Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 23 by Tom Belastock

Year built 1986  
Location of boat Kingston, MA  
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 solo  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2000  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, because it's my first boat and I'm comfortable sailing it. Each time I sail it gives me more of an idea of the ideal sailboat I hope I'll live long enough to be able to afford to buy in the future.  
Gear that's been added I've added a roller furler and the assorted hardware required to run all the sail controls back to the cockpit. Also a depth finder (Humminbird 100 fishfinder), works create for just $ 100.- ! New 5 HP Mercury (2 cycle) Outboard motor with charging system. (I should have bought a 8 or 9.9hp).  
Structural or complex improvements No, everything seems to be pretty solid.  
The boat's best features The quick response. It handles well regardless of the heading. I can sail closer to the wind than other boats. It looks like a sailboat (not a camper for the water).  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The rudder assembly has weak points in the welds of the housing portion. I've had to get it welded once already and expect that having it welded periodically will become part of the maintenance. I'm thinking about "beefing up" the stressed areas of the housing with thicker aluminum plates to eliminate the need/worry of having to reweld.  
Sailing characterisitcs It's been a blast. I'm learning about sailing from the school of hard knocks. I haven't killed myself or anyone else yet and each time I sail I learn more about the boat and have more respect regarding what the boat can and can't do. I can sail it like a sailfish or a small cruiser depending on the conditions.  
Motoring characterisitcs The boat handles well with a 5hp outboard in normal conditions but could use more horse power when motoring with a strong wind.  
Liveability I haven't spent time living on the boat so I can't comment on this subject although it seems to have adequate room to accomadate 2 people comfortably.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I've had only a few communications with Hunter regarding where to get certain information or parts and they've been very helpful.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any No, I purchased the boat from a private party.  
Other comments I don't have any regrets in purchasing this boat.  

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