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Review of the Hunter 23.5 by M

Year built 1994  
Location of boat San Diego, CA  
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 1994  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Absolutely, the boat has been a perfect fit for our sailing needs and has been able to accomodate our frequent moves. Being in the Navy and moving about every 2 years will keep us from moving up to a bigger boat for a while.  
Gear that's been added Added a 12V electrical outlet and a VHF antenna for the mast.Made a drop board that holds the VHF, compass and GPS system - really has worked out very wellMade a cup holder that fits in the same space as the table holder in the cockpitModified the back cushions with velcro instead of being screwed in.  
Structural or complex improvements None  
The boat's best features The roominess and ease of sailing the boat. My wife and I are both above 6' and we fit quite well for our overnight trips.The roller furling (recommended as making standard equipment) has really come in handy.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The blocks that lead the main and jib halyards from the mast back aft failed and had to be rebuilt.We had water intrusion along the transom but that was also corrected under warranty.As has been mentioned in previous reviews, the trailer is a weak desing. We have taken the boat cross country, but not without worries. The trailer is probably right at its design limits if not slightly over.We have finally gotten smart about bringing on a portable water pump and pumping out the water ballast system before we pull the trailer out  
Sailing characterisitcs Our first two seasons were in Newport, RI. They included trips to Block Island and Cuttyhunk Island as well as many night sails.During our stay in Newport, we have experienced some extreme sailing conditions - going 15 knots, downwind, 6 foot seas, bare pole with the engine at a low speed was quite the experience. We have also had to deal with some 40 knot squalls and the boat has behaved beatifully. You need to know what you are doing before you attempt any ocean sailing, but it has been very rewarding. We are currently in San Diego and it definately presents a different type of sailing. But it will be nice to plan to sail over Christmas instead of just looking at the boat in the trail  
Motoring characterisitcs We have a honda 8 hp engine and have been very happy with it. When we motor sail, we are able to make 6-7 knots steady. We carry two spare 1.5 gal tanks in the cockpit lockers and that gives us about 8 hours of motoring.  
Liveability Good for two people for overnight type sailing. Have not done anything longer than that.We carry a small gas grill to help with the cooking in addition to the alcohol stove.We also carry an extra 2.5 gal water bag.The bimini cover has really worked out well for giving some privacy while at anchor.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Positive. They have always been up front about any problems that we have had.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any We picked the boat up as a "used" boat. The previous owners bough it new as their first boat and after two months felt it was not big enough and so they traded it in for a Hunter 42!  
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