H240 vs H23.5

Rick Webb · Jul 18, 2015

Virtually Identical

The aft berth layout is different and the 240 has a hatch that the 23.5 does not for the aft berth. I looked at both and preferred the 23.5 over the 240. It really comes down to the options and conditions of the particular boat you are looking at. One option that would be a discriminator were I to be looking right now is the stern rail seats. I added them to my 23.5 while they were still available and would absolutely pass on a boat that did not have them.

jblersch · Jul 18, 2015

I also looked at both the 23.5 and 240 before choosing my 240. They really are very similar and perform similarly. I agree with Rick - to me the choice between the two came down to the condition and extras that were on both boats. I would have had to add the rail seats to the 23.5 I looked at, it had evidence of leaks, trailer needed work, and the sails were not in very good condition. My 240, on the other hand, was spotless, in very good condition, had the rail seats, Bimini, and newer motor. I'm very happy with the boat - great for family sailing.

Rick Webb · Jul 19, 2015

Adding Stern Rail Seats

At one time you could purchase the seats from Hunter. It is my understanding that they no longer will make them. Hopefully I am wrong so it might be worth checking here on this site or calling Hunter in Alachua for a more definitive answer. They have the drawing for the seats and I assume they still bend and weld stainless so I can not imagine why they would not still make them unless they are so busy making new boats they just do not have the time. I certainly would not take my word as gospel.

jblersch · Jul 19, 2015

You are right - it's easier to access the motor from the 23.5 than the 240. The guy in the slip next to me has a 23.5 and it's easy to see that advantage side-by-side.

Regarding the stern rail seats, the store here on this site still has them listed as available (made to order) for the 23.5. I'd suggest giving them a call.

Crazy Dave Condon · Jul 20, 2015

One thing not mentioned here, the 240 dry weight weighed more than the 23.5. I have seen both models taken care of but then there are both models I saw over the years not taken care of. You can always clean up a boat. The other difference, Magic Tilt built the trailers for the 240 wherein Hunter built the trailer for the 23.5. I am not sure if Magic Tilt still has the trailer specs for the 240 and possibly for the 23.5; however, Ron Frisosky (deceased), at my request did design trailers for both offered by Road King. Contact the office for Road King in Ashville, NC and ask for the owner's wife who can help.

One other thing, the Catalina 22 Sport trailer will interchange for the Catalina 22 swing keel for any era and it sits lower on the trailer which is great for launching and I even got to the point of motoring that boat onto the trailer if with a 8 or 9.9 depending on a 20 inch shaft. Offered by Road King and designed by Ron Frisosky.

Crazy Dave Condon · Jul 20, 2015

Magic tilt improved on the trailer. It is heavier for stability but pros and cons on that vs. the 23.5. Easier access on the 23.5 but on the 240, I went to remote controls in the cockpit. for start/stop and gear shift and throttle. At the end of the day, I leaned over to pull up out of the water.

Like I said, there are pros and cons to everything but things can be made easier.

caverun · Jul 20, 2015

There are also differences in displacement and sail area between the H23.5 and H240, with the 23.5 being lighter with more sail area (thus more tender).
Sales brochures/specs are here:
http://www.marlow-hunter.com/export/Brochures/
I think the 23.5 brochure is in error on the displacement (1000 lbs seems too light), probably should be:
dry weight: 2000 lbs with 1000 lbs water ballast and 254 sq. ft. SA
For the 240: 2300 lbs dry, 1300 lbs water ballast, and 245 sq. ft. SA
Can anyone confirm this?

Indianabob · Jul 21, 2015

I looked at a 23.5 and eventually bought a 240, for which I couldn't be happier. Some of the reasons I like the 240 better are: the non-skid deck pattern looks so much nicer, the walk through transom that has a platform that you can stand on is terrific for a multitude of reasons, the fuel & gas locker, the interior layout of the boat is more desirable to me, the high back cockpit seats are very comfortable, the mast raising supports work well, and the extra ballast weight made it a bit less tender.

jblersch · Jul 21, 2015

I have a Mercury 8hp on my 240, which is very easy to operate from the cockpit. Both the throttle and the gears are on the motor tiller handle, which is longer than on my previous motor. This means that I don't have lean over the back of the boat to operate the motor at all - except to pull it up at the end of the day. And, I too really like the fuel locker on the 240.

Crazy Dave Condon · Jul 22, 2015

Sailmaster;

The 8 hp Mercury is made by Tohatsu along with the Nissan. Go with a local dealer for servicing.

Rick Webb · Jul 22, 2015

Merc

Go with the Mercury with the "Grip Shift". It is worth any extra cost or travel to get it rather than another brand that does not have it.

I have a 6HP 2 Stroke Mercury. You do not need more power than the 6. It could however be worth going with the 8 in the current lineup to get two cylinders vs a single. Mine is a two cylinder and is much smoother than the one.

jblersch · Jul 22, 2015

Sailmaster, my Mercury is a 2014, 8hp, 20" with electric start. Got it just about a year ago. My precious motor was a 6hp, which, as Rick said, is really plenty of power for 240 or 23.5. But, I upgraded to the 8hp for two reasons: 1) I could get a 2-cylinder engine and 2) I could get electric start with a little alternator. I love having the electric start and the grip shift on the Mercury because it really does keep me from having to lean over the back of the boat - one of your concerns from earlier. I have some back problems, so this motor has really helped me. The motor powers the boat very well and gives me a lot of control, especially when coming into the slip.

I couldn't be happier with the motor - I'd definitely recommend it. (And, no - I don't work for Mercury!)

Rick Webb · Jul 23, 2015

20" Shaft Length

20"s is generally enough and would get you through most conditions. I found an extension kit and increased mine to a 25" shaft.

KrustyKrab · Jul 23, 2015

My 23.5 came with the Johnson Sailmaster 8hp 25" length, which has always been plenty of power for me in the upper bay. And the motor is very easy to reach, shift and control on the 23.5 without added accessories.