Hunter 31

Description

The Hunter 31 (1983–1987) is an American fractional-rig coastal cruiser designed by Cortland Steck and built by Hunter Marine, with over 1,000 hulls produced—one of the company’s best-selling models of the 1980s. At 31 feet 4 inches LOA with a generous 10-foot 11-inch beam and a moderate displacement of 9,700 lbs (3,900 lbs ballast), it was offered with either a shoal-draft winged keel (3 ft 11 in) or a deeper fin (5 ft 3 in). It introduced several features that became Hunter hallmarks: a solid fiberglass hull with balsa-cored deck, a walk-through reverse transom with swim platform (very early for its size), wheel steering on a pedestal, and a spacious T-shaped cockpit. The rig is a high-aspect fractional sloop with swept spreaders and a small backstay, carrying a mainsail of about 230 sq ft plus a 135–150% roller-furling genoa for roughly 480–500 sq ft upwind—giving lively performance (PHRF typically 165–180) and easy handling. Below, the teak-trimmed interior is bright and surprisingly roomy: large aft cabin with a double berth and private access to the head, private forward V-berth, full galley with two-burner stove and icebox, nav station, enclosed head with shower, and a dinette that converts to another double—comfortably sleeping six with over 6 feet of headroom.