Is the H31 Underpowered with the 2GM20?

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Ed Welp

I have a theory that the Hunter 31 is underpowered with the factory installed Yanmar 2GM20F. Granted it will do hull speed if the bottom is clean and you are not fighting a strong head wind. However, with less than Ideal conditions the engine will not do 6 kts. And tends to overheat above 3000 rpm. I believe the H31 is the largest boat they used the 2GM20 on. I know my neighbor’s H33 has the 2GM30. I am wondering if others are experiencing the same thing.
 
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nick maggio

326

they still use 2gm20 in 326 I have heard complaints from some not all, I have 290 same boat as 306 it has 2gm20 I have no problems with power except once the prop needed cleaning and everything has been fine since,
 
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Ray

Underpowered

Replaced the 2gm with a 3gm in my 31. It made the greatest difference when motoring into strong headwinds and currents. Never a problem reaching hull speed. I sold the 2gm for about 1/2 the cost of the new 3gm.
 
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Jon

Auxilary power

I believe the original engine put in the 31 was a 2GMF and was 13hp. Yes, I think this is underpowered for the size of the boat. I now have a new 2GM20F in mine which is 18hp. This is a direct bolt in replacement and an adequate engine for the boat. Some will say you do not need the extra power in a sailboat. Also, if my original engine was salvagable I probably would have kept it. However, I take my children out with me and when you are bucking a current and the wind through an inlet the insurance the extra horsepower provides is a better value than my homeowners or life insurance premium in my opinion. You hope you won't need it, but it's important to have. -Jon
 
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Ken Palmer

H33 has 2GM installed

If I recall, my 1981 H33 has simply a Yanmar 2GM. This was rated at 15hp. Yes, it is a bit underpowered. The archives state that replacing the prop with a 3-blade makes a big difference. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
 
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John Blakely

concur - underpowered

I have a l985 H31 with the 2GMF 13. I think it is underpowered when wind, current, and/or waves are strong. Other times its, ideal. Low fuel use, dependable, with a fairly clean bottom, up to hull speed. I am planning a trip from Baltimore to Cape Cod and back next year and am concerned about getting into the above conditions on the way up when I need some umpf! I was intreagued by the gentlman who sold his engine for half the price of a new one. Anyone want to buy my engine, 1200 hours; thats about the only real gripe I have with the boat and only in heavy weather. I think in heavy weather with a heavily reefed sail plan, its Ok, but I also would like the insurance of some more push.
 
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
ours is the 2GM20F

Ed: You need a different prop. I have a 1985 H'31 witht he 2GM20F engine. If you have the original prop you are probably OVER propped. I would suggest that you look into having your prop repitched or getting a three blade prop that is correct for your engine/transmission ratio. I had the same problem on mine and switch to one of the CDI composite props. It is better but still a little too much pitch. I think that a 15 x 9 or 10 2 blade would be best. I am planning on have Bay Props repitch my original 2 blade and put on the winglets and cup it. They charge $135 for the service but it is worth trying.
 
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Steve O.

clarification

I believe the 33.5 is the largest Hunter model with the 2 cylinder 18 hp 2GM20 installed. I have a 1988 with 2GM20F and it is underpowered in certain situations (headwinds and chop) Also, there is no such model as a 2GM30, I think you mean 3GM30 (3 cylinders, 27 hp)
 
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Brian

what is you max rpm?

When you engine is warmed up, run it wide open with it in gear to find your max RPM. You want to run 200-400 RPM's lower than the max. 3000 may be in your range, but it seems high to me. I have the older 2QM15 from yanmar and run 2300-2400 typically. You have a bigger, nicer motor than me so you may be able to run that high, but just wanted to mention it since your running hot. As for it being underpowered I really can't say, but I get 6 miles (statute) an hour on an H30 in slack water.
 
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