Which Keel

[wufibugs]

I just bought a 1986 Hunter 31. I understand Hunter put both a full and shoal keels in these boats. Other doing a little diving, how does one determine which this boat has?

 

[Steve Dion]

The deep keel version was about 5'6".

Hunter 31_83-87 Specifications


Back HunterI42'J12'P37' 5 inE11'PYLIEYJIloa31' 4 inhull_speed6.7dis_len_ratioTsail_area458 sq ft/255Jib/203capsize2.03years_prod1983-1987lwl26' 3 inbeam10' 11 indraft4' / 5' 6displacement9900 lbs / 9700 lbsballast4200 lbs / 4000 lbsmast_height47' 4 inwater_tanks35 galfuel_tanks18 Gal.aux_hpYanmar 2GM20 FW coolkeel_materialIron

 

[Alan]

I'm absolutely stunned!! You bought a new boat and you don't know what kind of keel it has?

 

[Ken13559]

Without diving underwater or haul out, all you need is to drive the boat to shallow water. When you hit ground, measure the water depth and you can work out whether you have shoaldraft or deep keel. Another way is to get alot of ppl on one side and try heeling the boat to expose the keel.

 

[Benny]

Look in your survey report. If a haul out was performed the surveyor should have ascertained the draft of the vessel. I doubt Hunter Marine keeps records of the keels the installed in different models back in 1986 so measuring your keel to water line would be the only way of verifying your draft.

 

[wufibugs]

Thanks, all. I paid $15k for this boat and it is in very good condition, everything works, monthly dive service, and will not need bottom paint until next year. Full canvas and all covers , monogrammed with name of the boat. After looking at 100 boats, when this came up, I snapped it up without hesitation. Since I am a novice sailor, I'm not sure the difference in keels will be crucial for me for a few years. Either way, I am told the Hunter sails very well.