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Review of the Hunter 23.5 by Mark McCabe

Year built 1994  
Location of boat Lake Lanier, GA  
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 1994  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? It's a bit of an absurd question. If I had the experience then that I have now, No, because I'm much more performance-minded and the boat is a bit shy without backstay, spinnaker, clutches, traveler, blah, blah, blah. But ... the boat is a solid value as far as the size, it sails well when you understand its tender traits and it has been easily modified to suit.  
Gear that's been added CDI FurlerEasylock Clutches (port and starboard) and a Garhauer organizer on port.Port has the Topping Lift (modified from stock, through the boom), Boom Vang (modified)and Single-line reefing line; Starboard has the Jib (soon to be A-Spin) halyard, Main halyard and centerboard lines.Tiller TamerForespar ADJ 6-12 Whisker PoleWindex 15  
Structural or complex improvements Not yet. But taking a hint from another contributor, I'm planning to modify the 2 X 12 that serves as the centerboard and redifine its shape to help the boat upwind.  
The boat's best features An overall solid boat. No major problems. Cheap to run with the motor during the summer doldrums.The factory stock mast tabernacle (see below). It allowed a lot of the running rigging modifications made.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The jib and main turning sheaves at the mast step pulled out shortly after our purchase in '94. I replaced the sheaves with Harken blocks on the tabernacle and the dealer (Weathermark) did a good job of reglassing and eliminating the stock set-up.  
Sailing characterisitcs Huge weather helm with all full up in 20 kts - ripped the tiller out of my hand and rounded up!Beaten 30 - 40 foot boats in drifting races of 3 -6 kt winds.Close hauled to close reaching (no matter the true wind angle) when trying to reach or run in 25 kts under reefed main (I believe the boat will surf!).Tons of fun now that I know what to expect.  
Motoring characterisitcs Suzuki 4 HP. A bit unenthusiastic in reverse especially when trying to dock with a following breeze, otherwise economical and not bad.  
Liveability OK for a couple for a weekend (pre 1994 we spent many a weekend backpacking and sleeping a tent with 34 sqare feet of floor space so this opinion is probably worth dookie). We have two small children now and are going to find out just how livable this boat is for a long weekend.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) N/A  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Ah, OK. Lack of competition in the market bugs me a bit. You just have to trust people  
Other comments  

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