Advice on buying a 23' Hunter -- Help -- ?

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Mike Nelson

Please help me decide if the 23' hunter as described below, is worth looking at. I primarily want to know if there is anything "I should know or look for" about this particular model, or are they pretty good boats in general: Description: The motor is in excellent mechanical condition and was recently tuned up. Bottom paint is 1 year old. The interior is all original and in excellent condition. The title transfer will occur after payment is received upon pick up of the boat or upon transfer of the current slip space. I would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have or to show the boat on appointment. Hull: Fiberglass; Winged Keel. Rigging: Dacron sails in very good condition, Main and 140% genoa on Harken roller furling; Internal halyards; Two Maxwell jib sheet winches; Maxwell halyard winch; Mainsheet traveler; Aluminum mast and boom; Boom vang included, but not installed. Deck: Bow pulpit, stainless steel; Lifelines; Mooring cleat; Teak handrails; On-deck anchor well; Large cockpit locker; Lighted cockpit compass and knot meter; Molded-in skid; Bimini top. Electrical: New 12-volt marine battery; AC/DC battery charger/converter with ~30' extension cord; 12 volt DC to 110 volt AC power inverter; Hummingbird LCR model 3004 depth sounder with mount; Interior lights; Running lights; Spotlight. Cabin: Fabric cushions(blue), all in excellent condition; Fold-out solid wood dinette table; Hardwood trim; Teak and holly cabin sole; Ample stowage space; Tinted slider hatch and side windows; V-berth with hatch; Par model 29090 Manual Marine toilet, excellent condition. Galley: Sink with manual pump faucet; 50 gallon fresh water reservoir (upgrade); Origo 1500 alcohol stove. Auxillary Power: 1992 Johnson Sailmaster 6HP 2-cycle twin cylinder with alternator and 5 gallon fuel tank. Transportation Galvanized trailer with winch and tongue jack; New wood rails; New tires. Misc: Life jacket and 4 throwable cushions; Fire extinguisher. Please advise me of the "APPROXIMATE" value of this boat. Thanks Mike mpnelson@texoma.net
 
Apr 19, 1999
1,670
Pearson Wanderer Titusville, Florida
Hmmm

This sounds like a pretty decent boat. A lot of the stuff that was listed is actually standard, but there have been quite a few upgrades as well. These include: - 140% genoa on Harken roller furling (a hank-on 110% jib was stock) - lighted cockpit compass and knot meter - Bimini top - AC/DC battery charger/converter with ~30' extension cord; 12 volt DC to 110 volt AC power inverter - Hummingbird LCR model 3004 depth sounder with mount - Spotlight - Par model 29090 Manual Marine toilet (maybe, I know there was a stock porta-potti, but I'm not sure which) - 50 gallon fresh water reservoir - 6 hp motor with alternator and 5 gallon fuel tank (stock was a 5 hp motor with a small internal tank) The clean interior and a trailer in good condition are definite pluses. If I had to attach a dollar figure without seeing the boat (and seeing the prices people have been asking for good, clean H23s) I would have to say somewhere around $8,500. One place to look when you check the boat out is under the floorboards. These areas should not be wet or too rusty. If so, it means that the keelboats are probably loose or the boat is taking in water somewhere else. Peter H23 "Raven"
 
Sep 25, 1999
600
Hunter 23.5 Indian Lake
h23

Peter is right on as far as price goes in myinion I can ony add the we have had our h23 for 6 years and are very pleased with it , at times we think of moving up but then decide we really do not need a larger boat and the interiors of these are much more to our liking than some of the newer models that were just all fiberglass, Good luck in your decision , regards Mike B
 
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
Don't forget a survey!

Mike: Don't forget to get a survey. If you finance it you may need one anyway. Unless you personally know the boat, there is no telling if someone cleaned it up for the sale. A good survey can be had in the neighborhood of $10/ft. That $230 could be the best money you ever spent and it won't be wasted. They also give you fair market price on the boat for your area.
 
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Jon Rockhhold

Year and condition

The 23 was built for about seven years-1985-1992-so there may be some value in knowing the year it splashed. Condition, however, is much more important. It would be helpful to have someone with you who knows a good bit about sailboats/Hunters to advise. A pro who can do a survey and estimate a value is even better. As to price, I bought our 91 H23 this year, and it is in excellent condition. The $8,500 price tag that Peter suggested is well beyond what I paid, but I bought it in the midwest in December. That probably gave me an advantage. Of course, there is that thing about a willing buyer and seller to get the right price. Just remember, no matter how good a shape your new vessel is in, you will right away begin to make investments and improvements. It's only money. Welcome to the fleet!
 
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Jon Rockhold

CHECK THE SITE

Do some comparison shopping on the hunterowners.com site. There are some 23 there, which can give you some ideas on cost. Remember, though, that cost and value are not synonymous terms.
 
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Dave Freeman

Just sold my H-23

Just sold "Y-knot" for about $3500. She needed a little TLC, had much of the same basic equipment, and included a trailer. A great little boat! --I moved up to a H-29.5, which I enjoy a lot, but miss the easy handling of the 23.5.
 
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Ralph McGrw

Salt water boat ?

There is a lot of extra's on that boat. I have seen a lot of H23's over the last 1-1/2 years. I have bought 2. Another story. I first saw a 23' Hunter in May of last year. An '85 with Bimini, grill, sail covers, depth meter, compass, knot meter and more. And looked fantastic. The peron had put it on the market in Dec 99' for $7000. No takers. Just dropped his price to $5500 in may and the offers came out of the wood work. I think the timing was better also. But my point is, and I don't know who would agree with me, I was told that a freshwater boat could bring 10-15% more. I don't know why. The person took very good care of his boat. My first H23, an '87 I paid $5500 for. It was a good boat, well kept. Not all the options that where on the one you were talking about. Bought last year in august. Was destroyed during the winter. Damn ice bergs. Bought another 23 this year. A '90. Paid $7800. It is also a good boat. Would have liked to have purchased it for less but that's how it goes. It was still a fair price. If boats where priced higher I would have gone to another make. Don't get me wrong. My wife and I are having a ball on our Hunter 23. It is a great boat for sailing. One of the features I required was the wing keel and the 27" draft. If you want to see some pictures send me an e-m. Good luck. SEARAY0301@aol.com
 
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Lee Schilling

good boat

My family has enjoyed our 1986 boat for the past 4 years. This boat has always seen salt water and is in fine condition! I would however say your price is a bit stiff. Also consider that the 2 cycle motor may be obsoleted which adds to a price concession. Great boat but a bit $$$. Good Luck!
 
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