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Review of the Hunter 23.5 by Roger Moore

Year built 1995  
Location of boat Sarasota, FL  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1995  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. It's a roomy, beamy, weatherly boat that handles great and is very stable in even lousy weather. We have given it lots of use and some pretty serious tests (storms) and it has come through with flying colors.  
Gear that's been added Added a second jib, a working storm jib that improves handling in moderate to higher breezes. Added a windscoop, forward hatch bugscreen, built a main hatch screen door, added cubbies for binoculars, magazines, gps, etc., to the sink island.  
Structural or complex improvements  
The boat's best features Ease of use and stability under sail are its best features.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The trailer is scrap metal, and has been, almost since we drove it from the dealer. Lights failed on the way to our first sailing. Cross-members (galv.) have broken. Coupler has rusted up completely. Thrid wheel winch failed. Retrieval winch is not really built to pull that much weight with a strap, it folded up like an accordion, as has its replacement. And the trailer itself sags toward the stern. Double-axles were called for.  
Sailing characterisitcs Best in light airs, bombs along in 15 knot breezes. Could stand a second reef in the main. A storm jib really helps even out the strain on the forestay.  
Motoring characterisitcs Tohatsu leaks fuel like nobody's business. 5 hp is barely enough to move it. Trading it for a 4 stroke and soon.  
Liveability We've done long weekends and it has plenty of room, though not enough battery power to allow us to use the lights as much as we'd like. Comfortable bow berth. Stern one is sseriously claustrophobic.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Pretty good. They took care of the one shortcoming the boat had, coming from the dealer.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Bought from American Marine in Va. They charged too much to service the off-brand motor, but aside from that, no worries.  
Other comments  

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