Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 23 by Daniel lewis

Year built 1985  
Location of boat Des Moines, WA  
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 solo  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2004  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? I bought my hunter when i was 18 and it is an incredible boat for the money. It is incredibly hard to buy a boat that is trailerable, has good livability and also sails well. I feel that this boat dose all well.  
Gear that's been added I have been upgrading my hunter for over 3 years. I remodeled the galley, moved it from the starboard side the the port side. put a wine celler in it that holds 12 bottles of wine, "enought to get me threw a long weekend" I installed a holding tank for the new 12x14 sink. I moved the electical pannel so people dont kick it anymore when geting in and out of the cabin. i added a stereo with 4 speakers, mp3 player, flash compatable. I took out the table that takes up the whole cabin, and moved it to the port side just aft of the galley. "it folds up and down so it isn't in the way yet I can still use the qutar berth to sleep. I made new hatch boards, re stained the whole interior with cherry stain to get rid of any scratches. I installed a 12 volt 120 volt cooler to keep beer and mixers cold while at the dock. took out the holes under the seats and put in cabinets so they are easily accessable. I have a barbeque to hang off the back, adjustible back stay, spinnaker, bow spirt, mast raising system, "up in 6 minutes or less" I have raymarine tiller pilot, 2 optama marinea battries.  
Structural or complex improvements I built a mast raising system to raise and lower the mast with 1 line. I moved the galley just aft of the port bulk head  
The boat's best features I like the looks, the shalow draft, pop up hatch. and the drop in price over the last 20 years that made it afordable for me to own this boat.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I feel that the wing keel is not up to par when it comes to sailing up wind in heavy seas and wind. boat is very light and slips alot. the cock pit seats are very uncomfritible. sailing is ok but motoring is not comfritible at all. the sink was to small to wash a wine glass let alone a plate or pan.  
Sailing characterisitcs drop canvas early. I sail regualarly with an 1988 O-day 22 and a 1665 cal 24 and when they have full main and jib or genoia. i have my 110 jib and a reef in the main. I get knocked down alot, and it dosn't break threw chop very well, on the upside this boat is great in light air. i Like to fly the genoia off the bow spirt with the jib and full main. i can do laps around other boats under light air. I also fly my spinnaker alot off the pole or the bow spirt. the boat likes to heel alot, I am at 30-35 deg, while every body else is at 10 deg. the slot is 2 small 2 fly the genoia on a close reach with very much air at all, if you cant get the sails 2 trim. hank the jib on, then reef the main on close reaches. on a beam reach let the sails out and let her viberate up to 6-7 knots. when sailing down wind, sail on a broad reach. if you get to much weather helm. hank the genoia on with a pole, and reef the main. let the genoia pull you 2 get rid of the weather helm. and the seas that are trying to twist you around. I have been sailing this boat for over 3 years and i am still learning stuff. if you dont like to change sails, this is not the boat for you. " you can't motor sail on the port tack becasue the motor comes out of the water."  
Motoring characterisitcs I have a 1985 honda 7.5 I motor under about 2/3 power and use about .75 gallons and hour. if I crank her up to full power i am just waisting gas. I feel that she motors great at about 5-6 knots with out chop, or tides.  
Liveability It is a great weekender, expecialy with the changes that i have made. I am a 5'10" and I sleep very well in the V-birth but the quarter berth is still the most comfritible.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I called once about the swing keel, and they where great, gave me the exact information i needed to fix the problem and get me back on the water again.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I didn't spend enought money to modivate them very well.  
Other comments This boat is a geat boat for your money. if you plan on racing, buy a J24. if you want to cruse, but fast enought to get where you are going on a low budget. i highly recamend this boat for you!!!  

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