This Hunter has a generous freeboard, a stainless steel destroyer wheel, tinted hatch covers, bow and stern pulpits, reverse transom and an aluminum toerail track similar to those pioneered by C&C. The deck is uncluttered given the overall length of the boat.

The 31 was designed by Cortland Steck who has amassed more than 5,000 designs to his credit.

The Hull Design and Build

Hunter bonded a full-length internal frame and stringer system of unidirectional fiberglass directly to the hull to increase stiffness without adding undue weight. The chainplates were fastened to this framing system and led upward through the deck just outside the coachroof, creating more interior space and minimizing deck clutter. This design distributed the load to the frame and stringer system.

On Deck

The masthead rig features swept spreaders. The deck is uncluttered, except for lifelines, genoa track and shrouds. The latter attached nearer the coach roof than to the outside rail. The shroud placement allows crew to move more easily fore and aft for sail changes or foredeck work. The lifeline stanchions are mounted outboard. Creating additional room on deck. The T-shaped cockpit is home to the pedestal steering column, wheel and engine controls. The cockpit lockers are large enough to stow all sails and other equipment.

Interior

There’s a big-boat feel once you go below. Headroom is 6 feet 3 inches in the spacious saloon, but the V-berth is tight for two adults. The head with sink and toilet is just outside the V-berth and fitted with a privacy door.

The overall layout is social, with a U-shaped galley to starboard that allows the cook to converse or otherwise take part in the goings on. The galley has a four-burner stove, two-basin sink and an icebox. It is abutted by a dinette that seats four.

The port side features a settee and full navigation station with chart table and light. The aft cabin is roomy. Teak paneling warms the saloon and other bulkheads. Plentiful windows provide light and cross ventilation. The boat carries 35 gallons of water.

Sailing Ability Review

The Hunter 31 gets good reviews for its sailing abilities. Although the light-displacement sloop can be tender in a gusty wind. Overall it’s a forgiving boat with a balanced helm. Owners contend it’s a no-brainer to sail and a joy to single hand.

Company re-named Marlow-Hunter. Which can be reached at www.marlow-hunter.com. For parts, contact Hunter 31 (83-87) Parts (hunterowners.com). The Hunter Owners’Association, www.hunterowners.com is also a resource of support and information.

Engine Serviced 9-28-22 and 6-6-23 with report comments

ENGINE SERVICE 9-28-22

1 SERVICE KIT FOR 2GM20F

1 DELLO 15-40 OIL / ENGINE

1 DELLO 30 OIL / TRANSMISSION

1 RACORE 2010 / 10MICRON Fuel Filter

1 GREEN COOLANT

14′ 5/8 WATER HOSE

5 HOSE CLAMPS

9-28-22 ENGINE SERVICE WENT WELL. FOUND NO TROUBLES TO BE WORRIED ABOUT. ALL FILTERS AND OIL WERE CHANGED. WATER HOSES TO WATER HEATER AND FRESH COOLANT ADDED. RAN ENGINE IN GEAR 50 MINUTES NO OVER HEATING ENGINE REACHED TEMP OF 140 NO HIGHER.

6-6-23 RAW WATER HOSE GOING TO MIXING

ELBOW. REPLACED BOTH HOSES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS FUNCTION. CLEARED RAW WATER BLOCKAGE IN FITTING. INSPECTED RAW WATER PUMP AND SEA STRAINER. RAN ENGINE FOR 35 MINUTES / NO OVER HEATING.