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Review of the Hunter 23 by steven frumkes

Year built 1989  
Location of boat Sarasota, Fla.  
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?  
Owner bought the boat in 1995  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Given my financial situation at the time yes. This boat has been great for me, one of the best things about this boat is it's simplicity. If there is a problem it us usually simple to fix.  
Gear that's been added I replaced the 5 hp with an 8 hp with electric start and charging kit. The previous owner added traveling main sheet, jib car's, Z-Spar bendable mast. I recently put on a CDI roller furling system since I sail solo most of the time.  
Structural or complex improvements Since my boat is kept on a mooring I sealed the hull before the Anti-fouling paint went on (although this probably doesn't count as a structural or complex improvement).  
The boat's best features It is easy to sail and maintain. It is not a great racing boat but it will get out of it's own way. She sails very fast on reaches but on a dead-run the speed is very dependant on crew weight distribution (I force my crew to the mast or just ahead of it on a good run).  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The engine, battery(s) and fresh water tank are all on the port side. This means that the boat will list to that side if I do not even out the weight. The rudder extends slightly below the keel so if I bump a sand bar, the line that holds the rudder in the down position is torn. The rudder is the first part of the boat to hit the ground, than the keel (this is a mixed blessing with the wing keel). The electrical panel is just inside the the cabin, it is exposed to spray/rain if I get cought off guard.  
Sailing characterisitcs She is a bit tender but if I have crew and load them on the rail than I can sail her in 20 kts of wind effectively (on a close haul). If the winds are 10-15 she is PERRRRFECT! Due to her light overall weight she does not handle bashing into any waves of size. I have been cought in the Gulf during a frontal passege and the following seas were 8-10' (I have already been lectured by my wife about being out in that type of weather). She surfed down the waves without any problems, no broaching, not even close.  
Motoring characterisitcs The 5 hp motor does o.k. but I find that the 8 hp allows me to motor against a current more efficiently. In reverse, the direction my bow will go is always a mystery to me. In any kind of seaway the prop is constantly cavitating, I have to keep close control on the throttle (most outboards are like that). When I had the 5 hp I could bearly motor into a 20 kt wind, the 8hp allows me to at least make headway in 20-25 kt winds. Strangly enough, the 8hp is quieter than the 5 hp, I dont need to have as many RPM's to achieve the same speed so it is quieter on board. I also find that the electric start is much safer when I am coming into a pass, I dont need to lean over the back to try over and over to start the engine, just reach out and push a button, much better.  
Liveability I find that two people on a long weekend is alright but more than that it it just too cramped. I never even attempt an overnight with more than two people. Usually my longer trips are alone. I sail up and down the west coast of Fla. alone and I will spend up to 10 days aboard. This gets to be a lot, I now limit my trips to about 4-5 days with an occasional marina stop for a shower, more ice and of course beer. The toilet situation is a bit difficult for most women I have sailed with, they insist on some type of curtain/wall seperating them from the rest of the world. I just hand a large towel and it works well too. The kitchen area needs more counter space.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I've not had a need to deal with Hunter yet.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any N/A  
Other comments  

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