Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 23 by JOHN SYLVESTER

Year built 1987  
Location of boat SAN DIEGO  
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? No  
Owner bought the boat in 1995  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? YES  
Gear that's been added COMPASS, SAIL COVER, BATTERY CHARGER, BILGE PUMP  
Structural or complex improvements CHANGED FIXED ENGINE MOUNT.  
The boat's best features PRICE. I GOT A REALLY GOOD DEAL ON THIS BOAT. THE INTERIOR WAS MUCH BETTER THAN THE ONE THAT I TRADED. THE BOAT LOOKS REALLY GOOD ON THE WATER TOO.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. THE MAST! THIS BOAT SEEM TO HAVE A HUGE & HEAVY MAST FOR ITS SIZE! THE CABIN HEAD ROOM IS ALSO ON THE MINUS SIDE.  
Sailing characterisitcs VERY EASY TO SAIL IN LIGHT TO MODERATE CONDITIONS.  
Motoring characterisitcs BOAT MOVES VERY WELL UNDER MOTOR POWER. BACKING DOWN IS SOMETIMES A BATTLE WHEN TURNING. THE RUDDER WANTS TO KICK OVER VERY HARD INTO THE TURN!  
Liveability GOOD "LIVEABILITY" ONCE YOU GET USED TO THE LIMITED HEAD ROOM. HOWEVER, WITH THE BIG COCKPIT THERE ISN'T MUCH DESIRE TO SPEND TIME BELOW DECKS!  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I HAVE HAD GOOD RESPONSE FROM HUNTER RETURNING CALLS OR ANSWERING QUESTIONS. HOWEVER, MY FEELING IS THAT THERE ISN'T MUCH INFORMATION OR PARTS FOR OLDER BOATS.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any GOOD EXPERIENCE. BROKER TOOK CARE OF THE TRADE AND REGISTRATION FOR THE NEW BOAT.  
Other comments GETTING THE BOAT IN AND OUT OF THE WATER IS A STRUGGLE WITHOUT THE RIGHT TRAILER. I NOW HAVE A CUSTOM FOUR WHEEL TRAILER THAT IS MUCH LONGER THAN THE STANDARD TWO WHEELS. NOW LAUNCHING IS A PIECE OF CAKE. I ALSO DESIGNED A MAST RAISING SYSTEM WHICH MAKES LAUNCHING EVEN THAT MUCH EASIER.