HUNTER FORMULA ONE POTENTIAL PROBLEMS

The F1 were built in the  80's so all boats have been around a while.

Things to look out for.

STANCHIONS

Check for movement in the base plates. They are fixed under deck with small washers and a nut that are not fit for purpose. If the bases are loose they let water in. On all my F1’s I removed all stanchions and re-bedded fixing with large penny washers or purpose make plates in stainless steel.

PULL PIT

The rear base plates on pull-pit are small in diameter and fixed with single small diameter thru bolt a small washer and nut. Due to this poor fixing the pulpit will eventually start to move. This movement breaks the gel coat, water gets in and rots the timber backing. I have added additional plates underneath the original plate to provide more bearing on the foredeck and a large fixing plate and washer under the foredeck.

SHROUD CHAIN PLATES

Shroud chain plates are thru deck.  If not well sealed then water will ingress, the water will sit on the inner deck and rot the bulkhead that the chain plates fix too. This is one of the main problems and needs a good check before purchase. Check both sides.  It is fixable- to what extent depends on how rotten it is. One boat had to have the entire bulkhead and inner foredeck replaced. This is a big one if let go the bulkhead cracks at the turn of the bilge where it is very narrow, the tension on the shrouds pull on the chain plates compress the hull at this point. Again all fixable. Many boats have fitted large inspection hatches on both sides close to this bulkhead.

REAR BULKHEAD

There is a bulkhead under the cockpit sole that separates the rear compartment and the cabin area. This is a potential rot area if not looked after. Water ingress from the lazerette gets trapped against the bulk head on the rear compartment side. This part of the hull is accessible only through the lazarette but only for smaller framed people and those who do not suffer from claustrophobia, believe me I’ve been there!!  I have always cut a small hatch from inside under the sole for inspection and any water removal .

Mast FOOT

Looking Internally under where the mast foot sits there is a timber block that I have known to rot so that’s a point to check from inside. 

WINCHES

Check for play in the Winches . These are often neglected and should be serviced regularly. I have known one on an F1 to part with the body whilst under load. Dangerous!!

SHEAVES

If the mast is down check the sheave for the spinnaker as I have now had two F1’s that have worn the sheave out. You only find out when you can’t drop the kite. Annoying!! I think this is due to the fact we mainly raise and drop to port for around the cans racing at Rutland.

OBVIOUS ONES

Then the obvious things like sails, standing and running rigging, original or modern deck fittings.

Mast and boom condition. 

Old or new keel winch.

Original or updated main sheet track.

Jib cars, 2 or 4 with the boat? These are £70 each!!

Keel condition. Keel top condition.

Inner deck condition. Early boats have ¼” ply lower decks (bunks etc) and are a little fragile. Older boats have 3/8” lower deck and are more solid.

So there are a few problems but all can be rectified. They are laid up with Kevlar so really strong boats that just need a bit of TLC

That’s it. Hope it helps. Any questions let me know.

Happy Hunting

Cheers

Nick