I'm just looking for some input from current owners of the new H25 or hunter owners who've seen/sailed one and are willing to offer input. Any comments pro/con regarding the new design? The size is just what i'm looking for but the shoal keel and pointing ability concerns me... although reading some of the posts it doesn't seem to be an issue... Anyone been out for a 3-4 day cruise with a small family? i know it'd be a bit tight, but is it workable? Thanks for any input!
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We've only been out for day sails so far this summer (since it's been so hot) but I can't think of anything bad to say about the boat so far. Keep in mind, I don't have a lot of experience sailing on different boats to compare. This is only our 2nd boat and compared to that one (the 1980 Catalina 25 -swing keel)... .I love my new Hunter 25. It seemed like a good choice for a comfortable weekend trailerable sailboat, with NO swing keel, No water ballast, wheel steering, and a 2 foot draft. I love the shallow draft for the kind of sailing we like to do, and I've found the boat to be comfortable and easy to sail. Even with the wheel steering cockpit is huge and the stern rail seats are great. The boat is light and easy to trailer. There really isn't much of a galley and the bathroom is small. The rear berth is very spacious and the V-berth also has plenty of room to sleep. Not sure what else to say... but I'll post more as we get more experience on the boat. I will say I want a 135% or 150% genoa for next season to see if I can race a little bit with some friends.
2005 - 2006 Hunter 25
I think you've read some of my earlier posts, Dave (for example, see the link below or check the archives). My experience is similar to KenAndDrWendy's. I'm still very pleased with the MaryHel, but I haven't progressed to overnighting yet. The leaking join between deck and hull moulds (all fixed under warranty now) slowed me up a bit last summer. It's been a cold winter here (only 13 degrees Celsius max today with nasty windchill), so she's on the trailer.
I think you've read some of my earlier posts, Dave (for example, see the link below or check the archives). My experience is similar to KenAndDrWendy's. I'm still very pleased with the MaryHel, but I haven't progressed to overnighting yet. The leaking join between deck and hull moulds (all fixed under warranty now) slowed me up a bit last summer. It's been a cold winter here (only 13 degrees Celsius max today with nasty windchill), so she's on the trailer.
overnighting in the new 25
Dave, My wife and I have overnighted the our 2006 25. We have spent a couple of weekends out on the boat. The boat has plenty of space for sleeping. The only thing that is difficult is that if the person in the rear bunk sleeping nearest the stern of the boat has to get out of bed in the middle of the night, the person in the rear bunk nearest the bow has to get up as well. While that bunk is comfortable, it is a bit difficult to get in and out of. The head is also a pretty small space. I would have happily traded some sitting space in the cabin for a bit more room in the head. These things are to be expected on a boat this size though. As far as the sailing goes with the shoal keel, you should not be worried about it. The boat sails and points just fine. A good dealer with a boat in stock should happily take you out for a demo cruise. I personally would not buy a boat from a dealer not willing to do so. The one thing that I used to do on my old boat was to sail with the jib only in really heavy wind. On the hunter, this is difficult as the bow will be pushed around pretty badly. Furling the jib helps but it is still pretty difficult to sail jib only. The boat really prefers to have both sails up all the time.
Dave, My wife and I have overnighted the our 2006 25. We have spent a couple of weekends out on the boat. The boat has plenty of space for sleeping. The only thing that is difficult is that if the person in the rear bunk sleeping nearest the stern of the boat has to get out of bed in the middle of the night, the person in the rear bunk nearest the bow has to get up as well. While that bunk is comfortable, it is a bit difficult to get in and out of. The head is also a pretty small space. I would have happily traded some sitting space in the cabin for a bit more room in the head. These things are to be expected on a boat this size though. As far as the sailing goes with the shoal keel, you should not be worried about it. The boat sails and points just fine. A good dealer with a boat in stock should happily take you out for a demo cruise. I personally would not buy a boat from a dealer not willing to do so. The one thing that I used to do on my old boat was to sail with the jib only in really heavy wind. On the hunter, this is difficult as the bow will be pushed around pretty badly. Furling the jib helps but it is still pretty difficult to sail jib only. The boat really prefers to have both sails up all the time.
Thanks!
Thanks very much to all.... i'll continue to review your ongoing posts as i progress towards a decision... and you fine folks update the board with comments best to you all! thanks again. -Dave
Thanks very much to all.... i'll continue to review your ongoing posts as i progress towards a decision... and you fine folks update the board with comments best to you all! thanks again. -Dave
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