stepped masts have plenty of their own drawbacks (leakage).
A couple of points on this discussion-- Cleanable--Bryon and Gary are right that these things can be cleaned and ventilation makes a great difference. Having a boat with built-in dorade vents is a big bonus, as they are always passively at work. I would say it's also worth plugging all the sources of leakage into the bilge from rainwater, etc. so that the bilge can be sponged dry when it's put away for the season and remain (mostly) dry. Hunter 31--It's a wearisome fact about asking for advice in these forums that some people get stuck in time warps. People who are looking for Hunters will know that the line that includes the 31 and 34 were redesigned in the early 80's. Quality control problems with 70's boats are not the standard by which these models should be judged. When I was doing some serious boat-shopping this Winter I was very impressed with the way the deck hardware and cockpits of Hunters from the late '80s conformed to the preferred design considerations described by the Practical Sailor buying guide. You cannot find a used boat on the market in those size ranges that have more amenities and living space, including impressive gallies and heads. I inspected some 31's and 34's and was very impressed with the rig. Their full keels also seemed to represent the purest compromise between speed and stability I had seen. I didn't buy one because one didn't come my way in the right price/condition, but it was close. Tom--you need to get with the times on this issue of the rig. Cabin-stepped masts are the norm now for boats which are intended as coastal cruisers. The Catalinas from 22' to 34" are all deck-stepped now. It's not helpful to be telling the lad to go looking for a configuration he won't find in that size range! Deck-stepped masts are suitable for their purpose when they're properly designed (and cared for). Keel-stepped masts have plenty of their own drawbacks (leakage).
Rich, I was replying directly to Steve's statement
Maybe you didn't read his post or mine fully. Or somewhere else missed what was said. He said (QUOTE - UNQUOTE) "you will not find a boat with a stronger rig." And I said (QUOTE - UNQUOTE) "Boy that is a bold statement." (and) "Personally I would consider a basic single spreader rig with lower fowards and afts and a mast stepped on the keel & "telephone" pole like mast to be sturdier" (and) "Not high tech but damn strong" I never said there is anything wrong with a deck stepped mast did I ? Believe me, I wouldn't hesitate to have a boat thats deck stepped and I know very well that many Catalinas do have them as do some $$ Multi-Million boats. Nothing wrong with either if they are designed correctly.... And who said I was "telling the lad to go looking for a configuration" like that !? I wasn't, if you read it correctly I was responding directly to Steve D's statement (Oh and BTW for your information there are many used keel stepped single spreader rig boats that he could find in that size range!) And if you **really** read my post I did not put down the H31 I said "I guess it depends how much they are asking and for the right price might be a decent boat........ All boats have issues and if you go with your eyes wide open then it could be a happy union between owner and boat. Just remember mildew and cleanup is easy to fix and do yourself" I really wasn't going to say anything but since you brought it up, I DO think the quality of the hunters that I have extensively crawled thru have improved in the last few years, **BUT**, I don't think I could say that in the late 80's and 90's when I first started looking very closely at boats. It was a time for a lot of poor quality in boats, but the Hunters I looked at did not show well at all. That is not "Folklore" that is what I SAW. And I would be very very careful in making "bold statements" such that the Quality control problems only occured with the 70's boats. All one needs to do is take a look at the attached picture on a H376. Problems like this happen....but you should be careful from making blanket statements and just stick to specifics. One last thing you refer to the Hunter "31's and 34's and ..... Their full keels also seemed to represent the purest compromise between speed and stability I had seen." Are you sure the Hunter 31 and the Hunter 34's had "full keels". When I looked at them, thats not what I would call them ...Looks like a fin keel to me , but I do know they came with a shoal keel also. But, by no stretch of the imagination, could anyone call that a "full keel" If anyone has any doubts, here are a few pics of a Hunter 31 http://home.wi.rr.com/edmundson/Dulcinea.htm and http://www.rcryachts.com/pdf/31_hunter_kililani.pdf Looks like "FIN" keels to me !?!? ALSO please note that this fairly large Hunter dealer also comments on the smaller size of the mast and spars (basically agreeing with me) QUOTE " The Hunter 31's rigs swept back spreaders allows tighter sheeting angle for the genoa; a smaller spar section reduces windage and interference with the mainsail" Nothing wrong with the design and yes it can be efficient, but Not exactly an endorsement for "you will not find a boat with a stronger rig."
Maybe you didn't read his post or mine fully. Or somewhere else missed what was said. He said (QUOTE - UNQUOTE) "you will not find a boat with a stronger rig." And I said (QUOTE - UNQUOTE) "Boy that is a bold statement." (and) "Personally I would consider a basic single spreader rig with lower fowards and afts and a mast stepped on the keel & "telephone" pole like mast to be sturdier" (and) "Not high tech but damn strong" I never said there is anything wrong with a deck stepped mast did I ? Believe me, I wouldn't hesitate to have a boat thats deck stepped and I know very well that many Catalinas do have them as do some $$ Multi-Million boats. Nothing wrong with either if they are designed correctly.... And who said I was "telling the lad to go looking for a configuration" like that !? I wasn't, if you read it correctly I was responding directly to Steve D's statement (Oh and BTW for your information there are many used keel stepped single spreader rig boats that he could find in that size range!) And if you **really** read my post I did not put down the H31 I said "I guess it depends how much they are asking and for the right price might be a decent boat........ All boats have issues and if you go with your eyes wide open then it could be a happy union between owner and boat. Just remember mildew and cleanup is easy to fix and do yourself" I really wasn't going to say anything but since you brought it up, I DO think the quality of the hunters that I have extensively crawled thru have improved in the last few years, **BUT**, I don't think I could say that in the late 80's and 90's when I first started looking very closely at boats. It was a time for a lot of poor quality in boats, but the Hunters I looked at did not show well at all. That is not "Folklore" that is what I SAW. And I would be very very careful in making "bold statements" such that the Quality control problems only occured with the 70's boats. All one needs to do is take a look at the attached picture on a H376. Problems like this happen....but you should be careful from making blanket statements and just stick to specifics. One last thing you refer to the Hunter "31's and 34's and ..... Their full keels also seemed to represent the purest compromise between speed and stability I had seen." Are you sure the Hunter 31 and the Hunter 34's had "full keels". When I looked at them, thats not what I would call them ...Looks like a fin keel to me , but I do know they came with a shoal keel also. But, by no stretch of the imagination, could anyone call that a "full keel" If anyone has any doubts, here are a few pics of a Hunter 31 http://home.wi.rr.com/edmundson/Dulcinea.htm and http://www.rcryachts.com/pdf/31_hunter_kililani.pdf Looks like "FIN" keels to me !?!? ALSO please note that this fairly large Hunter dealer also comments on the smaller size of the mast and spars (basically agreeing with me) QUOTE " The Hunter 31's rigs swept back spreaders allows tighter sheeting angle for the genoa; a smaller spar section reduces windage and interference with the mainsail" Nothing wrong with the design and yes it can be efficient, but Not exactly an endorsement for "you will not find a boat with a stronger rig."
Attachments
from a Newport 28 owner
After owning my 1986 Newport 28 for over 5 years, I have to say it has turned out to be a great boat. Very fast, stiff and fun to sail. easy to maintain & not a single quality issue,never had a blister, no deck or port leaks, and I really sail this boat a lot, out at least 35 weekends a year. However, this boat is way too small for for 5 people over a weekend. The head is very small and you guys would just be climbing all over each other. It is a good small weekend cruiser for a couple. The H-31 is quite a bit bigger than the N28, as is the C-30. Enjoy the hunt...you have a good group of boats on your list.
After owning my 1986 Newport 28 for over 5 years, I have to say it has turned out to be a great boat. Very fast, stiff and fun to sail. easy to maintain & not a single quality issue,never had a blister, no deck or port leaks, and I really sail this boat a lot, out at least 35 weekends a year. However, this boat is way too small for for 5 people over a weekend. The head is very small and you guys would just be climbing all over each other. It is a good small weekend cruiser for a couple. The H-31 is quite a bit bigger than the N28, as is the C-30. Enjoy the hunt...you have a good group of boats on your list.
Sorry, meant to say "fin keel"!
Tom, I should have said "fin keel" rather than "full keel" in my remark about liking the Hunter keels. I took the gist of your comment about deck-stepped masts to be that somehow the best of them were still very inferior to a keel-stepped mast, which I would simply respectfully disagree with. And I found the deck-stepped mast and accompanying rigging on the Hunter 31's I viewed to be the sturdiest I had seen for their size. The devil is often in the details with these technical matters: if the spar SECTION (looking from forward) is described as "reduced" try looking from the side, where you'll find the mast width to be somewhat greater than average to make up for it. The shrouds and turnbuckles also seemed bigger than average on all the examples I saw.
Tom, I should have said "fin keel" rather than "full keel" in my remark about liking the Hunter keels. I took the gist of your comment about deck-stepped masts to be that somehow the best of them were still very inferior to a keel-stepped mast, which I would simply respectfully disagree with. And I found the deck-stepped mast and accompanying rigging on the Hunter 31's I viewed to be the sturdiest I had seen for their size. The devil is often in the details with these technical matters: if the spar SECTION (looking from forward) is described as "reduced" try looking from the side, where you'll find the mast width to be somewhat greater than average to make up for it. The shrouds and turnbuckles also seemed bigger than average on all the examples I saw.
- Status