Hunter 31 - contemplating purchase

[Robert White]

Hello,
Have my eyes on a 1987 H31. Does anyone know what is too much to pay or what a fair market value to pay for her is or have a current price they paid? The asking is 20,500. No real great bells or whistles and it floats. Is there an industry standard percentage to knock off the asking? I am clueless how the boating market works with pricing and NADA/BUC didnt seem to offer any help. Needless to say I dont have access to soldboats.com.

Thank you for any incite.

RW

 

[Honeyman]

Here's 20 of them to compare with. If link doesn't work, go to yachtworld.com and do an "advanced search" for 31' Hunters, $0-25,000, 1974-1987.

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/list...cint=100&pbsint=&boatsAddedSelected=&fracts=1

 

[JoeWhite]

Do not rush into the sale. Normally you can knock off 20% or more. Used cars can not have a value since there are many variables. You may compare the number of engine hours, condition of batteries and sails and number of extra sails. Does it need new bottom paint. Are there any leaks. What shape is the brightwork in. Does it need new standing and running rigging.What is needed to make this vessle seaworty. These are expensive repairs. This is your reason to negotiate. And pay a surveyer for the haul and another surveyer for the engine. Do not use a surveyer that was hired by the agent. Sea trials do not reveal anthing. Do not let the agent rush you. The agent has access to a database that you do not have access to. This is the actual price a similar boat was sold. Ask for it.There are articles on the net as to how to buy a boat. Take your time. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[Steve Dion]

$20k is a good price for a "Good" 31. If sails, engine, interior are all in good to excellent condition it is a fair price. The next thing is how motivated your seller is. Don't forget that you need to consider the survey cost, pulling the boat, probably needs a bottom job etc.

Main thing is the compression post and any issues with water intrusion into the deck.

 

[KD3PC]

Joe Wrote.."Sea trials do not reveal anthing."hoping it is a typo or incomplete thought..

sea trials, when done correctly, can tell you a LOT about the boat, it's equipment, bottom cleanliness, engine condition, etc, etc, etc....

trial the boat with YOUR surveyor aboard....

As Steve says, if it is a "good" 31, the price is a good price..deductions for poor sails, gear or condition...motivated seller will deal with your reasonable offer...

quickly...

best of luck

 

[Chuck Creel]

Robert,
I just purchased a 87 H-31 last week. i found them from 15K-30K but none were in the shape this one was and within reasonable distace of me. For example there are some pristine 31's in S Florida but it would take a week or so to sail them back after making a trip down there ot inspect, sea trial , survey, and close on the boat. This one was 12 miles across mobile bay from me so this played a big part in my purchasing decison. Also this one was Prisine and maintained very well such as completey restoring the interior in 2007 so inside she looks brand new. Engine hours are less than 500 hrs . You could eat off the engine it was so clean. Loaded with elecctronics like radar, st-60 intruments , etc. All theses things help make my decision. Finall price was 26K.

I would definately hire your own surveyer to do an out of water survey and go from there if you like the boat.

I can tell you that I love the boat. She is Faster than the 79 30 ft hunter i sold, more room, and more comfortable for wife and i on 2-4 day trips. The 31's are know for compression issues on mast, chain plate issues, and blisters in bottom .

Just use your own judgement and best wishes to you on your search.

happy sailing

Capt Chuck Creel
S/V Piano

 

[Robert White]

Thank you...

for all your points and comments. I will consider them all before finalizing the purchase. It is great to have a responsive forum like this. This gives me some confidence in getting a Hunter.

Thanks again.

RW

 

[Robert White]

Good luck and happy sailin Captn!

 

[stephen Penny]

As a benchmark I purchased my 1987 Hunter 31 last November for $20,000 in SF with new standing rigging, battery charger, racor fuel filter, batteries and interior upholestry. Overall boat was in great condition, espeacially the hull, mast, boom, engine, cabin, head, origo stove, windows and hatches not leaking, electronics, water/holding/fuel tanks and systems (refigerator, pressurized hot/cold water, anchor washdown, bilge pump, lighting, etc.). Hopefully, your 1987 is in equally good condition. After I purchased it I changed all the engine fluids, santized the water tank, cleaned up the boat rash and marks, waxed the boat. repaired the fiberglass chips on the deck from the PO’s, replaced the crazed Beckson interior lenses and compass, painted the cockpit, painted the bottom after haul-out for a survey (this is your first intial high cost) and polished the hull. Your biggest expenses post purchase can come from repairing mast and window leaks (big $$), replacing tired sails ($2500 - 4000), standing or running rigging ($2000 each), lifelines ($1000), dodger ($1500 do it yourself - $3000+ custom), modern rope clutches ($500+), up to date vhf radio, newer nav/radar system, new canvas covers, spinnaker, etc. It’s a good buy for the money since you can single handle her, they have a lot of amenities, they are comfortable to sail, relatively fast and comfortable to sleep in and spend a weekend. Good luck!!

 

[jorgefife]

In the same Marina I am in there is a Hunter 25,5 for $ 6900.00
Not far from me, about 2 miles down, there is a Hunter 33 (1981) for $ 15,000.00
I know that every Hunter owner will claim his boat is the best, but I have a H33 (1982) for which I paid $ 1,000.00 ( Ike damage), but have been offered $15,000.00
Will not sell, because there is no price for the blood that has gone into this boat
I have learned that the hulls prior to 1983 were thicker and solid; later, they made them lighter so they could go faster, but there is no substitute for a good hull
I an thrilled with mine
I think boats are cheaper in Houston...