240 vs 23.5

[Joe R.]

Has anyone (actually 2) sailed a 240 & 23.5 side by side?With the changes in mast & sail area and ballast, I would guess that the 23.5 is faster and the 240 is more stable in high or gusty wind.The cockpit & cabin seem identical, but I'm not sure the changes are actually improvments. Any comments from those who actually know?Joe

 

[Dave Condon]

Decision

Joe;The Hunter 240 dispalces more and as a result, it is stabler. As for speed, I find the 240. Many times I am asked which is faster. The boat is only one factor. Other factors include conditionof the boat, knowledge of sailing, knowledge of the boat handling, and of course knowledge of the sailing area. I have seen expwerienced folks do well with what is considered since they had everything going for them. As for the 23.5 and 240, I can say I have dusted many boats to include racers and even 30-40 footers as I know these boats too well. The 240 does offer a little more room in the cockpit, opening port for the rear berth, easier entering onto the boat, fuel locker and no more stabilizer wires to contend with. I hope this information helps you in your decision process. Happy Sailing.Crazy Dave

 

[Ron Baer]

240 vs 23.5

I have a 240. I sailed with a 23.5, and yes it was faster, especially downwind. But the 23.5 captain is an avid racer, I am a cruiser, and not into racing. SO ? The 240 has:1. a much larger cockpit, 2. the stern is closed up a bit,3. it has high seat backs for good back support, 4. the shrouds are swept back much further making running downwind slower, better to broad reach, 5. the motor is not easily accesable - best to have remote control & electric start, 6. only 2 full battons (upper 2), a nicer deck finish. Inside , I think they are the same, maybe a bit more head room in the 240. Bottom Line - they are very similar, which is better for you depends on your personal preferances. If I had to do over again, I would opt for the 240.

 

[Greg Cunningham]

240, but 23.5 can be a good value

I own a 23.5, and have never sailed a 240. Based on my own observations of the 240, I would expect the 240 to be more stable, but possibly slower down wind. Based on my 23.5 knowledge, I can't find any fault in the comments of Dave and Ron. I think that the 240 is a good evelutionary improvment on the original design goals of the 23.5. I would still recoment considering a 23.5 if the price is right. It was actually a new 240 that got me interested in the 23.5 I currently own. You should be able to get a used 23.5 at a very fair price, and get most of the features of a 240 at a significant savings.If you do consider a used 23.5, here are a few tips on things to consider.1) Lifelines on the 23.5 don't have pelican eyes. This can make boarding difficult, but is not a problem for most people.2) Very early 23.5 trailers were not galvinized, and did not have surge brakes (mine was one of those). Keep this in mind when considering value.3) I have seen 23.5s with cam cleats, and I know the later year models had jam cleats, and smaller wenches. Many people prefer the cam cleats.4) I have seen 23.5s with the optional puplit seats so if you like this feature you might be able to find it in a used 23.5.

 

[Russell Hudson]

Yes, 240 is faster

I have raced against several 23.5's with my 240, and have finished ahead of them every time. I have some friends that have one with a furling head sail that I think is a 130, and I can still out run them. I don't know how or why, I just do. Of course I still get outrun by every ranger 23 on our lake!RussellS/V Summer Luvin'Charlotte, NC