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Review of the Hunter 23.5 by Mike Marks

Year built 1992  
Location of boat Morehead City, NC  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1992  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. This boat has more than exceeded our expectations. We were one of the first buyers of the Hunter 23.5 (Hull#50). My wife and I had looked at the Magregor 26(water ballast) and the Catalina 22 prior to our decision and felt that the Hunter offered much more of what we were looking for in quality of construction,roominess, price and trailerability. We have not been disappointed. After five seasons of exploring the backwaters of coastal North Carolina, our Hunter 23.5 is still a joy. Because of our continued satisfaction with this boat design, we have begun to consider moving up to the Hunter26.(My wife would love the standing headroom offered in the Hunter26).We currently trailer the boat with a Jeep Cherokee with 6 cylinder engine.  
Gear that's been added Yes. VHS, storm anchor with 200'of 1/2 nylon rode, cockpit awning, compass, 30amp shore power with 2 receptacles inside, 12v dc fan, window curtains,carpet.  
Structural or complex improvements No.  
The boat's best features Shoal draft capability. We love the ability to "gunkhole" in areas most sailboats would only dream about. Also, if the skipper is not paying close attention to the channel markers, the crew can raise centerboard and rudder and "kedge off" before someone is embarrassed!Trailerability. Water ballast makes it simple. No need for continued bottom jobs on this one. Although we have painted her bottom with anti-foulant paint, and kept it in the water one summer, we prefer to trailer store it. This works out great when hurricanes are looming.Roominess. The cockpit is huge. Plenty of room below if you keep her organized.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The Boat.Although we have sailed for five seasons with mostly stock equipment, there are several things that could really make this boat much better. Larger and more cleats are needed. Roller furling of headsail due to tenderness of boat with winds above 15 knots. Another reef point in the mainsail. Better gelcoat work.(We have made several repairs around the bow and anchor well). Mainsail traveler.Drainage for cockpit lockers.I think that Hunter is aware that these additions would be nice, but would increase cost to the base price making it less marketable. Luckily, most of this can be added at a later time. This is what we plan to do now that the boat is payed for.Trailer.This is the real "achilles heel" of this package. The trailer is absolutely lousy. We've had repeated problems with it. I think Hunter tried to keep cost to a minimum at the expense of good judgement. We lost a complete wheel the first year we had the boat on a return trip from Manteo, NC. Could have been a real tragedy for someone! Hunter payed for all cost of repairs including towing. Another time on a return trip from New Bern, NC we experienced a blown tire due to the axle not being cambered properly. This was admitted by Hunter, who quickly sent me a replacement axle at no charge. I have never felt secure pulling this trailer. We now keep the boat stored in Morehead City because of our reluctance to trailer it anymore than necessary. I hope that Hunter is making future clients aware of this problem and is recommending the tandem-axle trailer currently used with the Hunter26. I plan to replace this trailer with a tandem-axle one if we decide to start pursuing more distant waters.  
Sailing characterisitcs It took some time to get use to the tenderness and ease of heeling you experience with winds above 15 knots. At first I thought the boat was going over! We have just learned to live with its limitations. As I stated above, with the addition of some performance gear, the boat would more likely perform better in stronger winds. Its great in light winds(5 to 12 Knots). Its difficult for me to compare it to other displacement sailing boats. This is the only one I have ever sailed. My previous sailing has been on a Hobie Cat and small dingy.  
Motoring characterisitcs Great. I am able to manuever the boat without any problems. I currently have a 8hp Tohatzu. It has been a great motor. I have not had one problem with this motor in five years. I would, however, be inclined to go with a 9.9hp 4 stroke if I decide to replace it in the future. At times we do as much motoring as we do sailing and the additional horsepower, in some of the waterways we encounter, would be nice. Also, the more quiet running 4 stroke would be a nice improvement.  
Liveability We have spent many weekends and some extended vacations on this boat. We currently have two daughters that have grown up on our boat. They are currently seven and eight years old. They have been sailing with us since we have had the boat. With the proper planning we have been able to cruise in comfort(except for the rare, occasional 80 degree night with high humidity and no wind!).As long as we have ice and fresh water, we can survive. When these two items run out, it's time to head home or at least to the closest marina.North Carolina offers some of the greatest protected waters in North America. It would take years to explore all of its marshes, bays and tributaries. This boat with its shoal draft, "liveability" and "trailerability" gives me and my family the ability to experience what most people only read about.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Good. They have stood behind their warranty on the trailer.This is the only time I have dealt with them directly.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any American Marine, Moneta, VA. These guys do a great job.  
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