I am currently considering the purchase of a 1986 model Hunter 31 here in Texas. The purpose of this boat is for extended cruising to Central America then possibly to the Carib islands. I like the layout of this boat, but have heard so much negativity about Hunters that I figured you guys would set me straight about their capabilities. True, a 'real' bluewater sailor would probably not have the comfort amenities of the H-31, but for a floating R.V. that I will be living in, some amenities and room would be nice, hence the consideration of this boat. Also, for a sailor with limited funds (as most of us are!) this boat is priced rather attractively. I am also considering an Albin Vega which is a very stout boat, but also very cramped. Your opinions are appreciated!
Opinions on the H-31
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Don
Great boat...
but maybe not the boat for your needs. I had an '84 and loved her. Rather than just focusing on what you've heard about Hunter, search the archives here on "bluewater". You will find this exact issue has been discussed as nauseum. Good luck.
but maybe not the boat for your needs. I had an '84 and loved her. Rather than just focusing on what you've heard about Hunter, search the archives here on "bluewater". You will find this exact issue has been discussed as nauseum. Good luck.
Loved my 1983
Have to agree with Don. Great boat but maybe not for your needs. My 1983 sails great and is easy to sail short handed. I can't think of another boat at 31' with as much room below decks. The main problem I have heard about is the compression post. Mine did not have a problem but others have. It would be something to check out.
Have to agree with Don. Great boat but maybe not for your needs. My 1983 sails great and is easy to sail short handed. I can't think of another boat at 31' with as much room below decks. The main problem I have heard about is the compression post. Mine did not have a problem but others have. It would be something to check out.
R
Rick J
My (biased) opinion....
Well, I've had my '87 H31 for quite a while, and have been sailing it in SF Bay for a few years, and have taken it offshore a few times, and I think it's an absolutely fabulous boat. I think it would be ideal for cruising in Central America, and the Carribean, and into the Bahamas, or wherever you want to go, in terms of coastal cruising. It's easy to handle single-handed, or short-handed, and it is exceptionally comfortable for a boat of it's size. Beamy... lots of headroom, and adequate, though limited, storage room. The Yanmar engine is delightful, given adequate routine maintenance. It's extremely reliable, and very fuel efficint. Take a good look at the mixing elbow, and change all of the cooling system hoses if they are questionable. Replace the fuel filters, change the oil & filter, change the transmission oil,and carry spare belts, filters and an impeller, just in case. A little TLC and the thing will run forever. I've never had any compression post problems, but they do occur frequently. Your surveyor can measure the water content in that area, and that should answer that, one way or another. If the boat hasn't had any problems for the last 20 years, is should be OK. Or, if it has, they should have been dealt with by the previous owner(s). As a bluewater boat, though, I think you'll find that fuel capacity and water capacity are a bit restrictive. Moreover, in big swells offshore (especially with following winds and/or seas) the 'ride' can be a little uncomfortable, with a fair amount of yaw, expecially when you're surfing. The rudder seems to lose effectiveness in big waves when you're running, or on a broad reach; and I think that the shape of the stern is not really suited to larger swells, especially if the interval is small enough that they begin to steepen up and get scary. Also, the cockpit drains are inadequate if you get well and truly 'pooped.' On the other hand, it will lie to under bare poles really nicely, the force of the windage on the freeboard and the rigging is perfectly balanced by the rudder,, with the wheel tied to weather, if you want to cook a meal, mix a drink, or take a nap. Or all three. Bottom line... I wouldn't take my boat to Fiji, but it is a roomy, comfortable little coastal cruiser. It's a little bit 'tender,' initally, but it's fairly beamy for a 31 foot boat, and it stiffens up at higher angles of heel. It's a great boat for the price. Big winds, as we have in SF a lot of the time, are no problem. Big seas, however, can get a little bit exciting, sometimes... so you definitely need to pick your 'weather window' before you head out for any extended legs. I got 'a little religion' off Point Conception a few years back... but that happens to anybody in any kind of sailboat if they are there on the wrong day. Good luck - Rick
Well, I've had my '87 H31 for quite a while, and have been sailing it in SF Bay for a few years, and have taken it offshore a few times, and I think it's an absolutely fabulous boat. I think it would be ideal for cruising in Central America, and the Carribean, and into the Bahamas, or wherever you want to go, in terms of coastal cruising. It's easy to handle single-handed, or short-handed, and it is exceptionally comfortable for a boat of it's size. Beamy... lots of headroom, and adequate, though limited, storage room. The Yanmar engine is delightful, given adequate routine maintenance. It's extremely reliable, and very fuel efficint. Take a good look at the mixing elbow, and change all of the cooling system hoses if they are questionable. Replace the fuel filters, change the oil & filter, change the transmission oil,and carry spare belts, filters and an impeller, just in case. A little TLC and the thing will run forever. I've never had any compression post problems, but they do occur frequently. Your surveyor can measure the water content in that area, and that should answer that, one way or another. If the boat hasn't had any problems for the last 20 years, is should be OK. Or, if it has, they should have been dealt with by the previous owner(s). As a bluewater boat, though, I think you'll find that fuel capacity and water capacity are a bit restrictive. Moreover, in big swells offshore (especially with following winds and/or seas) the 'ride' can be a little uncomfortable, with a fair amount of yaw, expecially when you're surfing. The rudder seems to lose effectiveness in big waves when you're running, or on a broad reach; and I think that the shape of the stern is not really suited to larger swells, especially if the interval is small enough that they begin to steepen up and get scary. Also, the cockpit drains are inadequate if you get well and truly 'pooped.' On the other hand, it will lie to under bare poles really nicely, the force of the windage on the freeboard and the rigging is perfectly balanced by the rudder,, with the wheel tied to weather, if you want to cook a meal, mix a drink, or take a nap. Or all three. Bottom line... I wouldn't take my boat to Fiji, but it is a roomy, comfortable little coastal cruiser. It's a little bit 'tender,' initally, but it's fairly beamy for a 31 foot boat, and it stiffens up at higher angles of heel. It's a great boat for the price. Big winds, as we have in SF a lot of the time, are no problem. Big seas, however, can get a little bit exciting, sometimes... so you definitely need to pick your 'weather window' before you head out for any extended legs. I got 'a little religion' off Point Conception a few years back... but that happens to anybody in any kind of sailboat if they are there on the wrong day. Good luck - Rick
G
Gil C. - the Wanderin' One
I don't think I would take mine that far...
I like my 86 H31 very much. Have taken her from RI to FL, mostly by the ICW, twice. I would feel good about crossing the Gulf Stream to get to the Bahamas in good weather, which is about a 10 hr. trip, but would not go to, for example, Bermuda. The boat would probably not handle that trip. The H31 has only about an 18 gal fuel tank. My Yanmar 2GM20F uses about 8/10ths of a gallon per hour. Also, on 20-25 KT headwinds with 4-6 Ft seas I can only make about 1.5 to 2 Kts. For your purposes, if you plan to be at sea several days at a time you may be better off in a stronger boat. On the other hand, if you are just going "island hopping" you would probably be OK. I have not had a problem with my compression post. Have a great cruise in whatever boat you choose.
I like my 86 H31 very much. Have taken her from RI to FL, mostly by the ICW, twice. I would feel good about crossing the Gulf Stream to get to the Bahamas in good weather, which is about a 10 hr. trip, but would not go to, for example, Bermuda. The boat would probably not handle that trip. The H31 has only about an 18 gal fuel tank. My Yanmar 2GM20F uses about 8/10ths of a gallon per hour. Also, on 20-25 KT headwinds with 4-6 Ft seas I can only make about 1.5 to 2 Kts. For your purposes, if you plan to be at sea several days at a time you may be better off in a stronger boat. On the other hand, if you are just going "island hopping" you would probably be OK. I have not had a problem with my compression post. Have a great cruise in whatever boat you choose.
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