Hunter 31 Questions

Redskynight · #1 (**permalink**) 05-03-2010

First day on this site...looks great. I'm looking at returning to sailing after a few years away. I'm investigating an 87 Hunter 31 with a couple of structural issues. First, the survey is saying she needs a new mast cabin support post that is in terrible shape. Second, there is a crack at the keel/hull joint that may require bold tightening or replacement.
I'm curious whether anyone may have any experience with this...estimate of costs...Is this a problem with other Hunter 31's...thanks for you help.

deniseO30 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-03-2010

That would be an iron keel if I'm not mistaken, The post is not a big deal (imho) and the keel to keel stub joint crack is typical. Welcome to Sail Net!

DropTop · #3 (**permalink**) 05-25-2010

The keel on a hunter should be lead I beleive. My 1990 Hunter 27 is lead, and aside from the recent news that for cost savings they just (in the last few months) started using iron, I beleive they have traditionally always been lead.

Faster · #4 (**permalink**) 05-25-2010

I'm pretty sure that Denise is correct and that the 87 H31 is an iron keel. (Many of the Hunter series used iron keels) That said, the post repairs should not be a big deal unless the support in the hull, or the structure of the deck in that area is damaged.

Either way, though, I'd guess the stick's gotta come off to make the proper repair.

deniseO30 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-25-2010

I think they were Iron in the Mid 80s. either way they are a nice boat.

DropTop · #6 (**permalink**) 05-25-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by deniseO30

I think they were Iron in the Mid 80s. either way they are a nice boat.

news to me about the mid 80's being iron, and I like mine. Does what I want exceedingly well.

swiftibis · #7 (**permalink**) 03-28-2011

I have a 1984 H31 and it's an iron keel. I replaced the rigging when I bought the boat in 2007, and I fixed the compression post. Original is a box of teak that is $$$, so way easier to pay a welder to weld flanges onto aluminum tube. The step of this sits on fiberglass and not the keel. You don't need to remove the stick to fix it, but you must detension the entire rig. Then you use a bottle jack and a 2x4 to stretch the boat about an inch or so before you add the new post. Also beware overtightening, as this can cause a pucker in the hull side where the chainplate is(like my boat). I don't think it'll sink but it looks ugly.