Support beam for cabin-mounted mast - Hunter 31'

[Darline Spring]

My husband is considering buying a Hunter 31', but the dealer says that boat has a slight problem. The support beam for the cabin-mounted mast is either broken or deteriorating. Since this boat just came up on our list, we are "not" seriously considering shelling out the money for a survey at this time. I'd just like to know if anyone has experiernce with the problem, and if so how expensive was the repair. We were told this is a common problem on Hunter 31' made in 1985.Thanx, Darline

 

[Steve Dion]

$3000-4000

DarlineThe cost is between $3K-4K. If you want a 31 or 34 you are probably better off knowing about the problem now then buying a boat without the problem and experiencing it later. Once the problem is corrected it should be done for life.

 

[Jeff D]

Check Archives

Many references to this problem. All the info you need.

 

[Laura Bertran]

$2,000

We bought the boat knowing that it needed this repair and it was priced accordingly. The repair only involved the upper crossmember since the compression post itself was sound and did not need replacement. The upper crossmember was replaced with a laminate beam designed to properly spread the load. Interior fiberglass/gelcoat repaired to like new condition. Exterior fiberglass/gelcoat around mast step was not damaged and did not need repair. Mast step was modified to include a three inch pipe above deck level for routing mast wires. This is a much more leakproof method of bringing mast wires into cabin. The original method used by Hunter is what allows water to leak into crossmember and deteriorate it. The complete repair was just under $2,000. Good luck, we love this boat and think this expense worthwhile.Laura BertranRising Tide, Annapolis