Overhaul 1984 Hunter '31

Steve Dion · Nov 18, 2012

1. Chainplates: $ What is wrong with the chain plates (search archives for solution)
2. Motor mounts: $400 + labor
3. Standing rigging: $1200-1500
4. running rigging: $600-800
5. Remove the sugar scoop: $ Why not leave it alone?
6. Paint the hull: $ Professional Job probably $5000
7. Worst case scenario electrical wiring: $ how much money do you have?
8. Stanchions: $100 each
9. Lifelines: $ 400
10. Through-hull fittings: $ 500

Why not buy one that needs nothing? Some of these prices are real guesses. I cannot believe that this boat does not need new sails $4000. $2000 cushions.
Nice ones can be had for $18k - $24k.

PS: What about the stuff that you don't know about!

Did you read the post about the "free" project boat?

propellanttech · Nov 18, 2012

Refuge said:
I'm looking at taking on a project-boat (1984 Hunter '31) and would like to get a sense as to what the estimated cost would be in the event the survey comes in at worst case scenario? Assuming I would outsource all the work to be done in South Florida. Your thoughts on the following items:
1. Chainplates: $
2. Motor mounts: $
3. Standing rigging: $
4. Running rigging: $
5. Remove the sugar scoop: $
6. Paint the hull: $
7. Worst case scenario electrical wiring: $
8. Stanchions: $
9. Lifelines: $
10. Through-hull fittings: $

I'm told the motor is in good condition so I won't include it in this equation. I also feel comfortable with the estimates I've received in the event I have to replace the sails, cushions and mattresses.

I appreciate your HELP!

With any project boat, this is as much where you are, as well as, how bad it is.

My answer, take your wallet and bank account, set it on fire. There, you know what it could cost.

Us giving you an estimate can't even begin to possibly cover all angles of what can be wrong, and how much someone will charge.

Basically, plan to buy a new boat. That amount of money should cover any possible expenses.

Also remember, that surveys will not tell you all that is wrong. It will only tell you what the surveyor found.

Sorry, you never buy a cheap boat and expect to pay less. You buy a cheap boat to have it repaired to your liking, for the price of a boat in good shape. Free boats are the most expensive to acquire.

James L

Scott · Nov 18, 2012

You forgot a compression post in your potential costs. ~1500+/-

cjfj · Nov 18, 2012

Sugar scoop transom! you got a sugar scoop transom? I've heard rumors. would love to have one why would you want to remove it?

propellanttech · Nov 18, 2012

cjfj said:
Sugar scoop transom! you got a sugar scoop transom? I've heard rumors. would love to have one why would you want to remove it?

I'm sure it is due to a following sea and the possibility of getting "pooped". I'm actually looking for a boat with a sugar scoop due to the ease of loading and unloading a dingy (boarding etc.).

James L

propellanttech · Nov 18, 2012

Refuge said:
I forgot to post that it's slightly damaged too ...

Sorry to say, but the more you say, the more I cringe. Unless you are handy with many different talents, you will come out cheaper with a boat that is in nice shape. It doesn't have to be perfect, but what you are buying may turn you off to this size boat permanently. It can take many years to turn a "TLC" boat into something useful. With having to pay labor you can double or triple that due to having to raise the funds.

James L

Steve Dion · Nov 18, 2012

Refuge said:
I feeling the same way. I am just getting back in to sailing a don't have the time to work on the boat myself. i'd rather be on the water than in a boat yard working on the boat.

Now that is thinking with your head and not emotions.

Ps: The H31 is a great boat. Just look for a decent one.

mellis18 · Nov 21, 2012

I picked up a 84 Hunter 31 for $12,000. It came with a tender and a mooring. It is a sound boat with a few minor repairs and alterations that are needed. It has old sails that will need to be replaced pretty soon but they still serve their purpose for now. She mainly needs cosmetics do bring her back to her glory. As with any "vintage" vehicle you buy there will always be "things to do". Good deals are out there. It took me around a year to find this one, and it was virtually in my back yard. You're still going to be throwing money into that "hole on the water"...the question is do you want a BIG hole or a smaller hole?

cjfj · Nov 22, 2012

propellanttech said:
I'm sure it is due to a following sea and the possibility of getting "pooped". I'm actually looking for a boat with a sugar scoop due to the ease of loading and unloading a dingy (boarding etc.).

James L

James,
I'd agree about getting swamped, I've been out in some pretty bad seas, but I would not take my H34 where I thought I might have to worry about a following sea. I know it would stand up to much more than I'm likely to see in the Chesapeake Bay but if I were planning on going off shore I would have gotten something designed to handle those conditions. I know this might open up a can of worms but... I bought the Hunter as a bay cruiser to overnight and stay out of the bad weather with. Not a go anywhere anytime boat. I too would love to have a sugar scoop for boarding from the water and or a dinghy.

Jim

propellanttech · Nov 23, 2012

cjfj said:
James,
I'd agree about getting swamped, I've been out in some pretty bad seas, but I would not take my H34 where I thought I might have to worry about a following sea. I know it would stand up to much more than I'm likely to see in the Chesapeake Bay but if I were planning on going off shore I would have gotten something designed to handle those conditions. I know this might open up a can of worms but... I bought the Hunter as a bay cruiser to overnight and stay out of the bad weather with. Not a go anywhere anytime boat. I too would love to have a sugar scoop for boarding from the water and or a dinghy.

Jim

Jim,

I'm purchasing mine with the intent of taking it off shore, to the Caribbean. Any boat can get "pooped". It's just a little more dangerous with a sugar scoop, or reverse stern. The cabin can actually receive water if the event is large enough.

In those situations, it is important to have your safety lines attached to yourself, and be aware of the possibility. Also a good idea to keep the companionway closed.

I will avoid situations like that to the best of my abilities though.

James L

Jared1048 · Mar 6, 2013

old thread but worth asking...

Steve- Where did you see standing rigging for those prices?

Thanks,
-Jared

OceanDriver · Mar 13, 2013

I purchased a 1984 31 last march and completely refurbished the entire boat, interior, fabric, flooring, new paint, refrigeration and airconditioning, Looks fabulous. Im sending sails out soon to be cleaned. I would sell you mine for 29,000. All the work is done, even put in a new compression post. I have pics of before and after. The boat is beautiful. I only used her 3 times last summer. NO time, am hoping to either sell or use this summer. Award31@yahoo.com. Good luck, the 31 is an awesome boat and well constructed.

wufibugs · Mar 13, 2013

This is still a buyers' market for boats and you are in an area where they are plentiful. Before I bought my 31, everything I looked at for months was junk. Then I just happened to hit a person who had a marvelous 86 and was desperate for cash. $14k and she really needed nothing but the mixing elbow. Sure, I rewired and and constantly upgrading, and my wife insists that if the bed was big enough . . . . Boats are female. When shopping, be patient and demanding. You'll get your way.