Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 23 by David Burkhart

Year built 1986  
Location of boat Troy, OH  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength less than 10 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2001  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Absolutely!  
Gear that's been added '86 Johnson outboard Saildrive motor '03  
Structural or complex improvements -Completely stripped out the interior and electrical system '02 -Resealed deck fittings and replaced non-stainless hardware (oops...someone at Hunter used ferrous hardware on the boat)'02 -Added boom-vang and Boom-Kicker '02 -Added Solarvent fan '02 -Replaced pulleys for main and jib-sheets '03 -Replacing bulkhead, battery box, kitchenette, porta-potti, wiring and lights, and some rigging as required  
The boat's best features The wing-keel for shallow lake sailing, anchor well, kick-up rudder, and solid rigging  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The hull tends to attract moisture internally, and over a few months, collects water in the bilge area which must be pumped-out regularly  
Sailing characterisitcs Tends to heel excessively due to wing-keel. Tacks fairly well, but had better responsiveness from 21' Venture. Overall, this is a perfect boat for lakeland sailors with access to shallow waters  
Motoring characterisitcs Still using the original motor mount, but plan to replace w/ kick-up this year. According to calculations, it takes approximately 4.5 hp to motor to hull speed. An 8 hp motor is adequate and not excessively heavy to affect balance of the boat.  
Liveability It will be ready for weekend sailing by late summer '04  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Have had direct communication with factory in Florida. Great response to questions and invitation to visit plant along with prompt answers to any questions. Great manufacturing/customer-service support!  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I was fortunate to find this boat at a Cincinnati Dealer. The folks at Strictly Sail, Inc. are absolutely the best! They have been helpful in answering questions regarding the boat, and I recipricate by purchasing available parts through Strictly Sail....and I recommend S. S. to all sailors in the SW Ohio area! Steve, Bob and the rest of the staff are knowledgeable, patient, and work tirelessly to serve their Customer/Clients.  
Other comments Looking forward to finishing the project and sailing her in years to come.