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Review of the Hunter 23.5 by steven frumkes

Year built 1989  
Location of boat Sarasota, Fl.  
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 95  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Given the financial situation I was in at the time yes. This is a simple boat that sails well (though a bit tender).  
Gear that's been added CDI roller furled jib, auto pilot, jib sheet travelers, main sheet traveler.  
Structural or complex improvements no  
The boat's best features shallow draft (wing keel) with kick-up rudder. the west coast of Fl. is generally shallow and our inlets are a nightmare on a good day.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The rudder is deeper than the keel. Every time I even bump ground I cause damage to the line that keeps the rudder in the down position. If that line is completly destroyed then once the boat is off the sand bar I have no steerage. I have added a second line so that if one is damaged I still have a back-up.  
Sailing characterisitcs The 23.5 is tender, when the wind is above 15 knots or gusty she is overpowered. Even before I put on the roller furled jib it did not point to windward as well as I would like. On a downwind run she is a bit slower than I would like also (it sounds like I need a performance boat next).  
Motoring characterisitcs Backing up is an experience, I can usually only guess which direction my bow will turn when it is in reverse. In foward the only problems are the usual problems with every other outboard motor powered boat. In heavy seas the prop comes out of the water (dont lecture me about being out in bad weather, my wife already does that).  
Liveability Not too good, I am a tall guy and after several days aboard I am sore. Having to squat to do anything is tough after a day or two. Most of the storage is in places that are hard to reach, especially if I am on a cruise and the boat is loaded with other junk.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) N/A  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any N/A  
Other comments  

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