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Review of the Hunter 23.5 by Jim Nimocks

Year built 1993  
Location of boat Merritt Island, FL  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength less than 10 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1994  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes  
Gear that's been added We rigged her for racing, that is put on the tackle for a spinnaker and an  
Structural or complex improvements No, we left the craft essentially as she came from the factory. The changes we made were according to the specifications in the owner's manual for downwind work.  
The boat's best features The boat is a compromise between a reasonable light air sailboat that can reasonable be towed behind most vehicles and something that still performs under most conditions.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. She is difficult if not impossible to sail in air over 18-20 kts without a steady hand and serious main sail reefing. We have raced her in heavier air (15-18 kts) and discovered that she goes to windward without a main as well or better as with one. Without careful balancing of the head sail and main sail she spends all her time trying to round up. Needless to say, we reef real early. Downwind in light air (less that 8 kts) she almost always needs some sort of additonal head sail. In heavier air (10-12 kts) we use a small cruising chute and a close eye on the tell-tail. She is much more tender that our previous 23 with a wing keel but much easier to haul and launch.  
Sailing characterisitcs See above  
Motoring characterisitcs  
Liveability For a smaller trailer sailer she is very roomy and comfortable for a family of two adults and two small children. We've added only a radio and a small fan for additional comfort in warm weather.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) We have ordered various parts through Hunter and they have been great to deal with.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any We bought the boat through Whitney Mrine in Jacksonville, FL and they were very easy to deal with.  
Other comments  

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