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Review of the Hunter 23 by Michael Wooten

Year built  
Location of boat Auburn, AL  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength less than 10 kno  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? No. Catalina 22s (and others) are more common locally and offer betteropportunities for interactions/racing.I have found it difficult to get adviceand parts over the years.  
Gear that's been added Stern pushpit, Compass, Full Battened Main,adjustable backstay, jib sheet travelers,swim ladder, electronics, 135-150% mylarheadsails, trailer modifications, groundtackle, bimini  
Structural or complex improvements None  
The boat's best features It is a nice size boat for our inland lakes.There is a large amount of interior spacegiven the length.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Forward hatch mechanism frequently fails.Rudder seam split many years ago.Mast raising is a terrible experience, despitemultiple attempts at ginpoles etc.Wiring system was poor quality throughout.Mast grounding system poor.Headstay and jib connection being inside ofthe forward anchor was not a good idea.Trailer was poorly designed and undersizedfor boat (axle failure on highway). Placingboat on trailer in anything but a perfectcalm requires multiple attempts.  
Sailing characterisitcs Boat sails well but has a steep learning curve. Very tender in winds over 15 kts. Easy to over canvas. Heavy weather helmdespite multiple efforts to correct.Excellent performance downwind on inlandwaters with light chop. Scary downwind onopen water with swells. I believe this isrelated to the shoal draft and 'wings'.Sail selection critical for good pointingin higher wind speeds. 'Sails' excessivelywhen moored.  
Motoring characterisitcs Original 5 horse Nissan still starts bysecond pull under any conditions. I havenever trusted the motor mount but it hasheld through very rough treatment. 5 horsewill bring boat to hull speed in anythingbut strong current.  
Liveability Camping at best. Good storage for size.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Only once when I attempted to find outwhere to purchase a pushpit. Last personwas very helpful but I had to work througha number of not-so-helpful people to get there.My general impression was that I had anolder boat and there was little interestin providing assistance.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Purchased from 1st owner  
Other comments  

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