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Review of the Hunter 23.5 by Andrew McKenna

Year built 1997  
Location of boat Fort William, Scotland  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2015  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, this yacht is a well-designed boat with a great cockpit area for sailing and hanging out in. The low transom makes it easy to get into and out of the boat. I would certainly consider the 240  
Gear that's been added Having read about how tender the boat is in a breeze, and based on my experience of racing yachts - particularly a Soling, I have fitted a full-width mainsheet traveller and a 6:1 clew-outhaul system in the boom. I\'ve also had a reef added 60cm above the boom as the only reef in the main was at the first batten. These tools allow me to control a flat mainsail in breezy conditions.  
Structural or complex improvements I\'ve stripped down the rudder, which I think is too big and too heavy. The pivot pin and bush were badly worn and the rudder was wobbly - however, the new bush and bolt sorted out this. Lifting the rudder up is a seriously difficult thing to do and the main bad point about what is a great little sailing boat. I\'m giving some thought to buying a different rudder with a gas strut.  
The boat's best features A big roomy cockpit and an airy and spacious below decks (for a small yacht). The mast and rigging are sturdy. The low transom makes getting into and out of the boat easy and aides dealing with the rudder. Just a really fun boat to sail... and it looks pretty good too  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. As I said the rudder is a dog. Its too big and way too heavy - I think this causes the stern to drag the water slightly. I fitted a long tiller extension which makes sailing further forward easier.  
Sailing characterisitcs Its early days for us but so far the experience is a good one. The yacht is a bit tender and so getting the mainsail flat and just the right amount up the mast is important for relaxed sailing. I\'d like to know that the centreboard is all the way down all the time when beating.  
Motoring characterisitcs The boat came with a 6hp Tohatsu and if I need to replace it I\'d get an 8 or 9.9. Accessing the outboard is easy and the boat was fitted with a control box on the side starboard locker which makes it really convenient.  
Liveability We\'ll find out soon when we go an an overnight trip but it is what it is...  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I\'ve sent Hunter two completed forms from their site and never got a reply. Then I phoned them and left a message on someone\'s voicemail - no call back so far. It would be good to get more feedback on how to maintain the 23.5. I would like to remove the centerboard at the end of this season to check it out.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Bought the boat privately  
Other comments I think Hunter make good boats - used to sail a Hunter Sonata 7  

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