I have a buddy who is considering upgrading to a 1987 Hunter 31 (from a 240). Can anyone pony up some opinions on the boat? He's looking to do some coastal weekend & vacation cruising with wife & twin 5 year old daughters. Any known problems to look out for on inspection? Is she dry? How is she in a blow? How is that 18hp Yanmar? Thanks in advance...
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Frank Pratt
Never Sorry
We changed from a 23.5 to a Hunter 31 and have been most happy. It's a fun boat to Sail
We changed from a 23.5 to a Hunter 31 and have been most happy. It's a fun boat to Sail
T
Terry
Rob, the 2GM Yanmar is a reliable engine...
They are usually good for 5000+ hours before rebuild if well cared for. Terry
They are usually good for 5000+ hours before rebuild if well cared for. Terry
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JT
Great Boat, Common Problems
I bought the 1985 model a year ago. It's a great boat so far, but there are a number of common issues. Here are the problems I've read about and encountered: 1. Compression post rot. Search the archives for this - there are a ton of posts on it. It is vital that the surveyor you use have an understanding of this issue with respect to the H31. 2. Odor issues. This boat has a tendency to trap water in all kinds of pockets between the liner and the hull. I'm still trying to work through my issues - be sure to talk to the owner about his/her past efforts to improve this. With regard to handling, this boat seems to heel quite a bit more than others at lower wind speeds. (Keep in mind that my prior experience is limited to the Newport 30). That means I'm always double-reefed with almost no jib during Summer afternoons here in SF Bay. On the rare days when the wind limits itself to 10 knots, the boat handles like a dream.
I bought the 1985 model a year ago. It's a great boat so far, but there are a number of common issues. Here are the problems I've read about and encountered: 1. Compression post rot. Search the archives for this - there are a ton of posts on it. It is vital that the surveyor you use have an understanding of this issue with respect to the H31. 2. Odor issues. This boat has a tendency to trap water in all kinds of pockets between the liner and the hull. I'm still trying to work through my issues - be sure to talk to the owner about his/her past efforts to improve this. With regard to handling, this boat seems to heel quite a bit more than others at lower wind speeds. (Keep in mind that my prior experience is limited to the Newport 30). That means I'm always double-reefed with almost no jib during Summer afternoons here in SF Bay. On the rare days when the wind limits itself to 10 knots, the boat handles like a dream.
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Richard Keeton
Love Ours
I agree with JT about common problems. Mine had gate valves on the thru hulls until I replaced them with ball valves. I carry a 155 roller furled genoa which can be overpowering on an inland lake. We use her more to cruise than race but she is a very forgiving craft. We recently cruised 200 miles from our home down the Tennessee-Tombigbee waterway and spent three nights docked in a marina and one on the hook for less than $100, fuel & dockage. The Yanmar 18 is very dependable, but don't neglect that diesel tank or you'll regret it.
I agree with JT about common problems. Mine had gate valves on the thru hulls until I replaced them with ball valves. I carry a 155 roller furled genoa which can be overpowering on an inland lake. We use her more to cruise than race but she is a very forgiving craft. We recently cruised 200 miles from our home down the Tennessee-Tombigbee waterway and spent three nights docked in a marina and one on the hook for less than $100, fuel & dockage. The Yanmar 18 is very dependable, but don't neglect that diesel tank or you'll regret it.
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Gil C. - the Wanderin' One
Most boat for the buck
I got my 1986 H31 in '95. I single hand most of the time, but take my dog. Have single handed from RI to FL twice. Boat is really easy to handle. There are common problems. They really do stink (odor)if not fixed. He will probably have to drill 3-4 small holes in the bilge sump to drain out the rotten water that collects between hull and liner. If the hoses for the head are original (thin flex hose with collars on ends), they will need to be replaced with better hose to reduce odor. Get Peggy Halls book about boat odors, lotsa good tips. Also replace the hose for the sink drain if original. I have not had a compression post problem. Check the chain plate stainless pipe in the cabin. Mine screw into iron plates which are rusting some. Be sure to cover the boat in winter because the cockpit scuppers freeze up and water will drain into the cabin. Strongest wind I have been in was 35-40 kts with heavy chop in the Chesapeake. I had to go back to the marina and wait one more day. Engine is good, but sometimes I have chugged along at 1-2 kts with 25-30 kt headwinds and 4-5 ft seas. More power would be nice, but it's not there. Average fuel consumption about 2/3 GPH. All things considered, it's a good boat.
I got my 1986 H31 in '95. I single hand most of the time, but take my dog. Have single handed from RI to FL twice. Boat is really easy to handle. There are common problems. They really do stink (odor)if not fixed. He will probably have to drill 3-4 small holes in the bilge sump to drain out the rotten water that collects between hull and liner. If the hoses for the head are original (thin flex hose with collars on ends), they will need to be replaced with better hose to reduce odor. Get Peggy Halls book about boat odors, lotsa good tips. Also replace the hose for the sink drain if original. I have not had a compression post problem. Check the chain plate stainless pipe in the cabin. Mine screw into iron plates which are rusting some. Be sure to cover the boat in winter because the cockpit scuppers freeze up and water will drain into the cabin. Strongest wind I have been in was 35-40 kts with heavy chop in the Chesapeake. I had to go back to the marina and wait one more day. Engine is good, but sometimes I have chugged along at 1-2 kts with 25-30 kt headwinds and 4-5 ft seas. More power would be nice, but it's not there. Average fuel consumption about 2/3 GPH. All things considered, it's a good boat.
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Ed Welp
Great Boat
We love our 86 H31. Our Yanmar is very reliable, but I belief a little under powered for a 31 foot. I find it easy to sail and very forgiving.
We love our 86 H31. Our Yanmar is very reliable, but I belief a little under powered for a 31 foot. I find it easy to sail and very forgiving.
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