Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 25.5 by Michael

Year built 1985  
Location of boat Seneca S.C.  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Racing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2002  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. It has been a lot of fun refinishing the boat with a new bottom and genoa and spinaker. It is a very fast boat and sails circles around all the Catalinas at our club.  
Gear that's been added Assymetrical Spinaker. New depth and knot meters. New 135% Genoa.New cushions. "Mast Mate" mast climber. Cockpit umbrella canopy. Tiller Tamer. New 5 HP Nissan 4-stroke outboard. Solar panel battery charger.  
Structural or complex improvements Bottom job with blister repair, new paint and barrier coat. New topside paint job changing to blue and new name graphics. New mast wiring. New motor lift. New larger forward hatch.  
The boat's best features Fast. Able to sail in wide wind ranges. We have won races in 4-6 Knots and in 28-30 kts. We added a second mainsail reef point and with proper trim she will sail nicely in 30 kts and keep the skipper dry. It is a very dry boat and has yet to need any bailing or sponging.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The forward hatch was broken when we bought it. Some of the wiring was worn and needed replacement. The boat had been neglected and the bottom needed a lot of work but is great now.  
Sailing characterisitcs As above 2-30 kts on a large lake. Mostly racing but some cruising, picnicking etc. We have broached on occasion and had one knockdown but recovered nicely with no damage. It is a very comfortable boat but if you are going to sail in >20-25 knots another main reef is needed. She goes just as fast with 1/3 as much sail in heavy winds. The helm is nicely balanced usually with a little traveler adjustment. We have exceeded 6 kts. With a few modifications she will fly a spinaker nicely also.  
Motoring characterisitcs Not much. Just in and out of the dock. 5 HP Nissan will push at 4 kts or so.  
Liveability We live close by and not on the boat but it is very comfortable for a day or two. Two adults and 1-2 kids could weekend nicely. The pop-top is really a nice feature as I am 6 feet 1 inch tall.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I've only dealt with them about another boat I own but they were very nice and helpful.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I bought it through Snug HArbor Boats at Lake Lanier Ga. They were a great group and had the bottom job, upholstery, sail adjustments and repairs all done on site.  
Other comments A nearly perfect boat for our needs. I would feel very comfortable taking it to the coast for inland or near coastal sailing as well. It is not for open passage making. It is a very good racer and easy to single hand or sail with a crew of 3-4. After 18 yrs it is still structurally sound from the keel right to the mast head.  

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