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Review of the Hunter 25_73-83 by L and W

Year built 1979  
Location of boat Lake Travis, Austin, TX  
The boat is sailed on 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, it is a perfect size for lake sailing, and according to John Cherubini II, was built to be a small cruiser, not a large dayboat. Also according to Mr. Cherubini II, the '73 thru '81 models were well-built with oversight from John Cherubini himself. The cabin is pretty roomy for a small boat, with nice woodwork, a sink, a stove, etc. We love the lines - it has a traditional look.  
Gear that's been added Added a battery charger with overcharge cut-off, a second marine battery, CD Stereo system and various decorative items such as magazine rack, mirror, oil lamps and a spice rack for the galley.  
Structural or complex improvements None so far. I am planning to add an anchor roller, but there is so little room for'd of the anchor locker, I will have to get pretty creative. Added a 12V water pump and electric switch to the galley to feed fresh water from my temporary 6 gallon jerry can to a conventional faucet at the sink.  
The boat's best features We love the miniaturized versions of some larger cruising boat appointments such as a private head (the porta-potty area has cabinets, shelves and doors - you can pee in private), galley with two-burner stove, sink that drains out the bilge, and stowage, and private V-berth with closing pocket doors and deck hatch. The interior was maximized at the expense of cockpit space.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The original fresh water "tank" (a flexible bladder tank) lays directly under the cockpit and is very hard to access. I need to replace it and re-plumb with fresh water lines, but I'm afraid of getting stuck below the cockpit - may have to cut out some fiberglass to make more room. The anchor locker hatch is old and cracks when you step on it. The cockpit doesn't drain completely - there are usually two cups of water standing in the cockpit after a rain. Other than that, the boat is bone dry in the cabin and bilge.  
Sailing characterisitcs The H25 definitely has weather helm in gusty conditions or in winds of over 12 knots. I like that, however, because her natural tendency is to round up when overpowered. Because our sails are a little blown out, she will only point to about 48 degrees off the true wind. She loves a beam reach, and is very happy off the wind. She heels fairly easily to about 20 degrees in a blow, but stiffens up there. I have not yet been able to get the lee rail in the water.  
Motoring characterisitcs Very hard to steer in reverse! The rudder post is well forward in the rudder, so most of the rudder blade works against you when steering in reverse. There have been several times that the tiller was yanked out of my grasp when backing out of the slip! This is probably typical with many fin keel/spade rudder boats. Going forward, she's just fine.  
Liveability For a 25-footer, this HAS to be one the most "comfy" boats I've seen down below. It is truly a "mini-cruiser". My wife and I are not tall; I have to stoop about 2" when down below and she can stand up straight. I wish that Cherubini had designed a more evenly loaded cockpit stowage scheme. The starboard locker is deep - I have two marine batteries, trash can, fishing poles, boat hook and six-gallon water jug stowed there. On the port side, there is only a shallow dry-storage locker (line locker?), so the boat lists a little to starboard.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I have called Hunter directly asking for some "historical" advice on the original fresh-water system. They were helpful, but did not have access to the original specs.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any My dealer, the Sailboat Shop of Austin, TX, was very helpful, made me a good deal, and threw in a free launching.  
Other comments This is the largest boat I've owned to date (I know, I know, its only a 25!). I'm very glad that I learned to sail on smaller daysailers. All of the same sailing skills apply, of course, but on a 4400 lb. boat, things happen slower and more powerfully. The H25 is a friendly step up for me. I've chartered 32 and 36 foot boats, and they are super solid feeling. Our H25 feels more like those larger boats than a small lightweight boat.  

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