Hunter 31 83-87 vs Hunter 30 88-94

[jerzy0129]

Hi
I sail on Lake Michigan and I want to move up from a 25 ft. boat. I have to choose between two boats. Which sailboat has better sailing characteristics - faster, close-hauled, solid constraction,standing rigging, easy handling, no blisters problem - Hunter 31 has 5 ft. draft and the Hunter 30 4 ft. Both got Yanmar 18 hp. ?

[COOL]

I would give the nod to the 31 in terms of
overall sailing performance. As far as Hunters
go I think these are both among the better looking
designs. The two major differences are the fractional
rig and the bulb wing keel on the 30. The rig I like,
but unless you really require a boat with less than
5' of draft, nothing kills a boat's sailing performance
more than a shoal draft bulb wing keel arrangement.
The Cortland Steck designed Hunters such as the 31,
34, and 40 seem to sail well. They do have relatively
large sail plans with big headsails, so in gusty conditions
the fractionally rigged 30 may be easier to handle.