Hi..I just found this sight. My other half and I just purchased a 1981 Hunter 30, and we are looking at upgrading several things. Can anyone offer advice, or info such as all line replacement (recommendations), all cushion replacement (advice on materials, thicknesses, etc.), quality of dodgers offered on this sight, and ease of installation....As you may have gathered, we need help...thanx, Cap'n Art.
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Welcome aboard.
One of your first tasks on this site should be to practice "surfing". So many questions have been answered over the years, there is a wealth of information in the "Forum Archives". Fellow Cherubini owners will likely respond but there may be some great pearls that you will miss by not reading the whole website. For lines I measured what was on the boat(H37C) and compared that with the recommendations in the West Marine catalog. I bought the plain white halyards that are always on sale at Sailnet. For jib sheets I color coded them, I think New England Sta-Set X. I believe the dodgers from this site are made by Island Nautical. You might buy cheaper but not better. For cushions there are just too many options, a few inexpensive ones. Read all the forums, there was a current thread regarding cheap cushions. I attached my favorite H30 picture, have fun with yours!
One of your first tasks on this site should be to practice "surfing". So many questions have been answered over the years, there is a wealth of information in the "Forum Archives". Fellow Cherubini owners will likely respond but there may be some great pearls that you will miss by not reading the whole website. For lines I measured what was on the boat(H37C) and compared that with the recommendations in the West Marine catalog. I bought the plain white halyards that are always on sale at Sailnet. For jib sheets I color coded them, I think New England Sta-Set X. I believe the dodgers from this site are made by Island Nautical. You might buy cheaper but not better. For cushions there are just too many options, a few inexpensive ones. Read all the forums, there was a current thread regarding cheap cushions. I attached my favorite H30 picture, have fun with yours!
Lines tossed
Good idea replacing the lines. Nothing makes a boat look older than crummy lines. Some people (me) use different colors to differentiate for clients and guests who don't know a jib halyard from a Jim Beam. Others prefer all white for a more professional look. Regardless, it's worth the modest investment. I recommend doing two at a time, so as not to make a bigger project out of it than necessary. Take extra care joining the two ends of the old and new lines as you go up the mast and over the sheeves. Do not use tape, but rather sturdy fishing line that is crisscrossed to avoid separation. Your boat will look so good that people will wonder what you used to wax it so bright!
Good idea replacing the lines. Nothing makes a boat look older than crummy lines. Some people (me) use different colors to differentiate for clients and guests who don't know a jib halyard from a Jim Beam. Others prefer all white for a more professional look. Regardless, it's worth the modest investment. I recommend doing two at a time, so as not to make a bigger project out of it than necessary. Take extra care joining the two ends of the old and new lines as you go up the mast and over the sheeves. Do not use tape, but rather sturdy fishing line that is crisscrossed to avoid separation. Your boat will look so good that people will wonder what you used to wax it so bright!
line replacement
Art: "Upgrading" ....it never stops. Concerning material: all sheets, halyards, etc. should be at the very least dacron (polyester) double braid. You can go up the $$ ladder from there with nonbraded core, spectra, etc., but with line you generally get what you pay for. I have found some good deals on ebay for both line, webbing, and sunbrella fabric. Sunbrella (acrylic) is the absolute minimum for bimini tops dodgers, cushion covers, fender covers, and winch covers, although it does not tolerate chafe well. Nylon 3-strand is OK line for docklines and anchor lines, but put chafing gear at the chocks. I was able to sew new cushion covers using the old foam, and I saved some $$. If you've never tried sewing, it's not a bad skill for a sailor learn. Always use dacron thread. Outdoor textiles is a good source for fabric and foam (www.outdoortextiles.com) as well as sailrite. But if your'e a cheap S.O.B. lile me, you can cruise the web, particularly ebay, and come our ahead. Good luck. RS
Art: "Upgrading" ....it never stops. Concerning material: all sheets, halyards, etc. should be at the very least dacron (polyester) double braid. You can go up the $$ ladder from there with nonbraded core, spectra, etc., but with line you generally get what you pay for. I have found some good deals on ebay for both line, webbing, and sunbrella fabric. Sunbrella (acrylic) is the absolute minimum for bimini tops dodgers, cushion covers, fender covers, and winch covers, although it does not tolerate chafe well. Nylon 3-strand is OK line for docklines and anchor lines, but put chafing gear at the chocks. I was able to sew new cushion covers using the old foam, and I saved some $$. If you've never tried sewing, it's not a bad skill for a sailor learn. Always use dacron thread. Outdoor textiles is a good source for fabric and foam (www.outdoortextiles.com) as well as sailrite. But if your'e a cheap S.O.B. lile me, you can cruise the web, particularly ebay, and come our ahead. Good luck. RS
Good source for info!
Art: This place is a great source for information. What we think in the US is a great deal on stuff may be a problem when you are purchasing stuff in Canada. I have had good luck with line purchases from Pyacht. Their prices are generally better than most. I personally like New England Ropes for the lines. I use Sta-set and they are color coded. Sure makes it easier when you have the guest aboard. Just tell them the blue line, red line etc. I would also suggest that you have shackles woven onto all your halyards. Knots can weaken your line strength by 50% or more. If you have shackles on the lines now and want to reuse them, they can be sent off when you order the lines. I have posted a method for Halyard replacement in the photo forum that is quick and easy (check it out) US Yacht cushions in FL. has the patterns for these boats and are very knowledgable. You may want to contact them for a quote and compare it to what you can get locally. 727/528-9644 I would upgrade the dodger to a S.S. frame instead of Aluminum. There are some other upgrades that you may want to consider that they offer (take a look at the options available). I had mine made (not from Island Nautical) with all zip out windows. You may not care based on where you live. But I will tell you that it can get very warm behind a dodger and the breeze can be very welcome on a warm humid day. The zip out windows allows you to keep the plastic in much better shape. They can be stored flat under a bunk cushion with terry cloth towels to protect them.
Art: This place is a great source for information. What we think in the US is a great deal on stuff may be a problem when you are purchasing stuff in Canada. I have had good luck with line purchases from Pyacht. Their prices are generally better than most. I personally like New England Ropes for the lines. I use Sta-set and they are color coded. Sure makes it easier when you have the guest aboard. Just tell them the blue line, red line etc. I would also suggest that you have shackles woven onto all your halyards. Knots can weaken your line strength by 50% or more. If you have shackles on the lines now and want to reuse them, they can be sent off when you order the lines. I have posted a method for Halyard replacement in the photo forum that is quick and easy (check it out) US Yacht cushions in FL. has the patterns for these boats and are very knowledgable. You may want to contact them for a quote and compare it to what you can get locally. 727/528-9644 I would upgrade the dodger to a S.S. frame instead of Aluminum. There are some other upgrades that you may want to consider that they offer (take a look at the options available). I had mine made (not from Island Nautical) with all zip out windows. You may not care based on where you live. But I will tell you that it can get very warm behind a dodger and the breeze can be very welcome on a warm humid day. The zip out windows allows you to keep the plastic in much better shape. They can be stored flat under a bunk cushion with terry cloth towels to protect them.
line replacement for safety
We purchased our boat in Cape Canaveral and sailed her around florida to Sarasota. The lines were original (15 years old) and during our FIRST squal we lost the head sail furling line, it snapped while trying to shorten sail. Oh crap, now we have a 155% head sail in what was sustained at 35 knots. Well, we really didn't need that sail anyway. Made it to an anchorage with our tail tucked between our legs, pulled down what was left of that sail and made it to our new home port. The next task, you guessed it, replaced EVERY piece of running rigging. I am a strong believer of having good rigging, both running and standing. Good luck with your new boat and use this web site well, there is a ton of great info in here.
We purchased our boat in Cape Canaveral and sailed her around florida to Sarasota. The lines were original (15 years old) and during our FIRST squal we lost the head sail furling line, it snapped while trying to shorten sail. Oh crap, now we have a 155% head sail in what was sustained at 35 knots. Well, we really didn't need that sail anyway. Made it to an anchorage with our tail tucked between our legs, pulled down what was left of that sail and made it to our new home port. The next task, you guessed it, replaced EVERY piece of running rigging. I am a strong believer of having good rigging, both running and standing. Good luck with your new boat and use this web site well, there is a ton of great info in here.
Thanx a lot!!!!
What an outstanding response!!! I am both surprised and appreciative at the same time. I never expected such a prompt and well rounded reply. Thanx a lot. Jane, (the Admiral), and I have a survey and sea trial scheduled for Thursday. We're very excited and look forward to getting to know some of you thru this site, and maybe even out on the briny. I've included a photo of the object of our desire for all to see. I'm sure i'll have more questions as we go, so i'll just say talk to you later...
What an outstanding response!!! I am both surprised and appreciative at the same time. I never expected such a prompt and well rounded reply. Thanx a lot. Jane, (the Admiral), and I have a survey and sea trial scheduled for Thursday. We're very excited and look forward to getting to know some of you thru this site, and maybe even out on the briny. I've included a photo of the object of our desire for all to see. I'm sure i'll have more questions as we go, so i'll just say talk to you later...
Attachments
Absolutely....We would be flattered...
We have already taken several pics and the title hasn't changed hands!!!! But she shall be ours and if you wish , you'll be able to watch the upgrading process, step by step. We did have her surveyed last week, and, just as predicted on this website, the compression post was badly corroded, and needs immediate attention (a definite negotiating chip in our favor). As well, the skeg needs to be re-sealed to the hull. Other than that, the issues are no more daunting than you would expect on a ship of her age. So we are quite excited and looking forward to enjoying her.
We have already taken several pics and the title hasn't changed hands!!!! But she shall be ours and if you wish , you'll be able to watch the upgrading process, step by step. We did have her surveyed last week, and, just as predicted on this website, the compression post was badly corroded, and needs immediate attention (a definite negotiating chip in our favor). As well, the skeg needs to be re-sealed to the hull. Other than that, the issues are no more daunting than you would expect on a ship of her age. So we are quite excited and looking forward to enjoying her.
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