Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 23.5 by David Jeffcoat

Year built 1993  
Location of boat Stafford, VA  
The boat is sailed on Rivers  
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 2010  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. Great boat for the size and weight. The trailer needs a second axle but thats the biggest design flaw in the whole set up. I dont recommend towing long distances even with a very heavy duty truck. My Tacoma tows okay but it will keep your attention at highway speeds due to the single axle.  
Gear that's been added Replaced original bimini, replaced main sail boot, replaced metal tiller with wood, replaced and upgraded vinyl interior cushions with custom cloth and removed "swoosh" from side. **Bimini, main sail cover, and tiller where purchased on this site. These guys know what it means to under promise and over deliver. I couldnt be any happier with the quality of the products I bought!  
Structural or complex improvements Nope.  
The boat's best features The size of the cockpit and cabin. The cockpit is larger than most bigger boats. Lots of room. Also really like the shallow draft and the open transome.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The single axle trailer is inadequate.  
Sailing characterisitcs She sails okay in 8 - 10 knot winds but does heel quickly in any gust and is pretty quick to roll up. She is fast and stable in winds under 10 knots but not for the faint of heart in much more wind. Ive had her heeled up to 35 - 40 degrees (or atleast thats what the little bubble thingy says) and while it is one hell of a ride, I dont feel like she will tip over.  
Motoring characterisitcs Good enough. I use a Johnson 9.9 that needs a tune up and we get to where we need to go. Backing is a little tough and I often need to steer with both the motor and rudder. Not really a complaint though.  
Liveability Great weekend boat but not even close to a live-a-board. Very comfortable for a couple but probably a little tight for a family. We bring out 2 dogs with us all the time (45 and 80 pounders) and we have room for them but it does get a little tight.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Havent dealt with Hunter directly.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any  
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