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Review of the Hunter 23.5 by Russ Conn

Year built 1993  
Location of boat Trailer in dry storage  
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 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1999  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Most definitely. We shopped around quite a bit and this was the most boat for the money bar none.  
Gear that's been added I haven't personally added anything--yet. The previous owners added: Bimini, propane BBQ grill, handheld VHF, pop top cover. I plan on adding some stern seats, storage netting down below, new motor (currently have a Johnson 8 HP) and a GPS.  
Structural or complex improvements No, but a dual axle trailer would be really nice.  
The boat's best features The roomy cockpit is a big bonus. It gives us plenty of room to move around in, even during a tack or jibe. The equipment is very robust since I don't see a need to make any major replacements in terms of hardware. The water ballast lets me trailer with a mid size truck vice having to ge  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I just towed the boat on a 600 mile long trip and it was quite a handful for my Toyota truck. Loading it was also a problem. I have read other reviews and it makes me feel so much better that it wasn't just me in getting the boat on to the trailer in 3-4 tries. The hatch cover needs to be replaced and I may choose either teak or marine plywood. A roller furling would be nice to have when the wind comes in unexpectedly. Lighting in the cabin is more than adequate and I'd opt to add switches to eliminate the all or none lighting. A fan would help the ventilation. Drainage in the cockpit compartments appears to be a problem. Lots of scum buildup had to be removed. I did add plastic containers so items wouldn't set in the standing water.  
Sailing characterisitcs My experience mirrors most others. Tender in high winds, very comfortable in up to 15 knots. I haven't raced it but might in the future if we really put some time in. This is our first boat of this size. No comparison to our Sunfish. I do wonder if anyone has had one tip over? It just doesn't feel comfortable when heeling hard over.  
Motoring characterisitcs Our 8 hp Johnson starts on the first pull nearly every time. Even after 9 months of no usage, we fired it up after a little coaxing. It does well in getting me to the Bay, It's a bit noisy and I plan on getting a four stroke( Honda maybe )in the not too distant future. Backing is slow to respond so don't go at the dock with too much speed.  
Liveability We've only spent one night aboard and it was very comfortable. My wife and daughter have promised cloth covers for the cushions. A larger porta pot would be nice for long weekends. Ventilation is a problem when it rains. I plan on adding a brace to the forward hatch to allow some flow through. One item that is invaluable and cheap to obtain was our mosquito netting. A definite must for most any time of the year.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Whitby's in Jacksonville was extremely helpful when we were browsing. We purchased thru an owner, but I would certainly use the dealer when we upgrade. I'd give them an A across the board, including conditions of their facility.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any  
Other comments  

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