Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 23.5 by Jeffrey Griffin

Year built 1996  
Location of boat Pickwick Tenn-Tom Marina  
The boat is sailed on Rivers  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 1998  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes Trailers easily, roomy enough to weekend on, unbelievable light wind handling, and 6.5 knots reefed. As many trailer miles as water miles. Trailered and sailed coastal Connecticut, east and west Tennessee, Mobile Bay.  
Gear that's been added Just creature comforts, bimini, cockpit cushions, curtains, microwave, powered sub-woofer speakers for my Walkman. Fantastic miniature stereo system.  
Structural or complex improvements None  
The boat's best features Solidly built, with "Big boat" cockpit and cabin. Hardware and rigging perfectly matched for the boat.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. No problems  
Sailing characterisitcs Light wind handling is exceptional. Standard sails reefed produced 6.5 knots on a reach. Gusty, variable winds are common, but she responds quickly to sail adjustments.  
Motoring characterisitcs With swing keel down, she will pivot on the keel, making docking maneuvers easy. Full throttle on the 8 HP Tohatsu pushes her at 6.5 knots maximum. Will do 6.0 knots with no strain. Takes wakes at an angle very well. In heavy swells, the prop can clear the water and race the engine.  
Liveability I'm 6'2", and can sleep either in the main berth or the V-berth comfortably. Bug screens allow good ventilation, and the pop-top allows me to stand and stretch. I day sail mostly, rarely anchoring, but back at the slip, shore power runs my microwave "cube" and my cabin heater, keeping me warm and fed. Solid construction and sound insulation keeps outside sound to a minimum.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) No contact  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any  
Other comments Unexpected performance, and much more space than like-sized boats. The Hunter lines are an aesthetic plus. Solid rigging and hardware. Standard sails adequate for a wide range of conditions, and is easily reefed.