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Review of the Hunter 25.5 by Greg Phillips

Year built 1986  
Location of boat Erie, PA  
The boat is sailed on The Great Lakes  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2002  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, we have absolutely enjoyed every moment aboard. A fine first boat for the novice sailer.  
Gear that's been added Harken deck organizer to replace original Rutgerson model. New Main with additional roach for some added drive. All new cushions. New Rutgerson traveller car.  
Structural or complex improvements Unfortunately I had a bad meeting with an underwater hazard earlier this spring and tore the rudder off at the lower gudgeon. The bolts came completely through the transom. I had to completely reconstruct about a 5"x8" area on the lower transom using West System and several layers of fiberglass. It was time consuming but not beyond the capability of a patient owner who takes the time to follow the West System guidelines. I did add a small backing plate in the aft compartment for some additional strength.  
The boat's best features Being a new owner and really a novice sailor, I find this boat fairly easy to handle. The setup provides that all sail control is within arms reach of the helm and leaves very little clutter in the large cockpit. Down below there is plenty of storage space under the V berth, Aft compartment, under the sink and counter top, and on both Port and Starboard bulkheads. Performance wise the boat easily sails to hull speed given the right conditions and sail plan. In fact we have sustained 7.4K on the reach in 12-15K winds and heeling angle of just over 20 degrees.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Given the age of the boat and considering the conditions that exist during winter, you can understand some of the stress it has to endure under storage. Small stress cracks in the cockpit sole from expansion and contraction can, under certain heavy rains result in drips in the aft compartment. The toe rail probably could be lifted and refitted to stop a few drips but at this point the inconveince doesn't motivate me enough to tackle that major task. The design of the cabin seats prevents me from being able to simply lift out the floor boards for reconditioning without tearing the cabin down. The sliding cabin top has punched a small quarter sized hole in the coach roof that allows drips of water to enter the cabin when it rains heavy. This should be an easy fix with some West System filler or 3M 5500.  
Sailing characterisitcs The boat really performs to spec. but can be rigged to give you a bit more. As with other boats it has its favored side when on a close reach but generally performs well on either tack. Downwind I seem to flounder on a broad reach when the boat starts to roll and it can be frustrating for the sail trimmer. I have been racing this year and remain competitive with boats of similar size and larger, regardless of PHRF.  
Motoring characterisitcs We have a Yanmar inboard diesel that eats oil, and seems to be a bit underpowered. One reason for this is probably the result of the previous owner installing a feathering prop. We generally motor at 4k with 2000rpm. I haven't really had to boost it any higher. Unfortunately, the previous owner could not locate the engine manual so I don't have the specs. on this engine. If I was to guess we probably could get 5.5K at 2700-3000rpm.  
Liveability Comfortable for 2 adults, cramped with 4. You can do a 2-3 day live aboard. After that given the water capacity and portable head you have to find somewhere to pumpout and refill H2O. Sleeping in the V-berth can get cramped if you are taller than 5'10" and the aft berth can get quite warm if the temperature is up. Though it does have a bit more room. The portside fold down bunk will handle even the tallest individual and can be the most comfortable spot on the boat. Plenty of storage for supplies and personal items and the small alcohol stove works great. The ice chest can be packed full but the drain leads to the bilge under the floor boards so watch for the water. Large cockpit for stretching out with a book or to enjoy cocktails and a sunset.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any  
Other comments  

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