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Review of the Hunter 23.5 by Otie Kilmer

Year built 1997  
Location of boat Indiana  
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 1997  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, probably,due to the great trailerability and large cockpit w/stern seats. It is a great boat, but the lack of a private head and its tenderness to winds (the water ballast vs. full or swing keel - gets a bit "hairy in strong winds, are the things I don't like.  
Gear that's been added Furling jib, bottom coat, tiller extension (so I can sit in stern rail seats and steer), CD stereo & speakers in cabin and cockpit, custom interior cabinetry, and lazy jacks.  
Structural or complex improvements None, other than cutting holes in it for recessed stereo speakers.  
The boat's best features Great trailerability and ease of raising mast. However, I keep the boat in a slip most of the year. Also, the stern seats are primo seats - everyone wants to sit there.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Lack of private head. I think I shoul have gone up to the 26 ft., but I'm not sold on the water ballast when sailing. I have owned 2 Catalina 22's (one in Hawaii) and a Windrose 20. I would trust those boats more in heavy winds and seas than the Hunter. But, its a trade-off for the easy trailerability.  
Sailing characterisitcs I have sailed the boat on a number of lakes, in all kinds of weather and winds. It reefs well, but I think it could use another set of reef points on the main. Tends to be tender/lean in higher winds even when reefed. When I drop the main and roll in the jib, it evens things out, but difficult to sail upwind. However, the boat is a crowd pleaser and easy to sail. I will always keep it (not sell it) for the lakes and easy trailering. It tows like a dream! Will probably move up to a larger and heavier boat for the seeious coastal sailing. I have towed it and sailed it in the Florida Gulf 5 times, and the trailerability/shallow draft make it great.  
Motoring characterisitcs I have a deep shaft 8hp outboard with "extra thrust/pitch" prop. this is great advantage in rolling seas and currents. Clips the boat along nicely. The boat motors and steers very nicely.  
Liveability Have only spent a couple of nights on it - in my slip at the lake. Great, as grilling is done on the dock. Would need a private head to make me do more overnights (with company). Also, need to add plastic/screen enclosure to "pop-top" for more room and to keep bugs out at night.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) No dealings with them.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Bought boat from Sailboats, Inc. in Indianapolis. They have always treated me professionally and courteously. Great bunch of people.  
Other comments Its a great boat for lakes, daysailing and weekending. Maintenance is easy and the boat is a crowd pleaser. In all, I love it and will probably never give it up. I owned my last sailboat for 17 years and sold it to buy the Hunter. I won't give up this Hunter. I'll keep it and eventually pass it on to family.  

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