I am considering a 2008 Hunter 25, with the 2 foot shallow draft. I am trying to get feedback on just how well this boat will sail. Specifically pointing into the wind, how tender the boat will be? We have been sailing on a 21 foot San Juan swing keel if this helps in the comparison? Also final question is the PHRF rating of this boat? I have found one for earlier year version of the Hunter 25's but am not sure there is one for the later models. Thank you in advance for your responses.
2008 Hunter 28
- Thread starter mattb
- Start date
Hi, I have the exact same model and year (2008 H25) an upgrade from my Mac 222 swing keel. The Hunter is a much better and more stable boat than the Mac was. The shallow keel does affect pointing ability but the other benefits out weigh this by a long shot. Please refer to a previous thread titled 2008 Hunter 25 CE Classification from March 26, 2013 for a discussion about its stability. Send me a private message if you wish to discuss in more detail. Andre
MaTTb;
When you are coming into the dock under power with a strong wind from either beam or side, crab like an airplane pointing the boat some into the wind and at the last second, turn the bow into the dock. Of course be ready to throw the engine into reverse.
crazy dave condon
When you are coming into the dock under power with a strong wind from either beam or side, crab like an airplane pointing the boat some into the wind and at the last second, turn the bow into the dock. Of course be ready to throw the engine into reverse.
crazy dave condon
I wouldn't call the boat tender. At a certain point of lean angle it stiffens up just fine. The boat sails faster flatter than that though. The boat will round up well before you get a rail in the water. As Dave mentions, the high freeboard makes for some challenging docking maneuvers in a crosswind. You just have to learn how the boat moves though. The only thing I don't like about mine is how much it sails back and forth at anchor. The shoal draft was a big plus for me as I like to go in shallow water. The lack of maintenance of having no water ballast or swing keel is a big plus as well. If you plan to tow the boat a lot though, expect it to need a full size vehicle to get the job done safely. Mine stays in the water all the time other than using the trailer to pull it out for a good bottom cleaning once a year.
Thank you very much for your comments, and to those as well who have responded previously. It's very helpful information.
I just checked the latest US sailing PHRF records, and it does not show anything that would seem like the new 25 on record. They must not be raced, or at least not with a club that report results to US sailing.
I think the boat would be painful to race... with that very shoal keel, its will have poor performance to weather. That will make it unable to hold upwind lanes, and will get spat out the back. Forced to sail in the dirty air of boats of similar ratings.
I think the boat would be painful to race... with that very shoal keel, its will have poor performance to weather. That will make it unable to hold upwind lanes, and will get spat out the back. Forced to sail in the dirty air of boats of similar ratings.
For what it is worth, I introduced this boat for Hunter and raced it. If you follow the basics like the water ballast which are faster flatter no more than 14 degree heel with sail control (reefing jib/main and/or letting the sheets out) you will be fine. The only issue I had was the wind from the beam when docking or putting onto the trailer and if you learn to crab like an airplane and turning the bow right before coming in you will be fine.
I did competively race this boat following the above suggestions and won.
dave condon
I did competively race this boat following the above suggestions and won.
dave condon
Right on Dave. The boat sails fine. Those who speculate about it not sailing well due to the shoal draft should just give one a try. The boat is no slouch. It is definitely faster sailing flatter than you would with many other boats.