Hunter 31 User manual

HUNTER OWNER’S MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 of 3
INTRODUCTION PAGE
 Warranty Registration Form………………………………………
 Hunter Warranty………………………………………….…………
 Brief History………………………………………………………….
 Glossary of Sailing Terms….………………………………………
 Explanation of Symbols and Labels………………………………
1
2-3
4
5-8
9
GENERAL HANDLING AND OPERATION
 Safe Boating Tips…………………………………………………..
 Pre-Departure Checklist……………………………………………
 Float Plan……………………………………………………………
 After Sailing Check List………………………………….…………
 Docking and Anchoring…………………………………………….
 Diesel Engine and Motoring……………………………………….
 Electrical System……………………………………………………
 Cook Stove…………………………………………………………..
 Toilet…….……………………………………………………………
 Opening Hull Ports………………………………………………….
 Pumps………………………………………………………………..
 Water System Operation………………………………….……….
 Waste Discharge………………………………………….………..
 Environmental Considerations…………………………………….
10-11
12
13
14
15
16-17
17-18
19
19
19
20
20
21
22
MAINTENANCE
 Instructions for Preparation for Bottom Painting………………...
 Engine, Transmission, and Drive train……………………………
 Compasses………………………………………………………….
 Steering Systems…………………………………………………..
 Electrical Systems………………………………………………….
 Plumbing Systems………………………………………………….
 Fuel Systems………………………………………………………..
 General Care………………………………………………………..
 Fabric Care………………………………………………………….
 Electrolysis and Galvanic Protection……………………………..
 Teak Care……………………………………………………………
 Storage/Winterization……………………………………………...
 Certification Details…………………………………………………
 Lightning Warning…………………………………………………..
23
24-25
26
26
26
27
27
28-29
29
30
30
31-33
34
35

HUNTER OWNER’S MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONT’D)
2 of 3
DESCRIPTION OF MODEL
 Profile with Rig and Sail Dimensions……………………………..
 Dimensions, Capacities, etc……………………………………….
 Deck Plan and Hardware…………………………………………..
 Deck Hardware Parts Listing………………………………………
 Accommodation Plan……………………………………………….
 Dinette Table Operation……………………………………………
 Lifting Points…………………………………………………………
 Running Rigging Layout……………………………………………
 Mainsheet Rigging………………………………………………….
 Arch Installation……………………………………………………..
 Boom and Reefing Details…………………………………………
 Running Rigging Specifications…………………………………..
 Rig Description……………………………………………………..
 Standing Rigging Layout……...……………………………………
 Spreader Details…………………………………………………….
 Standing Rigging Specifications…………………………………..
 Standing Rigging Attachments…………………………………….
 Rig Tuning Instructions…………………………………………….
 Spinnaker Details…………………………………………………...
 Engine Compartment Details……………………………………...
 Shaft and Propeller…………………………………………………
PAGE
36
37
38
39
40A-40C
41A
41B
42A-1&2
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52-53
54
55
56
SYSTEMS AND CIRCUITS
 Potable Water System……………………………………………..
 Waste System……………………………………………………….
 Bilge Pumping System……………………………………………..
 Through Hulls, Seacocks, and Valves……………………………
 Fuel System…………………………………………………………
 Propane System…………………………………………………….
 Electrical System
(See Electrical System Table Of Contents)………
 Steering System…………………………………………………….
 Anchoring Arrangement……………………………………………
 Index………………………………………………………………….
PAGE
57
58
59
60
61
62
63A-1
66-68
69
70

HUNTER OWNER’S MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONT’D)
3 of 3
EQUIPMENT MANUALS AND INFORMATION
 Engine Manual
 Knotmeter and Depthsouder
 VHF Radio (except where not provided)
 Compass Information
 Stereo Manual
 Furling System Manual
 Marine Rigging Guide
 Winch Maintenance Guide
 Steering Maintenance Guide
 Sail Maker Information
 Water Strainer
 Bilge Pump
 Toilet Manual
 Stove Manual
 Hot Water Manual
 Microwave Manual (except where not provided)
 Other:

Welcome to
THE HUNTER MARINE FAMILY
PAGE 1
Congratulations on your new sailing yacht manufactured
by Hunter Marine. We have engineered and constructed
your boat to be as fine a yacht as any afloat. In order to
get the best performance and most enjoyment from your
boat you should be familiar with its various elements and
their functions. For your sailing pleasure and safety,
please take time to study this manual.
We stand behind the quality of your boat with a warranty,
which you should review. To insure the validity of your
warranty, please complete the attached card and send it to
us within ten (10) days of the purchase date. Section 15 of
the U.S. Federal Boat Safety Act requires registration of a
boat’s first owner. The warranty data should also be re-
corded in the space below for your own reference.
This manual has been compiled to help you operate your
craft with safety and pleasure. It contains details of the
craft; equipment supplied or fitted, systems, and informa-
tion on operation and maintenance. Please read it care-
fully, and familiarize yourself with the craft before using it.
If this is your first sailboat or you are changing to a type of
craft you are not familiar with, please ensure that you ob-
tain proper handling and operating experience before you
assume command of the craft. Your dealer or national sail-
ing federation or yacht club will be pleased to advise you
of local sea schools or competent instructors.
PLEASE KEEP THIS MANUAL IN A SAFE PLACE AND
HAND IT OVER TO THE NEW OWNER IF YOU SELL
THE CRAFT.
You should also complete the warranty cards for your en-
gine, stove, head, electric water pump and other accesso-
ries. These are enclosed in the manufacturers’manuals
that are packaged with your owner’s manual.
OWNER INFORMATION CARD
HULL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER IS ON THE STARBOARD AFT SIDE OF THE HULL OR TRANSOM.
THIS NUMBER MUST BE GIVEN IN ALL NECESSARY CORRESPONDENCE.
HULL NO. DATE DELIVERED TO OWNER
YACHT NAME
OWNER NAME
STREET ADDRESS
CITY STATE/COUNTRY ZIP CODE
HOME PORT
ENGINE MODEL SERIAL NO. PROPELLER SIZE
DEALER PHONE
STREET ADDRESS
CITY STATE/COUNTRY ZIP CODE

HUNTER 2005 LIMITED WARRANTY
PAGE
2A
CUSTOMER SERVICE / WARRANTY
The following warranties apply to all 2004 Model Year boats produced by HUNTER MARINE COR-
PORATION:
LIMITED ONE-YEAR WARRANTY
Hunter Marine warrants to the first-use purchaser and any subsequent owner during the warranty period
that any part manufactured by Hunter will be free of defects caused by faulty workmanship or materials
for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of delivery to the first-use purchaser under normal use
and service. During this period, Hunter will repair or replace any part judged to be defective by Hunter,
after it is reviewed by the selling dealership.
LIMITED FIVE-YEAR HULL STRUCTURE AND BOTTOM BLISTER WARRANTY
Hunter warrants to the first-use purchaser and any subsequent owner during the warranty period that the
hull of each boat will be free from structural defects in materials and workmanship for a period of five
(5) years from the date of delivery to the first-use purchaser under normal use and service.
This limited warranty applies only to the structural integrity of the hull and the supporting pan/grid or
stringer system. Hulls, pan/grid or stringers modified in any way or powered with engines other than the
type and size installed or specified by Hunter are not covered by this limited warranty. The obligation of
Hunter under this limited warranty is limited to the repair or replacement of hulls that it determines to be
structurally defective. This is your sole and exclusive remedy.
Hunter also warrants to the first-use purchaser and any subsequent owner during the warranty period
that the boat will be free from gel-coat blistering on underwater surfaces of the hull, excluding the keel
and rudder, for a period of five (5) years from the date of delivery to the first-use purchaser under nor-
mal use and service. During this period, Hunter will supply or reimburse an authorized Hunter dealer for
all of the parts and labor required to repair a blistered underwater surface of the hull. The labor cost re-
imbursement will be based on the Labor Allowance Schedule established by Hunter from time to time,
however if the repair is performed by a non-Hunter dealer, the repair cost must be authorized by Hunter
in advance and be based on a reasonable number of hours as determined by Hunter. Hunter will not pay
transportation, hauling, launching, bottom paint, storage, dockage, cradling rental, rigging and derig-
ging, or other similar costs. It is recommended that the repair be done during a seasonal haul out for ser-
vice or storage.
The following circumstances will void the bottom blister limited warranty:
(1) If the gel-coat has been sanded, sandblasted, or subjected to abrasion or impact.
(2) If the instructions provided in the Hunter Owner's Manual are not followed according to Hunter's re-
quired bottom preparation procedures.

HUNTER 2005 LIMITED WARRANTY
PAGE 2B
RESTRICTIONS APPLICABLE TO WARRANTIES
These limited warranties do not cover:
(1.) Paint, window glass, Gelcoat, upholstery damage, plastic finishes, engines, engine parts, bilge
pumps, stoves, blowers, pressure water pumps, propellers, shafts, rudders, controls, instruments, keels
and equipment not manufactured by HUNTER. Any warranty made by the manufacturer of such items
will be, if possible, given on to the first use purchaser.
(2.) Problems caused by improper maintenance, storage, cradling, blocking, normal wear and tear,
misuse, neglect, accident, corrosion, electrolysis or improper operation.
(3) Boats used for commercial activities including charter.
THESE LIMITED WARRANTIES ARE YOUR SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES AND ARE
ESPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ANY AND ALL OTHER REMEDIES AND WARRANTIES EXPRESSED
AND IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WHETHER ARISING BY LAW, CUSTOM, CONDUCT, OR USAGE
OF TRADE. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED
WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. IN THE
EVENT THAT IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE FOUND TO EXIST UNDER THE LAW OF A PAR-
TICULAR STATE, NOTWITHSTANDING THE EXCLUSION CONTAINED HERIN, THE DURA-
TION OF ANY SUCH IMPLIED WARRANTY SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THE
APPLICABLE LIMITED WARRANTY STATED HEREIN. THE PURCHASER ACKNOWLEDGES
THAT NO OTHER REPRESENTATIONS WERE MADE TO HIM OR HER WITH RESPECT TO
THE QUALITY OR FUNCTION OF THE BOAT. ANY ORAL STATEMENT OR PRINTED MATE-
RIAL ADVERTISING THE BOAT WHICH SPEAKS TO ANY PERFORMANCE CHARACTERIS-
TIC OF THE BOAT OR ANY OF ITS COMPONENTS SHALL BE CONSIDERED AND CON-
STRUED AS AN ESTIMATED DESCRIPTION ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS
AN EXPRESS WARRANTY OR AS THE BASIS OF THE BARGAIN FOR THE BOAT OR ANY OF
ITS COMPONENTS.
ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES WHICH MAY BE IN-
CURRED ARE EXCCLUDED AND PURCHASER’S REMEDY IS LIMITED TO REPAIRS OR RE-
PLACEMENT OF ANY PART(S) JUDGED DEFECTIVE BY HUNTER MARINE. SOME STATES
DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
OR INDIRECT DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY
TO YOU. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO
HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

HUNTER 2005 LIMITED WARRANTY
PAGE 2C
WARRANTY REGISTRATION
These limited warranties shall not be effective unless the HUNTER Warranty Registration Form and
Pre-Delivery Service Record, which are furnished with each new boat, are filled out completely and re-
turned to HUNTER within ten (10) days of delivery.
Return of the Warranty Registration Form to HUNTER, signed by both Dealer and Owner, is critical.
Warranty coverage cannot be initiated until the completed form is received at HUNTER.
All repairs and/or replacements will be made by an authorized Hunter dealer, or at the option of Hunter,
at the Hunter plant. If the repairs are of such a nature that the warranty work must be performed at the
HUNTER plant, transportation costs to and from the HUNTER plant shall be paid by the owner. The la-
bor cost reimbursement will be based on a Labor Allowance Schedule established by HUNTER and
where not applicable, on a reasonable number of hours as determined by HUNTER. Any repairs and re-
placements must be approved in advance by an authorized HUNTER service representative.
TRANSFER OF LIMITED WARRANTIES
For 1995 and later hull numbers, the limited warranties will be transferred to a subsequent pur-
chaser of the boat if:
(1) A notice of the transfer of ownership of the boat is given by the subsequent purchaser in writ-
ing to Hunter within thirty (30) days of the transfer.
(2) The notice shall include the name, address and telephone number of the subsequent pur-
chaser, the date of purchase, the hull number and the name of the seller of the boat.
Hunter will mail to the subsequent purchaser notice of the expiration dates of the limited warran-
ties. (see form letter, attached) The transfer of the ownership of the boat will not extend the expiration
dates of the limited warranties.
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEYS
During the first year of ownership, the first purchaser will receive two Customer Satisfaction Surveys -
the first (CSS#1) will be received shortly after taking delivery and focuses on the dealer's ability to sell
and commission the boat, and the Owner's initial satisfaction. The second survey (CSS#2), nine to ten
months into ownership, "measures" dealer service capability and allows the owner to evaluate most of
the boat's functional systems and characteristics. Both surveys are dependent upon receipt of the first
purchaser's Warranty Registration Form.

PAGE 2D
SAMPLE FORM LETTER
March 12, 1997
Mr. John Smith
1456 Joy Street
Sarasota, FL 34266
Dear Mr. Smith,
Thank you for providing written notice of transfer of ownership. We are pleased you have se-
lected a Hunter sailboat and we will make every effort to assure Hunter ownership will be a satisfying
experience for you.
Based on the information you have provided, we are pleased to notify you of the expiration dates
of the limited warranties.
•The limited one-year New Boat warranty expires (d)_____________________.
•The limited five-year Hull Structure and Bottom Blister warranty expires (d)___
____________________.
Should you require assistance at any time during ownership, we encourage you to contact your
Hunter dealer or to call us directly at 386-462-3077.
Please confirm the information at the bottom of the page and advise us if any corrections are re-
quired.
_____________________________________
Customer Service Manager
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hull No: HUN_________________________ Model:___________________________
Telephone: (H)________________________(B)________________________________________
Date of Purchase:_______________________________________________________
Purchased From: Name:___________________________________________________________
Address:_________________________________________________________
City/State_________________________________Zip_____________________
( ) Private Owner ( ) Dealer

PAGE 2E
Warranty Procedure
Following is a detailed outline of the Hunter Warranty Policy. Please read it carefully. The major points are:
 Always refer to the hull number
 Phone or fax us for authorization on warranty work over a $200 USD estimate.
 Send in the warranty claim within thirty (30) days of the repair.
1) All customer warranty problems must be handled through the selling dealer.
a) Boats must be returned to the selling dealer.
b) Dealer will contact Hunter Marine and give a brief description of the problem
and an estimate of time and cost to correct problem (include complete hull #).
c) All warranty involving associated equipment--engines, bilge pumps, stoves,
pressure water pumps, instrument panels, etc.-- will be handled direct with the
manufacturer of said equipment on an exchange basis.
2) For any problem that the dealer cannot correct, the dealer will contact Hunter Marine who will take corrective
measures immediately. The repairs may be of such a nature that the customer will have to return the boat to
manufacturer at his cost.
3) Hunter Marine will not pay for warranty items that should have been covered in a Pre-Delivery Service check.
(See Pre-Delivery Service Check Record.)
4) Hunter Marine will not be responsible for inconveniences, or for losses incurred as a result of defect. Hunter
Marine will take measures to correct only the defect.
5) Hunter Marine will apply a base labor rate of $38.00 per hour for warranty repairs, providing all documentation
on sold boats has been submitted to Hunter Marine. If you or your employee(s) have attended the recent Hunter
Service Training Program and received a Certificate of Training and all documentation has been submitted, the
labor rate will be $54.00 per hour on boats your dealership has sold ($60.00 per hour if a boat your dealership
DID NOT sell). Hunter Marine will allow $5.00 per foot to haul-out, if necessary and approved.
6) Hunter will not assume any responsibility or liability for parts replaced or any work done by others, without
written authorization from Hunter.
7) Photographs are required on all fiberglass warranty work.
8) Warranty work under $200.00 can be done without prior authorization. Any work estimates at more than
$200.00 must have prior approval and receive an authorization number for our records.
9) Warranty claims must be sent in duplicate and must contain the complete hull number and a brief description
of work performed. Labor, parts, materials, and haul-outs must be listed separately. Claims for warranty must be
sent to Hunter Marine not more than thirty (30) days after completion of work, or they may not be honored.

HUNTER MARINE’S OWNER AND FOUNDER
WARREN R. LUHRS
BRIEF BACKGROUND
PAGE 3
Warren Luhrs was born in East Orange,
New Jersey in 1944 into a family with an
established tradition in the maritime and
transportation industries. His great-
grandfather, Henry, was a railroad and
clipper-shipping pioneer in America,
while his great-uncle John helped build
the famous St. Petersburg to Moscow
railroad for Czar Alexander II.
Henry Luhrs owned shares in twenty-
two different ocean-going vessels –
barks, brigs, and schooners - and was
the principal owner of the bark Sophia
R. Luhrs, named for his wife. He was
also a partner with Albert Sprout, who
managed the shipyard where the Sophia
R. Luhrs was built in Melbridge, Maine.
Warren Luhrs’father Henry worked at a
small boat manufacturer in Morgan,
New Jersey, and later started his own
company, continuing the Luhrs’family
sea tradition during the great depres-
sion. During World War II he repaired
boats and installed ice sheathing on
their bows for the Coast Guard.
After the War, Henry built 27-foot fishing
boats and in 1948 began to construct
custom-built pleasure craft. He then
turned to skiffs and in 1952 incorporated
as Henry Luhrs Sea Skiffs, where he
constructed lapstrake sea skiffs using
assembly-line techniques. Henry per-
sonally “shook down”his prototypes on
family trips up the Hudson River to Lake
Champlain.
The sea skiff is a class of boat that has
been very popular, owing to its seawor-
thiness. It features a sharp bow, which
reduces pounding in surf or
choppy seas, and a hull whose forward
section is rounded below the waterline
to increase stability in rough water or a
following sea. Such skiffs can either be
smooth sided or of a lapstrake construc-
tion.
Inspired by Henry Ford, Henry Luhrs’
aimed to give the average man the op-
portunity to enjoy the luxury of boating
by building an affordable and reliable
boat. He was both designer and engi-
neer, and his progressive new models
exhibited his talent for innovation. He
successfully changed the line of the bow
from straight to curved at a time when
the industry trend was a straight square
effect, and he is believed to be the first
designer-builder to popularize a small
boat with a fly bridge.
In 1960, Luhrs acquired the Ulrichsen
Boat Company of Marlboro, New Jer-
sey. It was here that Luhrs’Alura fiber-
glass division was located. In 1965,
Henry sold his company to Bangor Ar-
rostook Railroad, which was to become
the recreational conglomerate Bangor-
Punta. It was also during this period that
Silverton of Tom’s River, New Jersey
was purchased by John and Warren
Luhrs.
Today, Warren R. Luhrs and his brother
John own the Luhrs Group of marine
manufacturers, which consists of Silver-
ton Marine, Mainship Motor Yachts, and
Luhrs Fishing Boats with its Alura divi-
sion, as well as Hunter Marine, which
exclusively manufactures sailboats.
In January of 1996, the Luhrs family
transferred a portion of the Luhrs Group
to its employees through an ESOP pro-
gram.

GLOSSARY OF SAILING TERMS
PAGE
4
A
Aback: describes a sail when the wind
strikes it on the lee side.
Abaft: towards the boat’s stern.
Abeam: at right angles to the center-
line of the boat.
Aft: at or near the stern.
Amidships: the center of the boat,
athwartships and fore and aft.
Anti-fouling: a poisonous paint com-
pound used to protect the underwater
part of a hull from marine growths.
Apparent wind: The direction and
speed of the wind felt by the crew. It
is a combination of true wind and that
created by the movement of the boat.
Astern: behind the boat; to go astern
is to drive the boat in reverse.
Athwartships: at right angles to the
fore and aft line of the boat.
B
Back: when a wind backs, it shifts an-
ticlockwise.
Back a sail: to sheet it to windward
so that the wind fills on the side that
is normally to leeward.
Backstay: a stay that supports the
mast from aft and prevents its forward
movement.
Ballast: extra weight, usually lead or
iron, placed low in the boat or exter-
nally on the keel to provide stability.
Ballast keel: a mass of ballast bolted
to the keel to increase stability and
prevent a keel boat from capsizing.
Batten: a light, flexible strip fed into a
batten pocket at the leech of the sail
to support the roach.
Beam: 1, the maximum breadth of a
boat; 2, a transverse member that
supports the deck; 3, on the beam
means that an object is at right an-
gles to the centerline.
Bear away: to steer the boat away
from the wind.
Bearing: the direction of an object
from an observer, measured in de-
grees true or magnetic.
Beat: to sail a zigzag course towards
the wind, close-hauled on alternate
tacks.
Delay: to make fast a rope around a
cleat, usually with a figure-of-eight
knot.
Bend: 1, to secure a sail to a spar
before hoisting; 2, to moor a boat; 3,
a sleeping place on board.
Bight: a bend or loop in a rope.
Bilge: the lower, round part inside the
hull where the water collects.
Block: a pulley in a wooden or plastic
case, consisting of a sheave around
which a rope runs. It is used to
change the direction of pull.
Boot-topping: a narrow colored
stripe painted between the bottom
paint and the topside enamel.
Bottlescrew: see Rigging screw.
Broach: when a boat running down-
wind slews broadside to the wind and
heels dangerously. It is caused by
heavy following seas or helmsman’s
error.
Broad reach: the point of sailing be-
tween a beam reach and a run, when
the wind blows over a quarter.
Bulkhead: a partition wall in a boat
normally fitted athwartships
C
Caulk: to make the seams between
wooden planks watertight by filling
with cotton, oakum or a compound.
Cavitation: the formation of a vacuum
around a propeller, causing a loss in
efficiency.
Center-board: a board lowered
through a slot in the keel to reduce
leeway.
Center-line: center of the boat in a
fore and aft line.
Center of effort (COE): the point at
which all the forces acting on the sails
are concentrated.
Center of lateral resistance (CLR):
the underwater center of pressure
about which a boat pivots when
changing course.
Chain pawl: a short lug which drops
into a toothed rack to prevent the an-
chor chain running back.
Chain plate: a metal plate bolted to
the boat to which the shrouds or
backstays are attached.
Chart datum: reference level on a
chart below which the tide is unlikely
to fall. Soundings are given below
chart datum. The datum level varies
according to country and area.
Chine: the line where the bottom of
the hull meets the side at an angle.
Cleat: a wooden, metal or plastic fit-
ting around which rope is secured.
Clevis pin: a locking pin through
which a split ring is passed to prevent
accidental withdraw.
Clew: the after, lower center of a sail
where the foot and leech meet.
Close-hauled: the point of sailing
closest to the wind; see also beat.
Close reach: the point of sailing be-
tween close-hauled and a beam
reach, when the wind blows forward of
the beam.
Close-winded: describes a boat able
to sail very close to the wind.
Coaming: the raised structure sur-
rounding a hatch, cockpit, etc., which
prevents water entering.
Cotter pin: soft, metal pin folded back
on itself to form an eye.
Course: the direction in which a ves-
sel is steered, usually given in de-
grees; true, magnetic or compass.
Cringle: 1, a rope loop, found at ei-
ther end of a line of reef points; 2, an
eye in a sail.
D
Dead run: running with the wind blow-
ing exactly aft, in line with the center-
line.
Deviation: the difference between the
direction indicated by the compass
needle and the magnetic meridian;
caused by object aboard.
Displacement: 1, the weight of water
displaced by a boat is equal to the
weight of the boat; 2, a displacement
hull is one that displaces its own
weight in water and is only supported
by buoyancy, as opposed to a plan-
ning hull which can exceed its hull, or
displacement, speed.
Downhaul: a rope fitted to pull down
a sail or spar.
Draft: the vertical distance from the
waterline to the lowest point of the
keel.
Drag: 1, an anchor drags when it fails
to hole; 2, the force of wind on the
sails, or water on the hull, which im-
pedes the boat’s progress.
Drift: 1, to float with the current or
wind; 2, US the speed of a current

GLOSSARY OF SAILING TERMS
PAGE
5
(rate UK); 3, UK: the distance a boat
is carried by a current in a given time.
Drogue: a sea anchor put over the
stern of a boat or life raft to retard drift.
Drop keel: a retractable keel which
can be drawn into the hull, when en-
tering shallow waters and recovering
on to a trailer.
E
Eye of the wind: direction from which
the true wind blows.
F
Fair: well-faired line or surface is
smoother with no bumps, hollows or
abrupt changes in directions.
Fairlead: a fitting through which a line
is run to alter the lead of the line.
Fathom: the measurement used for
depths of water and lengths or rope. 1
fathom = 6 ft. or 1.83m.
Fid: a tapered tool used for splicing
heavy rope and for sail-making, often
hollow.
Fiddle: a raised border for a cabin ta-
ble, chart table etc., to prevent objects
falling off when the boat heels.
Fix: the position of the vessel as plot-
ted from two or more position lines.
Forestay: the foremost stay, running
from the masthead to the stemhead,
to which the headsail is hanked.
Freeboard: vertical distance between
the waterline and the top of the deck.
G
Genoa: a large headsail, in various
sizes, which overlaps the mainsail and
is hoisted in light to fresh winds on all
points of sailing.
Gimbals: two concentric rings, piv-
oted at right angles, which keeps ob-
jects horizontal despite the boat’s mo-
tion, e. g. compass and cooker.
Go about: to turn the boat through the
eye of the wind to change tack.
Gooseneck: the fitting attaching the
boom to the mast, allowing it to move
in all directions.
Goosewing: to boom-out the headsail
to windward on a run by using a
whisker pole to hold the sail on the
opposite side to the mainsail.
Ground tackle: general term used for
anchoring gear.
Guard rail: a metal rail fitted around
the boat to prevent the crew falling
overboard.
Gudgeon: a rudder fitting. It is the eye
into which the pintle fits.
Guy: a steadying rope for a spar; a
spinnaker guy controls the fore and aft
position of the spinnaker pole; the
foreguy holds the spinnaker pole for-
ward and down.
Gybe: to change from one tack to an-
other by turning the stern through the
wind.
H
Halyard: rope used to hoist and lower
sails.
Hank: fitting used to attach the luff of
a sail to a stay.
Hatch: an opening in the deck giving
access to the interior.
Hawes pipe: see Navel pipe.
Head-topwind: when the bows are
pointing right into the wind.
Headfoil: a streamlined surround to a
forestay, with a groove into which a
headsail luff slides.
Heads: the toilet.
Headway: the forward movement of a
boat through the water.
Heave-to: to back the jib and lash the
tiller to leeward; used in heavy
weather to encourage the boat to lie
quietly and to reduce headway.
Heaving line: a light line suitable for
throwing ashore.
Heel: to lean over to one side.
I
Isobars: lines on a weather map join-
ing places of equal atmospheric pres-
sure.
J
Jackstay: a line running fore and aft,
on both sides of the boat, to which
safety harnesses are clipped.
Jury: a temporary device to replace
lost or damaged gear.
K
Keel: the main backbone of the boat
to which a ballast keel is bolted or
through which the centerboard
passes.
Kicking strap: a line used to pull the
boom down, to keep it horizontal, par-
ticularly on a reach or run.
L
Lanyard: a short line attached to one
object, such as a knife, with which it is
secured to another.
Leech: 1, the after edge of a triangle
sail; 2, both side edges of a square
sail.
Leehelm: the tendency of a boat to
bear away from the wind.
Lee shore: a shore on to which the
wind blows.
Leeward: away from the wind; the di-
rection to which the wind blows.
Leeway: the sideways movement of a
boat off its course as a result of the
wind blowing on one side of the sails.
Lifeline: a wire or rope rigged around
the deck to prevent the crew falling
overboard.
Limber holes: gaps left at the lower
end of frames above the keel to allow
water to drain to the lowest point of
the bilges.
List: a boat’s more or less permanent
lean to one side, owing to the im-
proper distribution of weight, e.g., bal-
last or water.
Log: 1, an instrument for measuring a
boat’s speed and distance traveled
through the water; 2, to record in a
book the details of a voyage, usually
distances covered and weather.
Luff: the forward edge of a sail. To luff
up is to turn a boat’s head right into
the wind.
Luff groove: a groove in a wooden or
metal spar into which the luff of a
headsail is fed.
Lurch: the sudden roll of a boat.
M
Marlin spike: a pointed steel or
wooden spike used to open up the
strands of rope or wire then splicing.
Mast Step: the socket in which the
base of the mast is located.
Measured mile: a distance of one
nautical mile measured between
buoys or transits/ranges ashore, and
marked on the chart.

GLOSSARY OF SAILING TERMS
PAGE
6
Member: a part of the skeleton of the
hull, such as a stringer laminated into
fiberglass hull to strengthen it.
Meridian: an imaginary line encircling
the Earth that passes through the
poles and cuts at right angles through
the Equator. All lines of longitude are
meridians.
Mizzen: 1, the shorter, after-mast on a
ketch or yawl; 2, the fore and aft sail
set on this mast.
N
Navel pipe: a metal pipe in the fore-
deck through which the anchor chain
passes to the locker below.
Noon Sight: a vessel’s latitude can
be found, using a sextant, when a
heavenly body on the observer’s me-
ridian is at its greatest altitude. The
sight of the sun at noon is the one
most frequently taken.
O
Off the wind: with the sheets slacked
off, not close-hauled.
On the wind: close-hauled.
Out haul: a rope used to pull out the
foot of a sail.
Overall length (LOA): the boat’s ex-
treme length, measured from the
foremost past of the bow to the after-
most part of the stern, excluding bow-
spirt, self-steering gear etc.
P
Painter: the bow line by which a din-
ghy, or tender, is towed or made fast.
Pintle: a rudder fitting with a long pin
that fits into the gudgeon to form a
hinged pivot for the rudder.
Pitch: 1, the up and down motion of
the bows of a boat plunging over the
waves; 2, the angle of the propeller
blades.
Point of sailing: the different angles
from which a boat may sail; the boat’s
course relative to the direction of the
wind.
Port: the left-hand side of the boat,
looking forward (opp. of starboard).
Port tack: a boat is on a port tack
when the wind strikes the port side
first and the mainsail is out to star-
board. A boat on the port tack gives
way to a boat on a starboard tack.
Position line/ Line of position: a line
drawn on a chart, as a result of taking
a bearing, along which the boat’s posi-
tion must be i.e. Two position lines
give a fix.
Pulpit: a metal guard rail fitted at the
bows of a boat to provide safety for
the crew.
Pushpit: a metal guard rail fitted at
the stern.
Q
Quarter: the portion of the boat mid-
way between the stern and the beam;
on the quarter means about 45 de-
grees abaft the beam.
R
Rake: the fore and aft deviation from
the perpendicular of a mast or other
feature of a boat.
Range: 1, see transit; 2, of tides, the
difference between the high and low
water levels of a tide; 3, the distance
at which a light can be seen.
Rating: a method of measuring cer-
tain dimensions of a yacht to enable it
to take part in handicap races.
Reach: to sail with the wind approxi-
mately on the beam; all sailing points
between running and close-hauled.
Reef: to reduce the sail area by fold-
ing or rolling surplus material on the
boom or forestay.
Reefing pennant: strong line with
which the luff or leech cringle is pulled
down to the boom when reefing.
Rhumb line: a line cutting all meridi-
ans at the same angle; the course fol-
lowed by a boat sailing in a fixed di-
rection.
Riding light to anchor light: an all-
around white light, usually hoisted on
the forestay, to show that a boat under
50 ft. (15m.)is at anchor. It must be
visible for 2 mls. (3 km.).
Rigging screw: a deck fitting with
which the tensions of standing rigging,
e.g. stays, shrouds, etc. are adjusted.
Roach: the curved part of the leech of
a sail that extends beyond the direct
line from head to clew.
Run: to run with the wind aft and with
the sheets eased well out.
Running rigging: all the moving
lines, such as sheets and halyards,
used in the setting and trimming of
sails.
S
Scope: the length of rope or cable
paid out when mor anchoring.
Scuppers: 1, holes in the toe rail that
allow water to drain off the deck; 2,
drain cockpit through hull.
Seacock: a valve that shuts off an
underwater inlet or outlet passing
through the hull.
Seize: to bind two ropes together, or a
rope to a spar, with a light line.
Serve: to cover and protect a splice or
part of a rope with twine bound tightly
against the lay.
Serving mallet: tool with a grooved
head, used when serving a rope to
keep the twine at a constant and high
tension.
Set: 1, to hoist a sail; 2, the way in
which the sails fit; 3, the direction of
tidal current or steam.
Shackle: a metal link with a remov-
able bolt across the end; of various
shapes: D, U.
Sheave: a grooved wheel in a block
or spar for a rope to run on.
Sheet: the rope attached to the clew
of a sail or to the boom, enabling it to
be controlled or trimmed.
Shrouds: ropes or wires, usually in
pairs, led from the mast to the chain
plates at deck level to prevent the
mast falling sideways; part of the
standing rigging.
Sloop: a single-masted sailing boat
with a mainsail and one head sail.
Spar: a general term for any wooden
or metal pole, e.g., mast or boom,
used to carry or give shape to sails.
Spindrift: spray blown along the sur-
face of the sea.
Spinnaker: a large, light, balloon
shaped sail set when reaching or run-
ning.
Splice: to join ropes or wire by unlay-
ing the strands and interweaving
them.
Split pin: see cotter pin.
Spreaders: horizontal struts attached
to the mast, which extends to the
shrouds and help to support the mast.

GLOSSARY OF SAILING TERMS
PAGE
7
Stall: a sail stalls when the airflow
over it breaks up, causing the boat to
lose way.
Stanchion: upright metal post bolted
to the deck to support guardrails or
lifelines.
Standing part: the part of a line not
used when making a knot; the part of
a rope that is made fast, or around
which the knot is tied.
Standing rigging: the shrouds and
stays that are permanently set up and
support the mast.
Starboard: right-hand side of a boat
looking forward (opp. of port).
Starboard tack: a boat is the star-
board tack when the wind strikes the
starboard side first and the boom is
out to the port.
Stay: wire or rope which supports the
mast in a fore and aft direction; part of
the standing rigging.
Steerage way: a boat has steerage
way when it has sufficient speed to al-
low it to be steered, or to answer the
helm.
Stem: the timer at the bow, from the
keel upward, to which the planking is
attached.
Sternway: the backward, stern-first
movement of a boat.
Stringer: a fore and aft member, fitted
to strengthen the frames.
T
Tack: 1, the lower forward corner of a
sail; 2, to turn the boat through the
wind so that it blows on the opposite
sides of the sails.
Tacking: working to windward by sail-
ing close-hauled on alternate courses
so that the wind is first on one side of
the boat, then on the other.
Tack pennant: a length of wire with
an eye in each end, used to raise the
tack of a headsail some distance off
the deck.
Tackle: a purchase system compris-
ing of rope and blocks that is used to
gain mechanical advantage.
Tang: a strong metal fitting by which
standing rigging is attached to the
mast or other spar.
Tender of dinghy: a small boat used
to ferry stores and people to a yacht.
Terminal fitting: fitting at the end of a
wire rope by which a shroud or stay
can be attached to the mast, a tang or
a rigging screw/ turnbuckle.
Tide: the vertical rise and fall of the
oceans caused by the gravitational at-
traction of the moon.
Toe rail: a low strip of metal or mold-
ing running around the edge of the
deck.
Topping lift: a line from the masthead
to a spar, normally the boom, which is
used to raise it.
Topsides: the part of a boat’s hull that
is above the waterline.
Track: 1, the course a boat has made
good; 2, a fitting on the mast or boom
into which the slides on a sail fit; 3, a
fitting along which a traveller runs,
used to alter the angle of the sheets.
Transit: two fixed objects are in tran-
sit when seen in line; two transit give
position fix.
Traveller: 1, a ring or hoop that can
be hauled along a spar; 2, a fitting that
slides in a track and is used to alter
the angle of the sheets.
Trim: 1, to adjust the angle of the
sails, by means of sheets, so that they
work most efficiently; 2, to adjust the
boat’s load, and thus the fore and aft
angle at which it floats.
True wind: the direction and speed of
the wind felt when stationary, at an-
chor or on land.
Turnbuckle: see Rigging screw.
U
Under way: a boat is under way when
it is not made fast to shore, at anchor
or aground.
Uphaul: a line used to raise some-
thing vertically, e.g., the spinnaker
pole.
V
Veer: 1, the wind veers when it shifts
in clockwise direction; 2, to pay out
anchor cable or rope in a gradual,
controlled way.
W
Wake: the disturbed water left astern
of a boat.
Waterline: the line along the hull at
which a boat floats.
Waterline length (WL): the length of
a boat from stem to stern at the water-
line. It governs the maximum speed of
displacement hull and effects a boats
rating.
Weather helm: ( opp. of lee helm).
Weather side: the side of a boat on
which the wind is blowing.
Wetted surface: the area of the hull
under water.
Whisker pole: a light pole used to
hold out the clew of a headsail when
running.
Winch: a mechanical device, consist-
ing usually of a metal drum turned by
a handle, around which a line is
wound to give the crew more purchas-
ing power when hauling taut a line,
e.g. a jib sheet.
Windage: those parts of a boat that
increase drag, e.g., rigging, spars,
crew, etc.
Windlass: a winch with a horizontal
shaft and a vertical handle, used to
haul up the anchor chain.
Windward: the direction from which
the wind blows; towards the wind
(opp. of leeward).
Y
Yawl: a two masted boat with a miz-
zen stepped aft of the rudder stock/
post.

EXPLANATION OF SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
PAGE
8
This manual contains safety precautions that must be observed when operating or
servicing your boat.
Review and understand these instructions.
Denotes an extreme intrinsic hazard exists which would
result in high probability of death or irreparable injury if proper
precautions are not taken
Denotes a hazard exists which can result in injury or death if
proper precautions are not taken
Denotes a reminder of safety practices or directs attention to
unsafe practices which could result in personal injury or dam-
age to the craft or components

SAFE BOATINGTIPS
PAGE
9
BE PREPARED
Take a safe boating course. In the U.S.,
contact your local Boating Industry for de-
tails.
Carry all safety equipment required by the
laws that apply to your area. Require-
ments are generally available from the
Coast Guard or your local boating indus-
try.
As the owner of the craft, obtain-
ing and maintaining necessary
safety equipment is your responsi-
bility. For more information about
equipment required, contact local
boating authorities
MINIMUM RECOMMENDED SAFETY EQUIPMENT
 Required life saving equipment, includ-
ing life vests and throwables
 Required fire extinguishing equipment
 First Aid kit
 Emergency Position Indicating Radio
Beacon (EPIRB)
 Manual bailing device
 Anchor with sufficient line and/or chain
 Flashlight with good batteries
 Binoculars
 VHF radio
 Appropriate navigational charts
 Flares
 Fog bell
 Noise emitting device
 Radar reflector
 Sufficient food and water provisions
 Auxiliary starting battery
 Spare fuses and bulbs
 Sunglasses and block
 Blanket
The legally required on-board safety
equipment may vary by region or body of
water. Please check with local authorities
prior to departure for a safety examination.
LIFE JACKETS
A life jacket may save your life, but only if
you wear it. Keep jackets in a readily ac-
cessible place –not in a closed compart-
ment or stored under other gear. Remove
them from any packaging, and keep
throwable floatation devices ready for im-
mediate use.
It is very important that children, handi-
capped people, and non-swimmers wear
lifejackets at all times. Make sure all
passengers are properly instructed in
use of life saving gear
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Approved fire extinguishers are required
on most boats, local authorities can pro-
vide details. All passengers should know
the location and operating procedure of
each fire extinguisher. Fire extinguishers
are normally classified according to fire
type. Be familiar with the type of fire extin-
guishers you have on board.
Some boats have been equipped with an
Automatic Fire Extinguisher). In the event of
a fire in your engine compartment, this unit will
automatically discharge. Please read your SEA-
FIRE manual for operating instructions, mainte-
nance and precautionary information.

SAFE BOATINGTIPS
PAGE
10
FLARES
Most boats operating on coastal waters
are required to carry approved visual
distress signals, therefore check with
your local authorities as to which types
are required.
FIRE/EXPLOSION HAZARD; Pyro-
technic signaling devices can cause
injury and property damage if not
handled properly. Follow manufac-
turer’s directions regarding the
proper use of signaling devices.
DRUGS AND BOATING
Consumption of alcohol while boating is
not recommended. The combination of
noise, sun, wind, and motion act to pro-
duce fatigue on the water, and can ex-
aggerate the effects of alcohol.
IMPAIRED OPERATION HAZARD
Operating any boat while is intoxicated
or under the influence of drugs is both
dangerous and illegal. Impaired vision
or judgment on the water can lead to
accidents and personal injury
BEFORE GETTING UNDERWAY
 Leave a float plan (example on
p. 13)
 Perform a pre-departure check-
list (example on p. 12)
 Check the weather. Do not ven-
ture out if the weather is, or will
be, threatening.
WHILE UNDERWAY
 Keep a good lookout. Keep a
watch to the leeward under the
headsail. Keep away from
swimmers, divers, and skiers.
 Know and obey local boating
laws.
 Respect bad weather, and be
prepared for quickly changing
conditions.
COLLISION HAZARD
Use extra caution in shallow water or
where underwater/floating objects may
be present. Hitting an object at speed or
severe angle can seriously injure people
and damage your boat

PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST
PAGE
11
Check bilge for extra water
Check weather conditions and tides
Check food supply
Foul weather gear
Linen, sleeping bags
Fuel
Water
Sunscreens and sunglasses
Tools
Docking and anchor gear
Check radio operations
Navigation charts and instruments
Float plans to a friend or Coast Guard (see next page)
Fuel for stove
Cooking and eating utensils
Check battery water level
Oil level, tight Vp-belts
Check for loose electrical connections in engine compartment
Secure tools or any loose equipment in engine compartment so as
not to get fouled in engine
AC systems off; electrical cord stowed
Doors and drawers secured
Check steering lock to lock
Check mast for rigging irregularities and tightness
Halyards and sheets are clear and ready to run
No lines or other obstructions near propeller or bow
Anchor ready to run
Check lifelines for tightness
Turn on fuel and waterlines
Stow all loose gear
Open engine cooling water intake thru-hull valve

FLOAT PLAN
PAGE
12
1. Name of person reporting and telephone number:
2. Description of boat
NAME TYPE
MAKE LENGTH REGISTRATION#
HULL COLOR STRIPE COLOR DECK COLOR
OTHER DISTINGUISHING MARKS
3. Number of Persons aboard
NAME AGE PHONE #
ADDRESS
NAME AGE PHONE #
ADDRESS
NAME AGE PHONE #
ADDRESS
4. Engine
TYPE H.P. FUEL CAPACITY
5. Safety equipment
PFDs Flares Mirror Flashlight
Food Water EPIRB Raft/Dinghy
6. Radio
TYPE FREQUENCIES
7. Trip Expectations
DEPARTURE TIME DATE FROM
DESTINATION RETURN DATE NO LATER THAN
8. Automobile:
LICENSE # STATE MAKE
COLOR PARKED AT
9. If not returned by-
Contact the Coast Guard or-
CALL - AT-

AFTER SAILING CHECKLIST
PAGE
13
When leaving your Hunter at the dock
for more than a short time, it is a good
idea to review the following checklist to
make sure everything is in order. This
will help protect the various parts of your
boat and add considerably to their at-
tractiveness and usable life.
Flake or furl mainsail and cover, or remove and bag.
Remove and stow all portable deck hardware such as snatch blocks, winch
handles, etc.
Secure the boom to the topping lifts and set it firmly amidships with the main
sheet purchase. (It is also a good idea to rig a line from the steering wheel or
tiller to a convenience cleat to keep the rudder from swinging back and forth
with the motion of the water or employ the wheel brake if so equipped.)
Attach the shackle ends of all halyards to convenient fittings and take up
slack. Find a location leading away from the mast to keep the halyard from
slapping the mast.
Coil and stow all lines in line lockers
Cover the winches and steering pedestal when leaving the boat for several
days or more
Close all fuel lines and seacocks
Switch off the electrical system
Pump out the bilge
Check air vents, secure ports and hatches, swab the deck, and clean deck
stainless, particularly if you have operated in saltwater.
Make a final check of mooring lines, chafing gear, fenders, etc.