hunter 23.5 sailboat interior

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• Sailboat Reviews

Hunter 23.5

This family cruiser is innovative and has lots of room. in gusty winds, however, it is quick to stall..

Hunter Marine Corp. is noted for its slick, innovative and low-cost mass production sailers. The Hunter 23.5, new in 1992, fits the bill in all respects.

The 23.5 was designed as a trailerable family cruiser for entry-level sailors. Like most Hunters, the boat offers lots of space in the cockpit and down below, and comes with the famous Cruise Pac, which provides just about anything a customer needs, including sails, motor, trailer, lifelines, anchor, life jackets, flares and a copy of Chapman’s Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Handling . It’s this type of marketing (plus price: the 1992 price was $13,500) that has helped make Hunter one of the most successful sailboat producers in the U.S.

No one has ever faulted the Alachua, Florida, builder for offering anything but fresh, well-thought out designs. The most striking feature of the 23.5 is its water ballast system, new to Hunter. The system permits an operator to remove 1,000 pounds of ballast from the trailering weight. A retractable centerboard, kick-up rudder and mast that’s fairly easy to step and unstep further enhances trailerability. All told, boat, motor and trailer weigh a combined 2,450 pounds. This model also contains enough foam to provide positive flotation.

While Hunter has enjoyed considerable success with the buying public, it has also suffered from a negative image problem. Earlier PS reviews have criticized Hunter products for a lack of quality control-various systems kinks, lightweight hulls, poor finish work and general absence of blue-water seaworthiness. On the other hand, Hunter owners, while acknowledging a prevailing lack of respect, frequently defend their choice. In the realm of objective data, Coast Guard complaint and recall statistics reveal that Hunter has a better than average record when it comes to hull blistering. (Hunter offers five-year bottom blister warranty protection for the 23.5.) Clearly, the company is doing something right. The model we inspected (hull #8) showed, with very few exceptions, careful attention to detail and finish work in even the least accessible places-more than youd expect on a $13,500 boat. But it is also a boat with some inherent contradictions, in our opinion.

The 23.5 is a highly engineered product with lots of thoughtful features. Hunter, unlike some builders, constructs a mock-up, followed by a prototype that is extensively tested before final design decisions are made. The hull form is modern looking, almost powerboaty in appearance from some angles. Continuing a tendency evident in recent Hunters, the design team has given the 23.5 a relatively full hull, and raised the freeboard to reduce the cabin height, as well as add room below and keep those up top dry in a chop. Because the cabin extends to the rail (no side decks), you must climb over the cabin top to get to the foredeck.

The rig (a B&R design) consists of a 28-foot Z. Spar mast, fractionally rigged with swept-back spreaders that eliminate the need for a backstay (and make un-stepping/stepping, hence trailering, simpler); for the most part, the uppers are aft of the “after” lowers-until deck level-creating a triangular support system. Main and jib halyards are internal and led back to the cockpit. Power comes from a fully battenedmainsail and 110-percent jib (UK Sailmakers-Hong Kong) with a total of 236 square feet. For steering, the traditional wooden tiller has been replaced with a brushed aluminum tube that arches over the walk-through transom (swim ladder comes standard). The aluminum, said chief designer Rob Mazza, weathers better and is easier to arch in order to keep the rudder low and the tiller sufficiently high. Many helmsmen will use the standard Ronstan X-10 tiller extension.

The water ballast/keel system constitutes the key feature of the 23.5. The water ballast-125 gallons, or 1,000 pounds-takes about two minutes to bring on board. The system is activated by flipping up a lid at the base of the companionway, opening a vent and turning a T-valve; the valve in turn drops a circular stainless steel plate aft of the keel, exposing four holes in the hull. (The plate can then be closed flush.) And while you can’t jettison the water downwind, you can swing up the centerboard to reduce draft to 18 inches. The 4-foot centerboard, controlled by the outboard line to the cockpit, moves easily up and down via a cascade block and tackle arrangement.

The apparent thinking of Hunter engineers was to provide a simple, one-step water ballast system that keeps draft shallow while lowering the center of gravity for added stability and righting moment. The ballast-about 16 cubic feet in volume-lies immediately below the waterline. When the water is added, the boat sinks several inches. Nevertheless, while the water adds 1,000 pounds to the overall displacement, its location does not seem to provide sufficient righting moment for windward work in gusty conditions. On racing boats, water ballast is carried above the waterline and outboard under the settees, which of course provides more righting moment. But this water must be pumped into the chambers and drained before tacking-too complicated for Hunter’s purposes.

Construction of the boat is fairly straightforward, with balsa in the hull and plywood in the deck. The plywood core has the potential to encourage water migration should a deck leak occur at some point. The deck/hull joint, with a roll similar to a Hobie 18-a “modified shoebox,” one Hunter engineer described it-is bonded with glass and further fastened by flathead screws through the rubrail. Stanchions, fastened to aluminum backing plates that are glassed in, are sturdy. Though not a heavily-built boat, the 23 looks solid enough; in the absence of a graceful hull form-no sheer here-Hunter provides some added dash with a smoked forward-facing window and a green and purple hull swoosh graphic, which apparently has drawn strong reaction, pro and con (We liked it). Oddly, there is no waterline or boot scribed in the hull. Perhaps Hunter anticipates owners dry-sailing the 23.5, but the absence of a waterline mark will make bottom painting a difficult chore the first time.

Performance

We test sailed the 23.5 off Newport, Rhode Island. In light-air conditions, the shallow-body, lightweight boat (displacement 3,000 pounds with the water ballast) moved up to speed quickly. The boat pointed high and the few light puffs we experienced produced no noticeable helm. We did have some problem finding a definitive groove, especially after tacking. The boat glided through the water easily on a reach and downwind, with the board up, sped along as much as a 23-footer can (Mazza said it will surf under the right conditions). We moved relatively faster, in fact, than a Nonsuch 27 on the same tack.

In stronger 15-20 knot winds, it is a whole different experience. With a single reef in the mainsail, the boat consistently rounds up and stalls. In addition to the boat’s higher vertical center of gravity, this tendency may also be due to the very high-aspect ratio centerboard, which is generally associated with quick stall characteristics.

Complicating matters is the way the rig and sheeting are set up. With no backstay (or topping lift) and no traveler, and with the main sheeted down and far forward near the companionway, the main and sheet are highly stressed. And because the cam cleat for the mainsheet is down near the cockpit sole, it’s difficult to reach-especially in heavy air on a beat, when the helmsman and everyone else is out on the rail. The rounding up and stalling require constant spilling of the main. This may be okay (if tiring) for the experienced sailor, but a bit strenuous and nerve-wracking for the beginner at whom this boat is marketed.

Instead of a single reef, one solution might be to take a second reef in the main in anything approaching 15 knots, but that’s not much of a solution. With 236 square feet of sail-128 in the main, 108 in the foretriangle-for a sail area-displacement ratio of 18.9, the boat should not be overpowered. (The O’Day 23, of about the same displacement, but with 200 more pounds of ballast, carries 246 square feet)

Another solution, although it breaks up the cockpit, might be a barney post where there’s already a slot for the cockpit table, a system that worked well enough in the Alerion-Express. A traveler would be even better, though obviously Hunter wanted to keep the cockpit clear of obstructions as well as avoid the added cost.

Accommodations

You get a lot for your money with this Hunter model. One thing you get a lot of is interior space or, as company literature describes it, “a 25-foot boat in a 23.5 hull.” The main cabin is sizable and has more headroom than we’ve seen on a 23-footer. A pop-top hatch allows those down below to stand up in the center of the cabin. An optional canvas camper top ($300) provides protection from the elements. Poptops are notoriously leaky, and we can’t vouch for this one’s water tightness; however, Hunter has provided drains all around.

The smoked pop-top, plus three ports per side in the main cabin (two small circles, one longer swoosh-style forward) and the forward-facing window provide plenty of light. Hunter has made no attempt to yacht-up the interior: What you get is a basic cream-colored liner, offset on a portion of the topsides by a close-weave grayish fabric someone called “monkey fur.” Despite the plainness, we liked the clean look of the interior.

Aft to port in the main cabin you get a galley station with a one-burner alcohol stove, sink, and fold-out table with storage below. You won’t be whipping up any Cruising World -style feasts in this galley, but it’s nice to be able to heat up some coffee or a cup of soup. Forward of the galley is a small settee/berth, sized right for a child, with storage beneath and a cutout for a portable ice chest. Opposite is a somewhat longer settee/berth of less than six feet, with more storage and a battery compartment below. On the centerline is a slot for a small table that also can be set up in the cockpit.

There are a number of helpful additions: an automatic bilge pump, access plates underneath the cockpit winches. The portable toilet is located to starboard behind a half-bulkhead and privacy curtain, and under the V-berth. Aside from the standard V-berth in the bow, which seems a bit cramped, there’s a double berth (plus stowage) aft of the main cabin, under the cockpit and seats (not for the claustrophobic). It was back here in the bowels of the boat that we spotted the only untrimmed fiberglass.

On deck, there’s an equally roomy cockpit-7′ 9″ long and 6′ 2″ from coaming to coaming. The relatively wide beam makes the addition of a ridge along the centerline for use as a footrest a welcome touch. Foam padding on the seatbacks is another. A lazaret on either side provides on-deck stowage. There’s a #8 Barient winch on either side of the cabin top, each with an attendant cleat. Lines are meant to be kept in the no-name stoppers to starboard. Because of the profusion of lines led back on the starboard side, we’d prefer an extra cleat and winch.

Nonskid is molded in. The foredeck holds an anchor locker, which also contains a padeye for the stepping/unstepping operation. Skipping the details of this procedure-which involves use of a gin pole, the main and jib halyards and a bridle that controls lateral movement-we’d say that Hunter has devised as easy a way to drop a mast as is possible. Once down, the forward end rests in a U-shaped bend in the bow pulpit, the aft end on a roller-topped pole fitted at the transom.

Conclusions

In its attempt to create a simply operated, easily trailered, entry-level boat at a good price, Hunter has come up with some clever compromises. But they are compromises just the same. The 23.5 sails well on all points in light air; it does well off the wind in heavier air. Windward work over 15 knots in this boat is poor in our estimation. We’d strongly recommend that potential customers thoroughly test sail the boat in a variety of wind conditions, experimenting with one or two reefs, to be certain it’s something they’re able-and willing-to handle.

The Hunter 23.5 is clearly striking a chord with some buyers, and assuming many are entry-level sailors, we think it’s great that this boat is attracting newcomers to the sport. The design represents a clever way of managing the trailering problem (i.e., weight and draft). At the same time, we can’t help but wonder if its behavior in gusty winds is worth the convenience of dumping ballast on the launch ramp.

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excellent article.

Darrell – excellent review. Thanks.

Thanks for the review, I just saw one for sale online.

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> > Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums. 21-09-2007, 15:48   Boat: Delphia 37 a 23.5, 1997. Obviously it's a , little gun shy on a fix currently (cost of slips/hauls etc). Area thinking of sailing is Lake Pepin in along with trips to Lake Superior/Lake of the Woods. The boat is pretty clean. A little musty in side the deal said was just due to being not used/closed up (that true?). Looks to be/have been dry in the , I crawled around and in the stern I saw remains of at least one ring (brown ring). That normal? is cracked up a bit on the leading edge and missing some off the bottom from ground hits. The bow has a ding in it, ~ 1" big chip missing. has about 2 ~ 1" pieces missing from something being dropped on it. As part of the deal, the deal will fix these issues. The boat is there on consignment. Asking was $10,900. I offered 10k, countered at $10,450 with the fixes. No . (upgrade for that model) with the stern rail seats/9.9 2001 with low hours and start. No . axle . ballast boat. The dealer will put the boat on a so I can inspect the centerboard/rudder raising system. The dealer is land locked and I don't think a sea trial is really doable. I've never actually sailed on a boat of this type. Just got into sailing, took a class on 14 Ft , then ~ 22 and did the 101 class. Thoughts? Good/no good for this boat? Good starter boat? I hate no private head/no standing room/will be in the higher winds but... It's also "cheap". Thanks for all your help, looking to much more posting/reading here! 21-09-2007, 16:43   . If so, they are available in your area and range - eg.: = I don't know anything about this boat, and I suspect you can do better. Obviously, the advertised boat is older than the 23.5 and is more likely to have age/maintenance issues. Still, if you live in , you're going to haul this kind of boat for the anyway, and there is no need to pay for a slip during sailing season - surely they have (cheap) moorings there. 21-09-2007, 17:31   Boat: S/V Pooka Com-Pac 27 my 1986 23, it was in great shape. One year old and , new 5hp and so on. Got 6,000 for it. Here is a link to the old ad. Check out sailing for trailerable boats. There are lots. I think you can do much better. 21-09-2007, 20:13   Boat: Delphia 37 That is the specific boat in question. Let me know your thoughts and thanks for the info so far! slips seem to be ~ 2-2.5k/season and about 3-4 hours away Lake Pepin seems to be ~ 1.4-1.7k/season and about 1.5 hours away (much smaller lake obviously). There are some metro lakes here but the slip are ~ 4k which seems a little much. 21-09-2007, 21:25   Boat: Olympic 23 "Oddyssea" on my own, and quite frankly, i didn't spend much doing it. she has a , sink, two-burner, etc... isn't much either. in my opinion, i think you would find yourself wanting another boat anyway, and having to go through the process of putting her on the market and waiting, and waiting... 21-09-2007, 23:23   . Determine how much your trailering vehicle can haul first; the vehicle is more expensive than the boat so size the boat to what you have. Super shoal is important. Bay city's bay is between 16" - 48"; if you can sail in this you can launch much further north. More importantly, the lake and the river are constantly changing the position of sand bars and mud. It's extremely useful if you can hop over the side to push yourself off. Don't moor in Red Wing planning to back and forth to the Lake; it takes too long, so you won't do it very often. Go . Yah, I said that already, but it's important. If this is your first boat you will be , bumping into things, and occasionally really screwing things up. And you'll feel a lot worse about a 10' long scratch in the side of a 10k or more shiny boat than you will in the side of a 3k big with a cuddy. In fact, I would strongly suggest something you can pull up on the beach like that 14'/19' boat made in whose name I always forget... there's a few of them that get together every year on Lake Pepin for a messabout. Just big enough to camp on, with enough and lines to learn with. 22-09-2007, 05:21   Boat: Delphia 37 . This trailering/Lake Pepin idea is really nothing more than a comprise. I think I could have a fun summer or two venturing around the state to the many various lakes but in general lake sailing (Lake Superior not included in this) holds little interest to me. I stated this quest for a 14-16' daysailer and came to the conclusion 1. I didn't want to get wet every time I went out 2. Something which probably won't flip over would be nice 3. The $1-3K spent on that could be sunk into a boat with a . Thanks again, keep'em coming! 22-09-2007, 06:59   Boat: Endeavour 40CC (I used to get a ring in the cockpit because leaves would clog the drain when I was away for more than 3 weeks or so). Musty smell I had in mine was do to water in a hard rain would splash under the edges of the pop-top and then get inside. Also at this price a motor should be included and in nice condition. When I was for mine (some years ago) I found that the boat yard selling it had striped everything off and was trying to sell it minus what should have been on it. When I requested/demanded a motor they tried to put a beat up motor that blew more smoke than anything on it. I learned a lot from this experience and some as well, which I try to put a good face on and say it was a well earned experience. 22-09-2007, 08:27   a brand new basic WWP 15, including a brand new trailer, all sails and running included, and have thousands left over to play with. The premium package, which includes a brand new motor, is only 495USD more than your . And you can probably tow it behind a Insight. The best feature of these little boats is the wonderful community of fellow owners who can and will come over to help you out on any little you may have with your boat. and ..hmm, the MN potter group is looking a bit of a cobweb these days... the . The ability to pull the boat up on the beach is not to be ignored. Seriously, you really don't need to be concerned about getting wet on most any microcruiser in average on Lake Pepin. My 21 had very low freeboard and never took water aboard other than rain and a bit of spray now and again working upwind (which it did very poorly, drawing about 18".) The north end has some rather unpleasant waves in a southeaster since it shoals up for miles. Don't sell lake sailing short! Of course the lakes in the city are extremely tame, even Minnetonka, but once you out to the country lakes, north and south, there are some great places to explore. The key is to learn how to find lakes which are fun to sail on for you: I like big and water warm enough to swim in, so the western lake district out toward Moorehead, Traverse Lake on the border with South Dakota, etc. I've heard of small sailboats up on Lake of the Woods, Rainy River, and lakes in the BWCA doing the camping/exploring ventures. But for most sailors around the buoys, group cruising adventures, and restaurant cruises means lakes and rivers near the Twin Cities, Lake Superior, and the Minnesota and Rivers. (For the extremely adventurous, there three routes to the oceans from Minnesota - Lake Superior and the routes east, the routes south, and the Red River of the North north to Hudson's Bay.) 22-09-2007, 17:43   Boat: Delphia 37 22-09-2007, 18:57   Boat: 15 foot Canoe 22 for 4500 25 years ago and I know you can do as well now. They've kept the same price for many years. Take Amgines and go cheap. If it smells bad it needs to be aired out and get some Fabreze. Kind Reards, JohnL 22-09-2007, 19:09   before they are actually put up . When I used to hang out with the potter people I never heard of a potter going for much less than the original price, even when in "fixer-upper" status. That's one of the reasons I was thinking it would well for you: as soon as you're ready to move up you can get your money back out of the Potter. 22-09-2007, 21:19   Boat: NorSea 27 & Albin 25 25 for $5600. It had a Honda 9.9 w low hours and a trailer but it didn't stink. You might try investigating the ComPac 23. It is a trailerable boat with a useable . Well built as well. Remember...the hunt is MUCH more fun than the "kill". Take your time searching out the right boat and go with the biggest boat you can afford so you won't get "two foot itis" after a season of sailing. 28-09-2007, 12:44   A/C, and other amenities. The boat trailers well. It is a little in high winds and I would pull a reef early if winds are coming up. We sail bigger bareboats but keep this boat in the lake at our house. With the keel up, it only draws 14". We have had the boat 5 years and are happy with i. 01-10-2007, 21:48   22's out there in good shape that you should be able to pick up for under $7,500.00 on a trailer with motor. Good Luck ! Thread Tools Rate This Thread : Posting Rules post new threads post replies post attachments edit your posts is are code is are are are Similar Threads Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post HobieFan Monohull Sailboats 9 25-08-2009 08:36 Ditch Leroi Monohull Sailboats 12 06-04-2009 18:01 Ditch Leroi Meets & Greets 12 25-03-2009 04:10 witzgall Monohull Sailboats 22 01-04-2007 15:14 MrShankmmz Monohull Sailboats 34 16-03-2007 19:39 - - - - - - - Privacy Guaranteed - your email is never shared with anyone, opt out any time. Go to 7/12/12, , Lake Grapevine, Scott's Landing, Texas, $2,500 4/15/10, , Louisville, Kentucky, $4,200 9/26/10, , Lenoir City, Tennessee, $3,775 4/20/11, , Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, $6,500 10/28/17, , Austin, Texas, $3,750 5/16/13, , Alta, Wyoming, $5,000 10/2/23, , Missoula, Montana, $7,600 9/21/22, , Woodbridge, Virginia, $6,800 1/5/21, , Sioux Falls, South Dakota, $7,500 10/2/19, , Uvalde, Texas, $5,900 5/27/18, , St. Petersburg, Florida, $24,300 4/12/18, , Seadrift, Texas, $6,500 12/28/17, , Citrus County, Florida, $8,000 6/7/16, , Fayetteville, Arkansas, $4,900 11/7/15, , Zephyrhills, Florida, $9,000 10/8/15, , Clear Lake, Texas, $4,950 8/4/15, , Muncie, Indiana, $6,500 5/15/15, , New Orleans, Louisiana, $7,600 12/10/14, , Grand Junction, Colorado, $8,740 4/16/14, , Wichita, Kansas, $8,033 2/22/14, , Grand Junction, Colorado, $8,500 5/23/13, , Bloomington, Indiana, $5,500 4/17/12, , Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, $8,500 7/12/11, , Louisville, Kentucky, $7,800 2/26/12, , Gulf Shores, Alabama, $6,850 12/29/10, , Lake Jacomo in Lees Summit, Missouri, $6,500 4/24/10, , Mandeville, Louisiana, $8,250 6/30/09, , Ten Mile, Tennessee, $7,950 6/28/09, , Lake Travis, Texas, $5,500 10/16/08, , Zebulon, North Carolina, $8,500 9/6/08, , Omaha, Nebraska, $8,500 8/11/08, , Lewisville, Texas, $10,950 4/9/08, , Lexington, South Carolina $8,000 9/17/07, , Clearwater, Florida, $10,500 8/24/07, , Hartwell, Georgia, $8,000 12/9/05, , Jacksonville, Florida, $3,950 6/15/05, , Richmond Hil, Georgia, asking $9,500 3/21/05, , Wilsonville, Oregon, asking $9,500 9/19/04 , Corpus Christi, Texas, $7,900 7/24/04 , Murphy, Texas, $11,500 , Pennysylvania, $7,995 2003 , central Texas, $8,995 , Carlsbad, California, $7,995 3/18/19, , Lake Guntersville, Alabama, $4,850 8/26/18, , Muskegon, Michigan, $7,900 8/1/14, , Lake Lanier, Atlanta, Georgia, $10,500 12/3/14, , Arlington, Texas, $5,999 8/14/12, , Stoughton, Wisconsin, $8,995 6/14/12, , Lewes, Delaware, $9,850 3/1/12, , Mobile, Alabama, $7,000 10/30/09, , Dallas, Texas, $5,450 7/19/09, , Birmingham, Alabama, $9,500 4/23/09, , Cedar Park, Texas, $6,000 12/1/08, , Portsmouth, New Hampshire, $9,500 7/20/08, , League City, Texas, $9,550 4/18/08, , Temple, Georgia, $10,500 1/25/19, , Wichita, Kansas, $3,800 , Sandpoint, Idaho, $11,500 4/7/14, , Lewisville, Texas, $10,595 4/23/13 , Lewisville, Texas, $9,000 6/26/08 , Milford Lake, Kansas, $9,000 11/16/10 , Ann Arbor, Michigan, $6,995 3/5/10 , Lake Travis, Austin, Texas, $8,900 4/23/08 , Lake Travis, Austin, Texas, $9,500 7/13/16, , Seabrook, Texas, $1,900 Featured Ads Order Status Email newsletter. Forum Listing Marketplace Advanced Search About The Boat Boat Review Forum SailNet is a forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, repairs, reviews, maintenance, and more! Hunter 23.5 and water ballast Add to quote I am looking at a Hunter 23.5 for use only on Lake Erie. I am interested in hearing about others' experience with the water ballast. With the swing keel up, there is only 18 inch draft which makes the 1000 lb water ballast fairly high up in the water, and I am wondering how this affects the stability of the boat. Thanks for any input.   Lake Eriwe is a big body of water, I believe similar in charachteristics to the ocean. When a boat like this is referred to as a lake boat, I think people have in mid big ponds...I sugest you look at boats with permanent ballast...   Cll me old fashioned but I've always tried to keep the water outside the boat...   Misinformation I don't have a link, but I was under the impression that the capsize ratio of the 23.5 water ballast was the same as the comparable Hunter with a keel. That's assuming that you leave the swing keel down, which you are supposed to do anyway. The water ballast is carried higher than keel weight, which makes the boat more intially tender, but I believe that it's ultimate stability is the same. If someone has contrary info, please post. Now whether to sail on a Great Lake with only a 23-foot boat of any type; that's another question. Certainly that is not a big enough boat to handle any serious weather. It should be considered a fair weather day-sailer only.   I used to work at a Hunter dealer (rigger not salesman) and even in the sales pitch video...She was quick to show ALOT of belly and that was in milder winds... Hiking straps?? As mentioned above a reasonable fair weather boat. Thats all I have to say about that. AL   Sorry I'm Late I'm late on this thread but I have 15 years and hundreds of miles of experience on a water ballasted boat on the Great lakes and elsewhere. My boat was an older Macgregor 26 (for which I have been abused without mercy on this board even though it wasn't the 26X powersailer) and it stood up to any punishment and all winds that I encountered. Water ballasted boats are easy to trailer. The swing centerboard is light and easy to lift. The board adds nothing to the righting effect and doesn't have to be all the way down so you can sail in shoal water. I crossed all but Ontario in the Great Lakes in this boat as well as sailed most of the east coast in a variety of conditions. You will need more of a weather eye in a smaller boat but don't let water ballast dissuade you. We have a 32 footer in the Chesapeake but we can take our trailer sailor to the Keys each winter. How many sailors can do that?   ?             176.4K members Top Contributors this Month Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session. Sign in to save them permanently, access them on any device, and receive relevant alerts. Sailboat Guide 1993 Hunter Hunter 23.5 Description Seller's Description 1993 Hunter 23.5 excellent condition, ready to sail. Very large wrap-around cockpit with plenty of room for 6. Swing-up centerboard and rudder enables sailing in very shallow water. All lines led aft enabling single-hand or short-handed sailing. Hinged mast-step and single-hand “gin-pole” mast raising system. Galvanized, carpeted bunk trailer with extra tall guideposts and sliding/extendable tongue. Water ballast system allows the 23.5 to be easily towed behind an average sized car or SUV. New bottom paint, trailer suspension, trailer lights and cockpit cushions within the past few years. Addition equipment includes: 4 sails (2 mains, jib and genoa), Honda 8 hp motor, 55 lb thrust electric motor, bimini, Simrad TP10 Tillerpilot, life vests, throwable life preserver, Fenders and dock lines, required safety equipment (fire extinguisher, flares, etc). Equipment: Galvanized 1 axle trailer with spare tire 4 sails: 2 mains, jib and genoa, Mainsail cover Honda 8 hp motor 55 lb thrust electric motor Bimini Simrad TP10 Tillerpilot Electrical system with deep cycle marine, running lights and interior lights Cabin and cockpit cushions with removable table, cooler, port-a-potty and sink. Lifelines and sturdy stanchions SS bow pulpit Scoop (open) stern with gate/swim ladder 17 lb claw anchor OEM tiller and extra wooden tiller Mast Raising System is set up for single handed rigging Fire extinguisher Life vests Throwable life preserver Fenders and dock lines Required safety equipment (fire extinguisher, flares, etc) Manuals Rig and Sails Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations. The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more. Classic hull speed formula: Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL Sail Area / Displacement Ratio A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more. SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3 SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay). D : Displacement in pounds. Ballast / Displacement Ratio A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize. Ballast / Displacement * 100 Displacement / Length Ratio A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more. D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³ D: Displacement of the boat in pounds. LWL: Waterline length in feet Comfort Ratio This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more. Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 ) D: Displacement of the boat in pounds LOA: Length overall in feet Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet Capsize Screening Formula This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more. CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64) Displacement dry = 2,000 lbs. Thanks to Zac Martin for updates. This listing is presented by SailboatListings.com . Visit their website for more information or to contact the seller. View on SailboatListings.com Embed this page on your own website by copying and pasting this code. About Sailboat Guide ©2024 Sea Time Tech, LLC This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Forums New posts Unanswered threads Register Top Posts Email What's new New posts New Posts (legacy) Latest activity New media Media New media New comments Boat Info Downloads Weekly Quiz Topic FAQ 10000boatnames.com Classifieds Sell Your Boat Used Gear for Sale Parts General Marine Parts Hunter Beneteau Catalina MacGregor Oday Help Terms of Use Monday Mail Subscribe Monday Mail Unsubscribe Hunter 23.5 Thread starter Al Minns Start date Aug 17, 2021 Hunter Owner Forums Smaller Boats Trying to rig my new to me Hunter 23.5 . Witch u bolt dose the upper should go to, front or rear. Thanks   It doesn't matter. I prefer the rear cause it soothes my ocd. -Z   twistedskipper None of the diagrams in the factory manual appear to show the shrouds crossed for the 23.5, but do show the shrouds crossed for the 26, but mine are not crossed (H26). Somebody somewhere must know for sure. Dave will likely have some background.   Henry Scurlock Hunterowners.com owner photo album. So this is just my own twisted logic but since the swept back spreaders allow the shrouds to function like a back stay, it seems to me that the shroud that passes through the spreader should be led aft as far as possible.... so the uppers go to the back U-bolt.   Crazy Dave Condon To the rear for the upper also outer shrouds. You only have two lower and two upper shrouds in addition to the forestay   This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more… 462 IMAGES Hunter 23.5 sailboat for sale hunter 23.5 sailboat interior 1993 Hunter 23.5 sailboat for sale in Florida Hunter 23.5, 1995 sailboat Sailboat Interior, Sailboats For Sale, Boat 1993 Hunter 23.5 sailboat for sale in Florida Hunter 23.5 sailboat for sale VIDEO Caribbean Sailing, First Video in a Hunter 23.5 Hunter 23 restoration project Sailing Hunter 28.5 sailboat upwind into ocean chop 2005 33' Hunter Inside Look into Cabin Of 53’ Center Console! 2009 Hunter 36 Sailboat for sale in San Diego, California By: Ian Van Tuyl COMMENTS Hunter 23.5 Hunter Marine Corp. is noted for its slick, innovative and low-cost mass production sailers. The Hunter 23.5, new in 1992, fits the bill in all respects. The 23.5 was designed as a trailerable family cruiser for entry-level sailors. Like most Hunters, the boat offers lots of space in the cockpit and down below, and comes with the famous Cruise ... HUNTER 23.5 Displacement dry = 2,000 lbs. Thanks to Zac Martin for updates. Hunter 23.5 (What to look for when buying) Feb 28, 2004. #1. Hello there everyone, I am calling on any Hunter 23.5 owners to give me some advice on what to look for when buying a 23.5 ie: structural defects,sails,trailer etc anything that can help me to decide to buy or walk away. Any advice big or small would be apprectiated. Cheers and Happy Sailing. Hunter 23.5 and 240 Owners Jul 22, 2010. #1. Hello, I have done a considerable amount of online research on trailerable sailboats and think I have narrowed down my choice to either the Hunter 23.5 and 240. With the 240s being newer they generally run a few thousand more dollars. I'd love to sail on one or both (preferably) before moving forward in deciding ultimately ... Hunter 23 Hunter 23 | SailNet Community. Home. Forums. About The Boat. Boat Review Forum. SailNet is a forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, repairs, reviews, maintenance, and more! Perry Design Review: Hunter 23.5 The portable head is located under the V-berth and the portable ice chest fits under the port settee. The Hunter 23.5 offers a good way to return to the simple way of sailing. Powered by an outboard and void of all the mechanical and electrical advantages, it allows you to cruise without an engineer's license. Boat Specifications. McDonnell Hunter 23.5 1. Overview Our sailboat is a 1993 Hunter 23.5, purchase used in October of 2014. It came with a roller furler jib and Lazy Jacks. Hunter 23.5 Hunter 23.5 is a 23′ 7″ / 7.2 m monohull sailboat designed by Hunter Design Team and built by Hunter Marine between 1992 and 1997. Hunter 23.5 The Hunter 23.5 is a recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fiberglass, with wood trim. It has a fractional sloop rig with a full batten mainsail and a 110% genoa, a raked stem, a walk-through reverse transom, a transom-hung rudder controlled by a metal tiller and a centerboard. It displaces 2,000 lb (907 kg) and carries 1,000 lb (454 kg ... Hunter 23.5 Parts Serving sailors online since 1997 Contact us Order status Shop by Model Shop by Model Xcite Liberty 140 146 15 170 18 18.5 19 (91-94) 212 216 22 22 (1980s) 23 23.5 240 25 25 (1980s) 25.5 26 260 26.5 27 270 27X 27_EDGE 27 (1980s) 27 (89-94) 28 280 28.5 290 29.5 30 (1980s) 30 (1989-1993) 306 31 31 (83-87) MH31 310 32 Vision 320 326 33 33e 33 (1981) 33.5 336 34 340 35 35.5 356 36 36c 36e 36 ... Advice on First Boat Purchase Boat: 1993 Hunter 23.5. Posts: 1. hunter 23.5 boat purchase. Marty - I have a 1993 Hunter 23.5. It's easy to single hand and performs well in light winds. The room in the cockpit can't be beat and the open transom makes it feel much larger. The boat only weighs about 2000lbs making it easy to trailer. Hunter 23.5 Parts Home Hunter Parts Store Hunter 23.5 Hunter 23.5 Menu Cabin Hardware Canvas/Cushions Companionway Deck Hardware Electrical Hatches Hull Keel Nav Lights Plumbing Ports & Windows Pumps Rigging & Spars Sails Steering Stripes & Decals More parts options Biminis Cockpit cushions Companionway covers Mainsail covers Pedestal covers Rudders Stern seat ... HunterOwners.com store HunterOwners.com has the parts and accessories you need for your Hunter sailboat. From canvas and cushions to rigging and hardware by top suppliers like Lewmar, Schaefer, Gray, Ronstan, and more. Advice on First Boat Purchase I'm thinking about purchasing a Hunter 23.5, 1997. Obviously it's a trailer boat, little gun shy on a fix keel boat currently (cost of slips/hauls etc). Area thinking of sailing is Lake Pepin in Minnesota along with trips to Lake Superior/Lake of the Woods. The boat is pretty clean. A little musty in side the deal said was just due to being not ... Hunter 23.5 inspection Mar 6, 2008. 6. Hunter 23.5 -. Mar 13, 2008. #1. Well, I've done it ... signed a contract on a 1993 H23.5. Since this is my first sailboat, I'd appreciate any input from other 23.5 owners about what to inspect and what is likely to be wrong with this model. I've read the standard articles about soft spots in the deck and blisters in the hull. Hunter 23.5 Sailboat Photo Gallery Hunter 23.5 Sailboat pictures, a collection of Hunter 23.5 sailboats with specifications and photos. Resources for owners of Hunter. Photos, downloads, owner modifications Resources Owner modifications, manuals, boat reviews, photos, owner directory, boats for sale, much more! Hunter 23.5 vs. 240 Hunter 23.5 vs. 240 Jump to Latest 10K views 1 reply 2 participants last post by Reef33 Jul 11, 2012 K Kdunk1 Discussion starter 1 post · Joined 2012 #1 · Feb 14, 2012 Looking to buy a 23.5 or 240 Buying a boat what's the difference between the two? Can stern rail seats be added to a 23.5? Reply Like Sort by Oldest first Reef33 62 posts ... Hunter 23.5 and water ballast I am looking at a Hunter 23.5 for use only on Lake Erie. I am interested in hearing about others' experience with the water ballast. With the swing keel up, there is only 18 inch draft which makes the 1000 lb water ballast fairly high up in the water, and I am wondering how this affects the stability of the boat. Thanks for any input. 1993 Hunter Hunter 23.5 1993 Hunter 23.5 excellent condition, ready to sail. Very large wrap-around cockpit with plenty of room for 6. Swing-up centerboard and rudder enables sailing in very shallow water. All lines led aft enabling single-hand or short-handed sailing. Hinged mast-step and single-hand "gin-pole" mast raising system. Opinions on Hunter 23.5 / 240. In looking for the perfect boat, I managed to step aboard a hunter 23.5 the other day and it seemed pretty good. I do a little open ocean sailing in the potter (within 10 miles of the coast), and mostly sail in semi-protected water. Hunter 23.5 VANTAGE 93. Hunter 23.5 Charleston, SC. Apr 18, 2019. #1. Hey guys, I've been a long time lurker on these forums, thought I should finally introduce myself. I'm now proud to say I am the owner of Hunter 23.5 #102 VANTAGE. It's been a bit of a rollercoaster ride for us. Hunter 23.5 Hunter 26 Carter Lake, Colorado. Aug 17, 2021. #3. None of the diagrams in the factory manual appear to show the shrouds crossed for the 23.5, but do show the shrouds crossed for the 26, but mine are not crossed (H26). Somebody somewhere must know for sure. catamaran gulet motorboat powerboat riverboat sailboat trimaran yacht