Archives just means old forum posts that no one has commented on in awhile.
As an owner of a 36 year-old Hunter 27 (and also considering a 37C) I can tell you that the Cherubini-designed Hunters are very stoutly built. The 37C is no exception. All old fiberglass boats eventually have a portlight or two that will leak (and stanchion bases) and maybe some delamination somewhere (the deck is the usual suspect), unless they were parked in a warehouse and never put in the water. What you will find is that old Hunters have much less of this than most other brands that I can think of. In the same vintage/quality category I'd say that Tartan made boats of exceptional durability also. And there is the odd boat here and there that will have lots of problems, which is why you HAVE to get a survey of any potential purchase unless you are really an old hand a in all these matters.
Anyways, back to the portlights...lots of old fiberglass sailboats have the potential to have a leaky portlight. Sealants get old, some manufacturers did not pay strict attention to detail, boats flex under sail, etc... What then happens is that water dampens the core around a portlight, the core can swell or rot and then what you have what is called delamination. This can happen in parts of the deck where water might intrude...mast base, hatches, deep cracks in gelcoat, etc... Even more rare is delamination from poor lay-up of fiberglass. Sometimes a manufacturer gets the proportions of polyester resin and activator wrong, or uses poor technique or whatever and then you get actual seperation of the fiberglass layers themselves. On manufacturer known for this was Islander Yachts, especially the Islander 36...although that is more of a blister problem than anything else...
Delamination is not much of an issue if it is localized. I have about 6 small spots in my deck that sounded hollow when tapped with a small hammer and it was simple to drill a few holes in those locations and inject them with thickened epoxy. What I would be more worried about is major engine issues, rudder or prop shaft bearings that need replacement, actual physical damage from impact to the hull or keel, and any major issues with the mast like cracks or large dents or sagging support at the mast step. These are not problems specific to an H37, just major things to look out for in ANY sailboat purchase. And sailboats always need work and upkeep, even if brand new............
But the 37C is a robust boat with a good reputation, as are all the old Hunter boats: 25, 27, 30, 33, 37..... That's why there is a seperate Cherubini Hunter forum page in the first place. I can't comment on the holding tank issue, as I'm not too familiar with that specific issue, but the other members here that have 37C's will be more than helpful.
