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Review of the Hunter 23.5 by Neil Moores

Year built 1993  
Location of boat ottawa canada  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 1995  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. This has been an excellent boat on which to learn how to sail. While the boat is very tender it is also forgiving and can handle rough waters. The cost to maintain this boat has been minimal, a coat of VC17 on the bottom each spring and a good waxing have proven to maintain this boat in like new condition. Upper surfaces need regurlar elbow grease and a stiff brush to combat the bird droppings.  
Gear that's been added Tiller Tamer, an absolute necessity for single handeling. Storm Jib 40sq feet,works well with reefed main in 15 + Knots of wind. Spinlock cleets for halyards. Bimini on transom. Fish finder transom mount for depth,& speed. Solar pannel. Solar fan. Propane BBQ. Plexi-glass Companion way.  
Structural or complex improvements no  
The boat's best features The best features of the boat are, its ease to sail and the large open cockpit. The bright airy interior can be cleaned in minutes with a damp rag.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The tiller handle required a brass bushing after the first year. At anchor the center board needs to be part way up to stop the annoying thumping when there is sea rolling. The cockpits do not drain.  
Sailing characterisitcs The boat is somewhat tender and will round up but only after tilting 40degrees. This is unsettling the first couple of times but you realize that this is part of the design with the wide flat bottom. I have been struck with severe squalls with only the storm Jib and a reefed maim up that put the boat over to 60degrees. The air spilled off and the boat headed into the wind. Other boats in the area carring more sail suffered dammage to their sales and rigging. The boat does not point really well and is not fast to windward, however on a beam reach or a run in winds over 15 knots I have outpased many 30 footers. It will surf in high winds but this can be tricky in high uneven waves.  
Motoring characterisitcs With an 8hp long shaft Nissan the boat moves at 4 to 4.5 Konts with realtive ease. Full throtle pushes the boat between 5&6 knots. There are no significant currents on the lake/river on which I sail.  
Liveability My wife and I have spent many long enjoyable weekends on the boat, More than two people overnight might cause a mutiny. Good friends may become bad friends after to much time in cramped quarters.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Contacted them once, excellent response.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Was given the boat for the weekend to sail as a trial. Enjoyable experience. Boats R Fun Willsborough Bay Marina.  
Other comments Get out there and enjoy your boat.  

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