Alright all experienced Hunter 23 owners.. New to sailing, and after much research and shopping, have found a Hunter 23, appears to be in reasonably good shape. My concerns are what appears to be the usual, stepping and unstepping the mast, and launch/retrieval. I do not have access to moorings for a season.. my sailing would have to be for long weekends at the lake,and then returning home with the boat. Is the mast and the draft of the boat really as big a problem as some say, or should I just plan on dealing with this and not to worry. I don't know how deep the ramp is at the lake, but the trailer has a tongue extension, and the current owner has a mast raising system devised. Any last minute thoughts would be appreciated.
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mike
moor it
Stepping the mast with a system is no big deal. Launching and retrieving is also very doable with guides on your trailer. But, having said that, I wouldn't want to do it every weekend. Get the mooring! You'll love the boat!
Stepping the mast with a system is no big deal. Launching and retrieving is also very doable with guides on your trailer. But, having said that, I wouldn't want to do it every weekend. Get the mooring! You'll love the boat!
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Rob Morton
Launching h23
We have the same year boat and just love it. Two people can rig it in about an hour to an hour and a half. If you have something to help with the mast all the better. We had to set up the mast on the water once and that can be kind of tuff. We almost ended up with the mast in the water. On the trailer it sets up pretty good. We have ours in a slip, (or will shortly) and it is much nicer. More time for an evening sail or even for the weekend. We have launched ours in a fairly shallow lake and we do use the extension on the tougue. The draft is fine and its not a problem to get hte boat off the trailer. A little harder getting it back on. We get it headed on and then pull up until it just floats up to the nose. Some have added guides to help get it on the trailer. We sailed our boat for the first season with out a slip also. If you have questions don't be afraid to ask. Enjoy the boat. Rob Morton
We have the same year boat and just love it. Two people can rig it in about an hour to an hour and a half. If you have something to help with the mast all the better. We had to set up the mast on the water once and that can be kind of tuff. We almost ended up with the mast in the water. On the trailer it sets up pretty good. We have ours in a slip, (or will shortly) and it is much nicer. More time for an evening sail or even for the weekend. We have launched ours in a fairly shallow lake and we do use the extension on the tougue. The draft is fine and its not a problem to get hte boat off the trailer. A little harder getting it back on. We get it headed on and then pull up until it just floats up to the nose. Some have added guides to help get it on the trailer. We sailed our boat for the first season with out a slip also. If you have questions don't be afraid to ask. Enjoy the boat. Rob Morton
Shallow draft
The H 23 is really nice because its keel is very shallow. This allows you to sail into shallow coves etc. The rudder is much deeper than the keel, so I would put the rudder on after you have launched. If you are sailing in non tital waters than lauching is a little easier becuase you don't have to worry about tides. When attactching the forestay, have someone onj the gorund pulling on the jib hayard. It will make the chainplate attatchment much easier. Have fun, but I would agree slip or mooring is the way to go.
The H 23 is really nice because its keel is very shallow. This allows you to sail into shallow coves etc. The rudder is much deeper than the keel, so I would put the rudder on after you have launched. If you are sailing in non tital waters than lauching is a little easier becuase you don't have to worry about tides. When attactching the forestay, have someone onj the gorund pulling on the jib hayard. It will make the chainplate attatchment much easier. Have fun, but I would agree slip or mooring is the way to go.
h 23 stepping mast
The more you do it the easier it gets, but I am with Mike Epp, if I had to do it every weekend I would sail less, Ward from Iowa pretty much trailer sailed his 23 I think even towed it to Ohio , to him it was not a big deal. I think he has moved to a larger boat . Everyone is different , it is a great boat but there may be some that are easier to set up, for the money they are really hard to beat, have the owner run thru it with you and take notes, take your time . Most mishaps occur when people get in a hurry , good luck Mike
The more you do it the easier it gets, but I am with Mike Epp, if I had to do it every weekend I would sail less, Ward from Iowa pretty much trailer sailed his 23 I think even towed it to Ohio , to him it was not a big deal. I think he has moved to a larger boat . Everyone is different , it is a great boat but there may be some that are easier to set up, for the money they are really hard to beat, have the owner run thru it with you and take notes, take your time . Most mishaps occur when people get in a hurry , good luck Mike
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Ben
Stepping No Problem
I also have an 86 23. Stepping the mast is not a big deal. I prefer to do it on the trailer over doing it with the boat in the water. It's best to have the boat completely stable. I've found getting it on and off the trailer to be the biggest problem. You have to have a deep enough ramp even with the tongue extension. I think the shallow draft is one of the strengths of the boat, not a problem.
I also have an 86 23. Stepping the mast is not a big deal. I prefer to do it on the trailer over doing it with the boat in the water. It's best to have the boat completely stable. I've found getting it on and off the trailer to be the biggest problem. You have to have a deep enough ramp even with the tongue extension. I think the shallow draft is one of the strengths of the boat, not a problem.
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Steve
moor it
I've given up on stepping the mast. I moor it in May and pull it out in October. The boatyard steps the mast and lifts the boat off the trailer with a crane for $50. No stress. Enjoy your H23.
I've given up on stepping the mast. I moor it in May and pull it out in October. The boatyard steps the mast and lifts the boat off the trailer with a crane for $50. No stress. Enjoy your H23.
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Brian
Remote winch
Dave, I sail a 170 daysailer so stepping the mast is very easy. But one of the members in our club trailer sails a new 216. He has attached an electric winch to the trailer, high up on the post that cradles the mast. This winch has a remote control which he can hold in his hand and guide the mast from the stern of the boat as the winch raises the mast. Works very well. Go to our site and ask about the wench and I am sure he will give you the information. Brian
Dave, I sail a 170 daysailer so stepping the mast is very easy. But one of the members in our club trailer sails a new 216. He has attached an electric winch to the trailer, high up on the post that cradles the mast. This winch has a remote control which he can hold in his hand and guide the mast from the stern of the boat as the winch raises the mast. Works very well. Go to our site and ask about the wench and I am sure he will give you the information. Brian
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