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Review of the Hunter 25.5 by Michael J. Horoda

Year built 1986  
Location of boat Lake Grapevine, Dallas/Ft. Worth  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 16-22 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? Absolutely. I first saw this model at a boat show in 1986 and fell in love with the features. When I found a used one in need of restoration I jumped at the chance.  
Gear that's been added Yes. I added an electric start 4-stroke, new cabin teak/holly floor board, cabinet doors beneath the starboard seats, new backlit multi-function electrical panel with switch for two batteries, a multi-changer CD player, stereo speakers inside and out  
Structural or complex improvements Yes. Previous owner stripped cabin for racing. I put in a new teak/holly cabin sole and made patterns to reconstruct the cabin seating, fold-down bed and table. I also replaced the sink/stove/icebox countertop. The boat looks new and out thanks to a lot of effort and sweat.  
The boat's best features Numerous great features on this boat. It has a wide beam which adds a great deal of cabin room and makes the boat very stable. The cockpit is tremendously roomy as well for reclining or relaxing when cruising. The teak wood appointments in the cabin give it a luxury appeal as do the swim ladder, cockpit rigging, numerous storage spaces, interior seating and berths. The pop up top is a great feature for increasing headroom at anchor. Overall a superbly design boat. Just compare it with any other make in its size and I'm sure you will be that much more impressed.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I would have designed the shelving above the stove and icebox differently. It restricts space and doesn't add a great deal of functionality. Also the ice box is in somewhat of an awkward position. You have to lean and reach to get anything out of it.  
Sailing characterisitcs Extremely stable sailing platform. She comes about in a very controlled manner even without careful attention to the tiller. I'd have to agree that the fastening brackets to the head leave something to be desired. I had the head go sailing on a stiff heel to starboard. That won't happen again because I enstalled some custom brackets to keep it in place.  
Motoring characterisitcs This boat is heavy and I wouldn't consider powering it with anything less than a 9.9 Unfortunately the transom is not made for the heavier 4-strokes and I've had to do some serious re-enforcing to the transom and change the motor mount to accommodate an electric start 4-stroke. With a 9.9 you feel secure that you can control the boats momentum at slower speeds.  
Liveability I think it's very comfortable for an overnight, but you know the old saying about the size of a boat getting smaller everyday you're aboard.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I'm dissappointed that Hunter has abandoned most parts support for their older fleet. They do not have any diagrams of the wiring or construction. You basically are relying on the memory of some of the older staff for who supported what during production so you can track down parts here and there. By the way, I'm looking for a replacement pop top fastening hook if anyone who reads this has access to such information.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any N/A. I bought mine from the original owner.  
Other comments Beautiful boat. I hade the opportunity to buy a new Hunter 26, but turned it down knowing all the work I had to do on the 25.5 to restore it. I don't regret my decision a bit. I get constant offers to sell my boat. She is a beauty. Some of the newer models look like an icebox inside and have few characteristics of good design and craftsmanship.  

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