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Review of the Hunter 23.5 by Ted Buel

Year built 1993  
Location of boat Ft. Loudon Lake, Knoxville, TN  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1998  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Probably not. I researched the boat on the internet before buying. The water ballast was the main feature I liked and this was the largest boat that I could tow with my present vehicle. I was immediately disappointed with the handling characteristics.  
Gear that's been added Boat was already equipped with VHS, depth sounder, speed indicator and autohelm. Added GPS, mast head antenna, stem chainplate,stern handgrip rail, gudgeon plate locknuts.  
Structural or complex improvements Made several repairs due to manufacturer's deficiencies: 1. added stem chainplate tieing deck to hull and repaired cracking fiberglass.2. rebuilt swing daggerboard adding 180 pounds of lead ballast.3. reworked keel uphaul adding new lift point, new blocks, new fiddleblock, new high-strength line.4. reduced water ballast to compensate for added keel ballast.5. relocated and lengthened bow support and roller to fit where trailer did not support boat.6. Added a second set of reef points on the main to allow a  
The boat's best features Size to trailering weight ratio.Roomy cabin and roomy cockpit are very functional. The mast step system with some practise is quick and almost easy.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. When I first sailed the boat after weeks of work repairing and adding bottom paint, I was extremely disappointed with the handling. Compared to my previous boat (Catalina 22 swing keel) the hunter was a white-knuckle experience. As the factory tech person told me the boat is  
Sailing characterisitcs Since re-fitting the boat as noted above, the handling has been improved to my satisfaction. The weighted keel gives added stability in rough waters especially when lowered. The boat is now comfortably sailed in 13 knot wind with full main and jib. With one-half main reef and full jib it handles 15 to 18 knots. It has increased secondary stability with a solid feel when heeled to about 20 degrees.I have not yet had the opportunity to sail 20 plus knot winds, but am looking forward to trying full reefed main and storm jib for these conditions.  
Motoring characterisitcs The original equipment 5hp Nissan was entirely inadequate. I replaced it temporarily with an Evinrude 15 which allows for top hull speed (7 knots) at 3/4 throttle. In a recent squall on the Gulf of Mexico I was grateful for the extra power to control the boat in the wind. My OMC repairman has recommended that I replace it with a Honda 9.9 which I hope to do soon.  
Liveability Adequate, except the built-in cooler is much too small for this size boat.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) They have been helpful in answering questions and in providing replacement parts.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Bought from individual.  
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