I am a current owner of a H23 that I keep docked on Lake Erie during the summer and am looking to step up to a larger boat. Love the way the old H31's look and have found a clean brokerage boat I am interested in. I don't know anything about the model and would appreciate any comments both good and bad. It is an '85 and the pics I have seen looks like it has been well cared for. Can these boats be single-handed COMFORTABLY if properly equiped? How are the motors? I just missed too many days sailing being safe rather than sorry with a smaller boat and am ready for a step up. Thanks, Randy Simmons H23 "Munchkin"
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Great boat, great motor.
Randy: They are great boats. The motor is the same motor that they still use 2GM20F. If it has been properly maintained it should last for another 20 years. Read the owners reviews on the boats. Only major problem to look for is the compression post problem ($3000 fix). This is a preventable problem by sealing the post properly. They are pretty much ready to single hand the way they came from the factory. I would suggest that you get an auto pilot if it does not have one.
Randy: They are great boats. The motor is the same motor that they still use 2GM20F. If it has been properly maintained it should last for another 20 years. Read the owners reviews on the boats. Only major problem to look for is the compression post problem ($3000 fix). This is a preventable problem by sealing the post properly. They are pretty much ready to single hand the way they came from the factory. I would suggest that you get an auto pilot if it does not have one.
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Don
Agree with Steve, but....
hey are somewhat underpowered, depending on where and how you plan to use the boat. I had a '84 31'. Having now moved up to a 37.5, I can definitely appreciate the added hp. I forget the specifics, but I think some of the earlier boats had 13/18 hp, and the later ones were a bit more. The 31's have been discussed extensively in the archives, you should do some searches.
hey are somewhat underpowered, depending on where and how you plan to use the boat. I had a '84 31'. Having now moved up to a 37.5, I can definitely appreciate the added hp. I forget the specifics, but I think some of the earlier boats had 13/18 hp, and the later ones were a bit more. The 31's have been discussed extensively in the archives, you should do some searches.
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Laura Bertran
I have an '85 with 2GM20F...
...it's a great, reliable motor and the boat does not seem at all underpowered to me. We've made good headway into wind and seas on Chesapeake Bay. You'll like this boat.
...it's a great, reliable motor and the boat does not seem at all underpowered to me. We've made good headway into wind and seas on Chesapeake Bay. You'll like this boat.
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Daryl
Opinions
Most folks that have these boats love them. They are good value for the money. All lines are rigged to the cockpit. The way the cockpit and winches are laid out there are few boats that are easier to single hand and they perform well. The rest of the story: As mentioned there are compression post problems in many of these. Rudders are prone to failure and replacement. The cast iron keel is prone to rust. The gridwork in the pan design traps water and causes odor. It is difficult to pass wires or plumbing under the floor due to this design. These vessels have their share of leaks and immitation teak plywood floor will eventually need replacement (difficult $$) The Meriman steering pedestal is no longer made and spare parts can be difficult to obtain (and it will break). The original hardware (traveler, blocks, ..) is low quality and will need replacement if it's still there. (hope it has Lewmar winches, the others were inferior) Spring for a good surveyor so you know what you are getting. Carry tools and be prepared for some work or expensive repairs. It could be a deal or your worst nightmare.
Most folks that have these boats love them. They are good value for the money. All lines are rigged to the cockpit. The way the cockpit and winches are laid out there are few boats that are easier to single hand and they perform well. The rest of the story: As mentioned there are compression post problems in many of these. Rudders are prone to failure and replacement. The cast iron keel is prone to rust. The gridwork in the pan design traps water and causes odor. It is difficult to pass wires or plumbing under the floor due to this design. These vessels have their share of leaks and immitation teak plywood floor will eventually need replacement (difficult $$) The Meriman steering pedestal is no longer made and spare parts can be difficult to obtain (and it will break). The original hardware (traveler, blocks, ..) is low quality and will need replacement if it's still there. (hope it has Lewmar winches, the others were inferior) Spring for a good surveyor so you know what you are getting. Carry tools and be prepared for some work or expensive repairs. It could be a deal or your worst nightmare.
Not facts.
Randy: I have no idea what Daryl is taking about. 1. The boat does have parts that are no longer available. Pedestal & winches. We have the original and they are fine. You boat has probably lived in fresh water for it's entire life. I have done some work on the winches but they have been trouble free for 16 years. I would guess if yours have been maintained they will be good for several more years. There are many very expensive boats on the market they have good winches that are no longer made. Several of these companies are no longer in business. Maxwell, just happens to be making only windlasses. 2. Compression post problems CAN be a problem but if your boat has not had this problem, you can do some preventative maintenance and you may never have a problem. Just seal the plastic pipe where the wires go through the deck and you should be fine for ever more. 3. Cast iron does rust, but it is not much of a problem in fresh water. Ours has never had anything done to it other than bottom paint. Many well known sail boats other than Hunter have used and still use cast iron. Not the best choice but very adaquate. If you never did anything to a rusty iron keel it may rot away in 50 or 100 years. (look at the old cannons found in the deep blue sea). 4. The "immitation teak plywood floor" is the same product that is used throughout the industry. It is a veneer. 5. Our boat has never had a leak. They are very dry. Owners of every boat mfg. will have leaky ports at some time in their life. Ours has not had this problem. The only "leak" that we have had is the companion way when water accumulated on the hatch. This has not been a problem since we put a cover over the companionway and subsequently added a dodger too. 6. We have not had a rudder problem. This has been reported by some owners. We leave our boat in the water year round so it is never exposed to the heat of the sun. We also do not have a problem of salt water corrosion. You are looking at $1200 for a new rudder if you need to replace one. 7. We have wires running under the cabin sole for instrument wiring. You can also run DC and AC wiring through other areas within the boat. I agree with Laura about the power of the engine. If your boat is properly proped I do not think that there is a problem. Ours has a CDI composite 2 blade and we can maintain hull speed plus in most conditions. We sail in inland waters that flow to the S.F. bay. The only time that the power is a problem is when we are fighting a heavy current 1-2 kts. flow. Please find knowledgable owners about this model. There have been very few complaints and mostly accolades about the accomodations. Check the owners reviews and see what OWNERS have to say about this model. You are not going to find much of anything that will compare in $25-30k range.
Randy: I have no idea what Daryl is taking about. 1. The boat does have parts that are no longer available. Pedestal & winches. We have the original and they are fine. You boat has probably lived in fresh water for it's entire life. I have done some work on the winches but they have been trouble free for 16 years. I would guess if yours have been maintained they will be good for several more years. There are many very expensive boats on the market they have good winches that are no longer made. Several of these companies are no longer in business. Maxwell, just happens to be making only windlasses. 2. Compression post problems CAN be a problem but if your boat has not had this problem, you can do some preventative maintenance and you may never have a problem. Just seal the plastic pipe where the wires go through the deck and you should be fine for ever more. 3. Cast iron does rust, but it is not much of a problem in fresh water. Ours has never had anything done to it other than bottom paint. Many well known sail boats other than Hunter have used and still use cast iron. Not the best choice but very adaquate. If you never did anything to a rusty iron keel it may rot away in 50 or 100 years. (look at the old cannons found in the deep blue sea). 4. The "immitation teak plywood floor" is the same product that is used throughout the industry. It is a veneer. 5. Our boat has never had a leak. They are very dry. Owners of every boat mfg. will have leaky ports at some time in their life. Ours has not had this problem. The only "leak" that we have had is the companion way when water accumulated on the hatch. This has not been a problem since we put a cover over the companionway and subsequently added a dodger too. 6. We have not had a rudder problem. This has been reported by some owners. We leave our boat in the water year round so it is never exposed to the heat of the sun. We also do not have a problem of salt water corrosion. You are looking at $1200 for a new rudder if you need to replace one. 7. We have wires running under the cabin sole for instrument wiring. You can also run DC and AC wiring through other areas within the boat. I agree with Laura about the power of the engine. If your boat is properly proped I do not think that there is a problem. Ours has a CDI composite 2 blade and we can maintain hull speed plus in most conditions. We sail in inland waters that flow to the S.F. bay. The only time that the power is a problem is when we are fighting a heavy current 1-2 kts. flow. Please find knowledgable owners about this model. There have been very few complaints and mostly accolades about the accomodations. Check the owners reviews and see what OWNERS have to say about this model. You are not going to find much of anything that will compare in $25-30k range.
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Jerry
Check for bad ordors below the sole!
We just sold an 86-31' Hunter with a tear in my eye. Great boat. Looks/sails great. Good small engine. Great price. Although every 31' Hunter we saw in the bay or at marina's, the owners had the same problem that drove me to sell. Read bad ordors! We read Peggys book and tried everything to clean, wash, flush the rotten water from under the sole. It would only last a few day and the killer smell would be back again and again. Good luck but check the area below the sump for a dead animal smell before you buy. It wont go away.
We just sold an 86-31' Hunter with a tear in my eye. Great boat. Looks/sails great. Good small engine. Great price. Although every 31' Hunter we saw in the bay or at marina's, the owners had the same problem that drove me to sell. Read bad ordors! We read Peggys book and tried everything to clean, wash, flush the rotten water from under the sole. It would only last a few day and the killer smell would be back again and again. Good luck but check the area below the sump for a dead animal smell before you buy. It wont go away.
If you kill it, it won't smell
The key to preventing odor is two fold. One, replace all waste hoses with high quality hose. Either the Sealand hose or the high quality stuff that they sell at West Marine (and I'm sure that others have the same product). The other thing is to pour a hot soapy mixture of detergent and bleach into the liner area. Once this mixture and been sloshed around under the liner, you can rinse with fresh water to rinse it out. I have done this a couple of times over the years have have no odor. You can also ream out or drill new weep holes in the liner to help the liner drain properly.
The key to preventing odor is two fold. One, replace all waste hoses with high quality hose. Either the Sealand hose or the high quality stuff that they sell at West Marine (and I'm sure that others have the same product). The other thing is to pour a hot soapy mixture of detergent and bleach into the liner area. Once this mixture and been sloshed around under the liner, you can rinse with fresh water to rinse it out. I have done this a couple of times over the years have have no odor. You can also ream out or drill new weep holes in the liner to help the liner drain properly.
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ex-admin
I think Daryl just described
...about 95% of all production boats made in 1985. Iron keels, old Foss rudders, teak laminate sole, worn hardware, hard to find parts, some ports and maybe even a toe rail that needs to be rebedded. Comes with the territory, I think. The compression post issue is sure worth checking out, though.
...about 95% of all production boats made in 1985. Iron keels, old Foss rudders, teak laminate sole, worn hardware, hard to find parts, some ports and maybe even a toe rail that needs to be rebedded. Comes with the territory, I think. The compression post issue is sure worth checking out, though.
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Rich Warner
Bought an H31 last year
We bought our '87 H31 last year about this time and have since put over 30 days on the water with her. This was our first larger boat also, and I had a learning curve to tackle. First of all, it is a great boat. The living quarters are fantastic for a boat of this size, she sails great (heels a bit though), and is not all that difficult to work on. We have six of the stock winches that work just fine. The boat had smells when we got it, but by doing some undercover work I found the source and took many of the steps described by Steve D. and others to get rid of the standing water issue. Our boat now smells fresh as a mountain breeze. Well, it still smells like a boat, just not a stinky one, if you know what I mean. Ours had a new rudder when we bought it, and no known mast compression problems. We have the original engine with a two blade folding prop that puts us just under hull speed. It has one small leak in the port rear when fire the hose on it. Haven't really tried to fix it yet. We replaced the traveller and sheet pulleys because I wanted more purchase on both. If you want to single hand, you should consider this also. I have learned that everything is very fixable on these boats, and the expense depends on your resourcefulness. We looked at a lot of used boats over the years, and feel that all things considered, the H31 was a great boat for the money. Other boats of this size and price have just as many or more potential problems. Bottom line, we like it!
We bought our '87 H31 last year about this time and have since put over 30 days on the water with her. This was our first larger boat also, and I had a learning curve to tackle. First of all, it is a great boat. The living quarters are fantastic for a boat of this size, she sails great (heels a bit though), and is not all that difficult to work on. We have six of the stock winches that work just fine. The boat had smells when we got it, but by doing some undercover work I found the source and took many of the steps described by Steve D. and others to get rid of the standing water issue. Our boat now smells fresh as a mountain breeze. Well, it still smells like a boat, just not a stinky one, if you know what I mean. Ours had a new rudder when we bought it, and no known mast compression problems. We have the original engine with a two blade folding prop that puts us just under hull speed. It has one small leak in the port rear when fire the hose on it. Haven't really tried to fix it yet. We replaced the traveller and sheet pulleys because I wanted more purchase on both. If you want to single hand, you should consider this also. I have learned that everything is very fixable on these boats, and the expense depends on your resourcefulness. We looked at a lot of used boats over the years, and feel that all things considered, the H31 was a great boat for the money. Other boats of this size and price have just as many or more potential problems. Bottom line, we like it!
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John Blakely
H31 endorsement
I think all the comments are well said even the criticisms - I have an H31, l985 which I have come to love. It was a mess and neglected when I bought it. I am pretty handy and have done all the repairs and upgrades myself - if its structurally sound, documented by a good surveyor, and you have some hands on skills, everything can be fixed and/or improved and made to be "your boat" Its a sweet boat when taken care of, sails excellent, is very roomy and comfortable, and an eyecatcher. I see Hinckleys, Swans, and other expensive boats in Yards on the Chesapeake whenever I take a trip; all being worked on and probably expensively so; good luck with your choice.
I think all the comments are well said even the criticisms - I have an H31, l985 which I have come to love. It was a mess and neglected when I bought it. I am pretty handy and have done all the repairs and upgrades myself - if its structurally sound, documented by a good surveyor, and you have some hands on skills, everything can be fixed and/or improved and made to be "your boat" Its a sweet boat when taken care of, sails excellent, is very roomy and comfortable, and an eyecatcher. I see Hinckleys, Swans, and other expensive boats in Yards on the Chesapeake whenever I take a trip; all being worked on and probably expensively so; good luck with your choice.
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Randy Simmons
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Mike
Hunter 31
I sent in a request for feedback a while ago when I bought a derelict H31 from an auction, well I am about halfway through a complete refurbishing and am finding that this is an awesome boat - does it have flaws? You bet! But I think this will be a great boat. So far I have gutted the interior completely and am just in the process of reinstalling stuff. As for the floors issue I used 1/2" marine ply and epoxied Chestnut Parquet flooring on top and then applied a coat of epoxy to all exposed plywood and another 3 coats of hi gloss varnish - the floors look great and at a cost of about 20% of using teak and holly sole veneer plywood - and a heck of a lot stronger. I have reinforced the grid with epoxy and glass in all corners and am now cutting some decent sized weep hole between them so that the liner will drain properly. I ripped out the crap carpeting on the hull sides and am just making up mahoganey panels (1/8" door skins - epoxied on back varnished on front) which I will glue to the hull. I've done this before and it looks great. I've upgraded wiring to the things like the bilge pump, circulation fans, etc. I am just about to install a Universal M25 diesel which should give her a bit more oompf. (the boat came with out an engine and this M25 came up as a good deal) I finished the bottom before it got cold and it turned out well. So I say go for it! If you can do the work yourself so much the better - use good quality stuff and do the job right and you can make a good boat better! The Hunter 31 looks great and this one is being launched April 18th 2004. Thanks Mike
I sent in a request for feedback a while ago when I bought a derelict H31 from an auction, well I am about halfway through a complete refurbishing and am finding that this is an awesome boat - does it have flaws? You bet! But I think this will be a great boat. So far I have gutted the interior completely and am just in the process of reinstalling stuff. As for the floors issue I used 1/2" marine ply and epoxied Chestnut Parquet flooring on top and then applied a coat of epoxy to all exposed plywood and another 3 coats of hi gloss varnish - the floors look great and at a cost of about 20% of using teak and holly sole veneer plywood - and a heck of a lot stronger. I have reinforced the grid with epoxy and glass in all corners and am now cutting some decent sized weep hole between them so that the liner will drain properly. I ripped out the crap carpeting on the hull sides and am just making up mahoganey panels (1/8" door skins - epoxied on back varnished on front) which I will glue to the hull. I've done this before and it looks great. I've upgraded wiring to the things like the bilge pump, circulation fans, etc. I am just about to install a Universal M25 diesel which should give her a bit more oompf. (the boat came with out an engine and this M25 came up as a good deal) I finished the bottom before it got cold and it turned out well. So I say go for it! If you can do the work yourself so much the better - use good quality stuff and do the job right and you can make a good boat better! The Hunter 31 looks great and this one is being launched April 18th 2004. Thanks Mike
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jim johnson
h31 kudos
Randy: I have a 1987 H31 that I have owned for the last 6 years. Sail Lake Erie from Fairport Harbor OH. There are at least 3 other H31 nearby. I am really satisfied with mine. It is my first sailboat and all I really need. Sail 90% ofthe time singlehanded, no concerns. Have rigged my dock to make it easy to get in and out of. False bilge odor is a problem to solve. If you want to discuss any details, e-mail or call 440.417.0820. Best regards, Jim Johnson
Randy: I have a 1987 H31 that I have owned for the last 6 years. Sail Lake Erie from Fairport Harbor OH. There are at least 3 other H31 nearby. I am really satisfied with mine. It is my first sailboat and all I really need. Sail 90% ofthe time singlehanded, no concerns. Have rigged my dock to make it easy to get in and out of. False bilge odor is a problem to solve. If you want to discuss any details, e-mail or call 440.417.0820. Best regards, Jim Johnson
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Cliff Ruckstuhl
Hey Randy
Were heading up to the Brands in Port Clinton on Sat morning. We have a 28.5 but a close friend has a 31 and races it and does very well. But get the deep draft boat. The shoal 31 just does not go to weather as well as the deep keel boat. I would also give the 28.5 a look. Our boat is inside so you can look at it in the warm. How did you 23 come out with the new inside. cliffr@sbcglobal.net 419 423 1969 Cliff Ruckstuhl "Red Dog"
Were heading up to the Brands in Port Clinton on Sat morning. We have a 28.5 but a close friend has a 31 and races it and does very well. But get the deep draft boat. The shoal 31 just does not go to weather as well as the deep keel boat. I would also give the 28.5 a look. Our boat is inside so you can look at it in the warm. How did you 23 come out with the new inside. cliffr@sbcglobal.net 419 423 1969 Cliff Ruckstuhl "Red Dog"
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Patrick
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Randy Simmons
Cliff!
Cliff, Sorry, but is is 11:00pm Friday night and I just saw your message. I did not want to call this late and couldn't make it tomorrow anyhow...sorry... I would love to see your 28.5 though (like the looks!)! I just think the 31 would give me what I want as far as privacy with others on the boat at night, more space and a "bigger boat" feel, and a learning/stepping stone to the retirement home on water I want in 23 years. By the way, my 23 turned out beyond belief! I can't believe I'm the one who did it (accidents happen...). Many, many compliments from others. Will be contacting you in the future and kept your telephone number. Thanks-!- Randy
Cliff, Sorry, but is is 11:00pm Friday night and I just saw your message. I did not want to call this late and couldn't make it tomorrow anyhow...sorry... I would love to see your 28.5 though (like the looks!)! I just think the 31 would give me what I want as far as privacy with others on the boat at night, more space and a "bigger boat" feel, and a learning/stepping stone to the retirement home on water I want in 23 years. By the way, my 23 turned out beyond belief! I can't believe I'm the one who did it (accidents happen...). Many, many compliments from others. Will be contacting you in the future and kept your telephone number. Thanks-!- Randy
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Steve
How to access hull liner
How would you access the hull liner. Would you suggest installing inspection ports? Thanks Steve
How would you access the hull liner. Would you suggest installing inspection ports? Thanks Steve
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Steve
How to access hull liner 1984 Hunter 31
How would you access the hull liner. Would you suggest installing inspection ports? Thanks Steve
How would you access the hull liner. Would you suggest installing inspection ports? Thanks Steve
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Mike
To Patrick & Hull Liner Access Issues
I don't have any pictures just now but I can get some and post them probably by the 22nd or 23rd - a little busy getting ready for Christmas right now, The reason I used a hole saw is that you can get it right flush to the bottom of the liner and also the size is big enough that I can get a small shop vac nozzle in there to suck up any crud and contamination that is between the hull and the liner. To the guys who are wanting to get down into the bilge between the floor boards and the bilge (that is the inside of the liner - the outside of the liner is against the hull) I would strongly suggest installing some access hatches - when I pulled the floors out of my H31 the amount of filth and crap that had accumulated in the "blind" bilge areas was incredible! This may not be the case on a perfectly kept H31 but mine was badly neglected and had accumulated a ton of crap. One of the things that I noticed when I removed the floors from the boat was that the plywood had all delaminated - from moisture and age so evidently Hunter didn't seal the back of the ply with anything and it just sits there and wicks up moisture and probably smells. So when I build the new floors I sealed the backs and edges with a couple coats of West Epoxy. So...I'll get up on the boat and get some pics of the access holes I have put in and you'll see what I mean. Thanks and a Merry Christams to All! Mike from Kingsville
I don't have any pictures just now but I can get some and post them probably by the 22nd or 23rd - a little busy getting ready for Christmas right now, The reason I used a hole saw is that you can get it right flush to the bottom of the liner and also the size is big enough that I can get a small shop vac nozzle in there to suck up any crud and contamination that is between the hull and the liner. To the guys who are wanting to get down into the bilge between the floor boards and the bilge (that is the inside of the liner - the outside of the liner is against the hull) I would strongly suggest installing some access hatches - when I pulled the floors out of my H31 the amount of filth and crap that had accumulated in the "blind" bilge areas was incredible! This may not be the case on a perfectly kept H31 but mine was badly neglected and had accumulated a ton of crap. One of the things that I noticed when I removed the floors from the boat was that the plywood had all delaminated - from moisture and age so evidently Hunter didn't seal the back of the ply with anything and it just sits there and wicks up moisture and probably smells. So when I build the new floors I sealed the backs and edges with a couple coats of West Epoxy. So...I'll get up on the boat and get some pics of the access holes I have put in and you'll see what I mean. Thanks and a Merry Christams to All! Mike from Kingsville
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