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Review of the Hunter 23 by Scott Wells

Year built 1986  
Location of boat Canyon Lake, TX  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
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 1993  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. The H23 was equipped with very little in the way of good usable sailing gear from Hunter. The sails, motor, etc. got us sailing but we wanted much more. That explains the upgrades. With the additional gear we have found the H23 to be a very enjoyable boat that sails well, is moderatly stable, trailers ok, and holds a bunch of stuff and people for a 23 foot boat.In retrospect, I should have looked longer for a better equipped boat in the begining.  
Gear that's been added New main and 145% roller furling geona, Harken roller furler, UK 155% mylar Tape-Drive head sail, geona tracks  
Structural or complex improvements I have found the boat to be stucturaly sound for the sailing that we do which sometimes gets us into heavy weather and winds in excess of 25 knots (when coastal sailing). The rudder frame has been repaired 2 times. The frame has developed longitudal cracks at the corners near the transom at the waterline. Other improvements including varishing all the holly down below and painting the benches white. I have added a deep cycle battery, battery switch, and assocated wiring and cabling for electrical. The rudder gudgeons started leaking a few years ago and they had to be re-calked. As with most H23's that I personally know of we also had to re-calk the windows. I stepped through the plexiglass companionway when unstepping the mast 4 years ago and had to replace that. Hunter was most helpful in cutting the plexiglass to fit and selling it to me for far less than I could buy it for locally.  
The boat's best features Trailers well, weekends and daysails well. The H23 is a responsive boat that is fun to sail. It moves in the wind and responds predictably. 20 degress of so of heel seems to be about the point of max stability so she settles in to the grove real nice at that point. It is ok for overnights for familys and couples. As with any trailable boat, having the flexibility to go to 100 miles away without an overnight passage is cool. The spars and rig are very good.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I agree with others, the mast stepping is a pain. The forestay connection down in the anchor locker is another thing I could do without (modifying the forestay to include link plates helps a whole bunch). The rudder frame has had 2 repairs. The compaionway hatch leaks (I have figured out how to fix that though). The UK sails that came with boat, in particular, the main leave a lot to be desired. In time the boom will start to drop from streaching of the material in the main. I called UK and talked to them about it. After trying a few things I gave up and ordered new sails from Sabre Sails in Fort Walton Beach Florida.  
Sailing characterisitcs Sails to weather well, although the wing keel will keep you from pointing as high as other fin keel boats. In moderate chop and 25 to 30 knot winds the boat handles well under the 110 and reefed main. Reaches are very comfortable. If you go downwind get a geona pole at the very least or a downwind sail of some kind.  
Motoring characterisitcs We use a 8hp long shaft outboard. According to the GPS in calm water with no opposing or adding wind we motor at 6.3 knots at full throttle. Unfortunately, we burn 1.5 gallons per hour this way gives us 4 hour range on a 6 gallon tank. The relative short lenght of the keel helps it to respond well around raft-ups and docks. For enchanced turning, steer with the outboard and rudder.  
Liveability For overnights and weekends it is fine. Anything longer, go to the hotel.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Hunter has always been very helpful with the questions that I have asked. They are very helpful in locating parts for this boat, which says alot since the boat is out of production.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any The broker that I chose was terrible. For that reason they will remain unnamed. If you are considering a broker, please check references.  
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