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Review of the Hunter 25_73-83 by Janel Chrestenson

Year built 1977  
Location of boat San Francisco Bay, California  
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 1999  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. Great value for the money.  
Gear that's been added Fixed VHF mast antenna. Stern antenna just not good enough. Redo dodger, exterior canvas, interior foam and upholstery/curtains. New water ttank and foot pump for galley sink. New compass, GPS, wind speed indicator, Hummingbird Fish Finder, depth gauge, interior cabinets, dual battery system/new electrical, new portapottie w/exterior pumpout, remove stern rail for ease i motoring, automatic throttle control, autopilot, adjustable back stay, new running rigging, lexsan hatch and new teak hatchboards, new full adjustable batten main, new blade. Hauled out and did keel and rudder work. No blisters. Install stereo system and small TV.  
Structural or complex improvements Just adjustable back stay and remove stern rail.  
The boat's best features She's a great beer can/plastic classic racer. She's quick to respond and can handle some pretty intense weather conditions on SF Bay. She's good on sort weekend trips and day trips although never meant to be a liveaboard. She's low maintenance and easy to take out on a whim. The Johnson 9.9 with 15hp carb really works well. More than adequate storage although not very well organized.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I've read other Hunter 25 evaluations and we all seem to have the same negative comments. Cockpit drains are really bad. Headroom is an issue with tall people and  
Sailing characterisitcs I race on larger boats as crew. I just wanted a  
Motoring characterisitcs Running with a new Johnson 9.9 w/15hp carb. Installed automatic throttle control which wasn't expensive and removed stern rail for easier access. Have adjustable spring motor mount for adjusting trim easily. She motors well and turns on a dime. As long as trim is correctly adjusted, runs off tiller without any problems in forward or reverse. No problems even when under sail. Heavy weather was a little tough when motor was out of the water but then again, that's to be expected.  
Liveability I certainly would never live aboard this boat. It's just too small. I suppose you could if you really wanted to but I wouldn't recommend it.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I tried to get replacement manuals and got nowhere. I also tried to get a new gooseneck and got nowhere. So I can't say my experience with them has been satisfactory. I do realize that a 1977 is a bit old but after all, they are built to last -- right? So I don't understand why they can't refer me to a source of some sort for manuals and a major integral part for the boat as a gooseneck. Aftermarket parts aren't easy to come by either as I've found. It would be nice to have a list of resources in this regard.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Private party purchase.  
Other comments  

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