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Review of the Hunter 25_73-83 by Frank Taylor

Year built 1980  
Location of boat Lake Erie  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2004  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. But I would much prefer the 30 foot in the same design for the extra room and speed.  
Gear that's been added I purchased a sheet of plywood and, after making a pattern of the port and starbord berths in the main cabin, made a stowable mid-ship berth. After cutting the foam cushions and covering them, my entire main cabin converts to a very comfortable berth. When not in use the two plyboard sections stow away under the seat cushions. I am adding a depth sounder this spring.  
Structural or complex improvements Not as yet. But I am planning to purchase new ports and a new opening port for the forward deck. The existing ports are pretty flimsy.  
The boat's best features Stability, looks, price. Shorepower is wonderful. It seems to be built like a tank.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The head is tight if you're a six foot person. You wouldn't want to try to fix any meals underway, especially if the waves are anything more than two feet. But you can get around that with pre-prepared meals.  
Sailing characterisitcs This is a very stable boat for an inexperienced sailor to learn on. More experienced sailors will not be disappointed either. It's pretty fast too. I've achieved 6 knots, which is the advertised hull speed, quite easily on a number of occasions. I've been caught in bad weather and heavy seas on lake Erie a few times - where the waves were between 4 and 6 feet. After reefing the main and changing to the storm jib, the boat performed fine, although it tends to hobby-hose in those conditions. With a reefed main and a storm jib or working jib this boat flat out boogies in a 12-15 mph breeze.  
Motoring characterisitcs It motors in forward with a 9.9 hp outboard just fine. But the position of the motor on the transom is uncomfortable when you're trying to steer the boat and manage the throttle at the same time, as when docking. I've learned to sit behind the tiller in order to keep a hand on the motor and work the controls.  
Liveability It's a 25 foot boat so the liveability is cramped. But if there's just two people over night, it's not too bad. I've had up to three people sleep on it without any problems. However, there is no way five adults could be comfortable sleeping on this boat. For me and my wife it's more than enough room. When our son is on board for the night, it's a little cramped but liveable. I've spent several days on it by myself and not felt cramped. It will sail six, and allow everyone to sit at the table for dinner, but its tight.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I purchased this boat from RCR Yachts in Erie PA. I worked with Tracy, who is just about the most knowledgeable broker I've ever dealt with. Tracy also helped launch the boat and helped personally with several small projects prior to launching. I like this company and highly recommend them to anyone in the area interested in buying or selling a boat.  
Other comments A great boat for the price. This design looks like a traditional sailboat.  

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