Hi, I am looking at the hunter 23.5's and wondered if later years had improvement worth looking for.. This is my first big sailboat and I think this is the size for me.. I like the 240,260 but more then I can aford..I dont live close to water so I will be towing each weekend.. There seems to be a lot of 93 Hunter 23.5, was there more problems with the early sailboats. I hope to find one soon so I can joint the happy Hunter familys ... Thanks! Mark
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Two Differences I Know Of
The accent color changed from teal to navy in there somwhere. Late in 95 they started adding aluminum plates for the stern rail seats and spinaker hardware. Crazy Dave could give you a better idea if he has time to answer I am sure he is real busy this time of year.
The accent color changed from teal to navy in there somwhere. Late in 95 they started adding aluminum plates for the stern rail seats and spinaker hardware. Crazy Dave could give you a better idea if he has time to answer I am sure he is real busy this time of year.
Definitely a job for Crazy Dave
He must be busy because he hasn't replied in at least a few weeks. But Dave is the expert when it comes to 23.5's and 240's. I'll be interested in hearing what he has to say.
He must be busy because he hasn't replied in at least a few weeks. But Dave is the expert when it comes to 23.5's and 240's. I'll be interested in hearing what he has to say.
1993 is fine
My 1993 model has been a great boat so far. It is currently getting its only blister repaired and the bottom redone. Ole Crazy is definately the expert on this boat but so few of them are for sale I'd recommend you snap up the first good one you come across. Very few folks add a spinnaker or stern rail seats to a used boat.
My 1993 model has been a great boat so far. It is currently getting its only blister repaired and the bottom redone. Ole Crazy is definately the expert on this boat but so few of them are for sale I'd recommend you snap up the first good one you come across. Very few folks add a spinnaker or stern rail seats to a used boat.
Frank; Everyone Should, Consider Them Anyway
I added stern rail seats on my '95 and they are great. They are $650 plus shipping from Hunter it cost about another $100 to do gates in the lifelines that had to be shortened and for the gate across the stern. On the older boats without the embedded plates Hunter provides plates to mount them. They are worth every dollar and every scraped knuckle to install them. My only problem with them is getting everyone else out of them so I can sit there.
I added stern rail seats on my '95 and they are great. They are $650 plus shipping from Hunter it cost about another $100 to do gates in the lifelines that had to be shortened and for the gate across the stern. On the older boats without the embedded plates Hunter provides plates to mount them. They are worth every dollar and every scraped knuckle to install them. My only problem with them is getting everyone else out of them so I can sit there.
I added stern rail seats
...just this season. They are as great to have as everybody says. Not only for sitting in (which I haven't had a turn at yet!) but it gives a lot of security at the back of the cockpit. Something behind you besides the few inches of coaming height at the aft end of the bench (I see the 240 doesn't taper those walls like the 23.5 did). Also, the life line between the seats across the stern means that I can maybe remove the trailer mast support and not feel like there's nothing to keep me from tumbling out over the transom. I think a good modification would be to double the height of that little stern rail between the motor and the swim latter and connect the lifelines from the stern rail seats to it. I believe the 260 is set up this way. Perhaps the 240 is as well? With a life jacket on it's OK leaning against the back of the rail seats, but not with a bare back when you stop for a swim or lunch. I see pads are available for $75 or so. I first bought a hollow kid's swim noodle to slice and wrap on the seat back but it's too thick. Then I bought pipe insulation for 3/4 inch pipe which has a center hole of 1 inch and 3/8 foam thickness. These work fine and cost less than $1 each! You can get any color as long as it's black. ;-)
...just this season. They are as great to have as everybody says. Not only for sitting in (which I haven't had a turn at yet!) but it gives a lot of security at the back of the cockpit. Something behind you besides the few inches of coaming height at the aft end of the bench (I see the 240 doesn't taper those walls like the 23.5 did). Also, the life line between the seats across the stern means that I can maybe remove the trailer mast support and not feel like there's nothing to keep me from tumbling out over the transom. I think a good modification would be to double the height of that little stern rail between the motor and the swim latter and connect the lifelines from the stern rail seats to it. I believe the 260 is set up this way. Perhaps the 240 is as well? With a life jacket on it's OK leaning against the back of the rail seats, but not with a bare back when you stop for a swim or lunch. I see pads are available for $75 or so. I first bought a hollow kid's swim noodle to slice and wrap on the seat back but it's too thick. Then I bought pipe insulation for 3/4 inch pipe which has a center hole of 1 inch and 3/8 foam thickness. These work fine and cost less than $1 each! You can get any color as long as it's black. ;-)
What gives here!
Gee, I figured I would get lots of expert opinions of which year is the best 23.5, maybe there all good years!! I am going to look at 3or4 this weekend.. So was hoping for a better Idea on what not to buy...Just my luck that Crazy Dave "expert" playing hookie here... Wish me luck on a good buy,, I did find a cuple 240's at about the same price as the 23.5, would I be better getting a hunter 240??? Long learning curve... I think better on the water... Hey,, theres a hunter gettogether on lake St.Marys in Ohio will there be 23.5 there???? Mark
Gee, I figured I would get lots of expert opinions of which year is the best 23.5, maybe there all good years!! I am going to look at 3or4 this weekend.. So was hoping for a better Idea on what not to buy...Just my luck that Crazy Dave "expert" playing hookie here... Wish me luck on a good buy,, I did find a cuple 240's at about the same price as the 23.5, would I be better getting a hunter 240??? Long learning curve... I think better on the water... Hey,, theres a hunter gettogether on lake St.Marys in Ohio will there be 23.5 there???? Mark
Hard to know
Hopefully you'll get more info soon. You might assume that the newer the better, including a 240 over the 23.5. Here's my little bit but I'm new here... I've only had my 95H23.5 for a year, and it's my first boat. There are two other 23.5's in the area but I think they're both 1995 as well. A normal owner wouldn't have much of a chance to get to know the difference between years. I have sat in a 240 on the trailer. I noticed that the gas tank and battery are now on the centerline to help the balance, but that still leaves the motor and the portapottie to contribute to the list to starboard. I solved that a couple of weeks ago with 160 pounds of kitty litter on the port side. The cockpit is the most noticible difference. The seats end at the bulkhead and the cockpit floor is flat up to the companionway door. The 23.5 has the seats wrap around the front of the cockpit. I don't know which is better. The 240 has a constant height in the coaming instead of tapering down towards the back as the 23.5 has, so the 240 looks more comfortable and safer for sitting at the aft end of the seats (ie a higher backrest). The 240 has a little wall with a seat with locker (I think) at the aft end of the cockpit whereas the 23.5 has just a short wall (8 inches?) with a short stern rail that is lower than knee-high. This seems mostly cosmetic. The 240 has 300 pounds more water ballast. The standing rigging is different, not simple upper and lower shrouds but something with an "X" pattern to the shrouds and I think the lower shrouds are solid poles, not wires. It seemed that some lines are run differently. Whereas my 23.5 has just the jib and main halyards and centerboard uphaul run to the cockpit on the starboard side, the 240 has sheaves exiting both sides of the mast with turning blocks and clutches on both sides of the mast, but I'm not sure what all it's for. I haven't seen one with the mast stepped; this was just just sitting on the lot and the mast and rigging was all in the shop.
Hopefully you'll get more info soon. You might assume that the newer the better, including a 240 over the 23.5. Here's my little bit but I'm new here... I've only had my 95H23.5 for a year, and it's my first boat. There are two other 23.5's in the area but I think they're both 1995 as well. A normal owner wouldn't have much of a chance to get to know the difference between years. I have sat in a 240 on the trailer. I noticed that the gas tank and battery are now on the centerline to help the balance, but that still leaves the motor and the portapottie to contribute to the list to starboard. I solved that a couple of weeks ago with 160 pounds of kitty litter on the port side. The cockpit is the most noticible difference. The seats end at the bulkhead and the cockpit floor is flat up to the companionway door. The 23.5 has the seats wrap around the front of the cockpit. I don't know which is better. The 240 has a constant height in the coaming instead of tapering down towards the back as the 23.5 has, so the 240 looks more comfortable and safer for sitting at the aft end of the seats (ie a higher backrest). The 240 has a little wall with a seat with locker (I think) at the aft end of the cockpit whereas the 23.5 has just a short wall (8 inches?) with a short stern rail that is lower than knee-high. This seems mostly cosmetic. The 240 has 300 pounds more water ballast. The standing rigging is different, not simple upper and lower shrouds but something with an "X" pattern to the shrouds and I think the lower shrouds are solid poles, not wires. It seemed that some lines are run differently. Whereas my 23.5 has just the jib and main halyards and centerboard uphaul run to the cockpit on the starboard side, the 240 has sheaves exiting both sides of the mast with turning blocks and clutches on both sides of the mast, but I'm not sure what all it's for. I haven't seen one with the mast stepped; this was just just sitting on the lot and the mast and rigging was all in the shop.
240 vs. 23.5
In addition to what Rick mentioned the aft berth runs sideways. Seems it would be much more claustrophobic especially if your sharing the bunk and your the first one in. Either way you'll love it.
In addition to what Rick mentioned the aft berth runs sideways. Seems it would be much more claustrophobic especially if your sharing the bunk and your the first one in. Either way you'll love it.
The question is...
The question asks for a judgement regarding the best year for the 23.5, not a comparison with the 240. I bought my '93, 23.5 new, and have never been disappointed. I've had very infrequent and minor problems, most of which I brought on through my own negligence or stupidity. I don't think there was a lot of difference during the several years of manufacture of the 23.5. I replaced the electric panel within a couple of months after purchase, partly because the original was a piece of junk, and more particularly because I wanted more circuits. I rebuilt the trailer guide arms the second year; both broke just above the trailer frame. I have added many upgrades, but those were not from poor design. Rather, they resulted from my need to constantly putter and from a personal belief that half the fun of owning a boat is molding it to fit my peculiar needs and interests.
The question asks for a judgement regarding the best year for the 23.5, not a comparison with the 240. I bought my '93, 23.5 new, and have never been disappointed. I've had very infrequent and minor problems, most of which I brought on through my own negligence or stupidity. I don't think there was a lot of difference during the several years of manufacture of the 23.5. I replaced the electric panel within a couple of months after purchase, partly because the original was a piece of junk, and more particularly because I wanted more circuits. I rebuilt the trailer guide arms the second year; both broke just above the trailer frame. I have added many upgrades, but those were not from poor design. Rather, they resulted from my need to constantly putter and from a personal belief that half the fun of owning a boat is molding it to fit my peculiar needs and interests.
93 to 97
Well. some how, I think your Question kind of got lost with some people. I have a 1993-23.5, and at my lake, in Nebraska, There are 9 of us. We keep a good Eye on each other, and are friends. So, we talk boats a-lot. All togeather, there has been no more than 10 blisters between all the boats. (the years are from 93 to 95.) There has been no major trouble. There was one 240, but most of us did'n seem to like the way the motor was placed, with the new seat arangement, ( it was hard to get to the motor, when you needed to turn it in tight places.) Dave B. ______/)_______/)_________/)))__________
Well. some how, I think your Question kind of got lost with some people. I have a 1993-23.5, and at my lake, in Nebraska, There are 9 of us. We keep a good Eye on each other, and are friends. So, we talk boats a-lot. All togeather, there has been no more than 10 blisters between all the boats. (the years are from 93 to 95.) There has been no major trouble. There was one 240, but most of us did'n seem to like the way the motor was placed, with the new seat arangement, ( it was hard to get to the motor, when you needed to turn it in tight places.) Dave B. ______/)_______/)_________/)))__________
What year is best?
I've had the pleasure of meeting several 23.5 owners in my area who own 93 & 94 model boats. Ours is a 95. All these boats sail the same. The water ballast is a bit tender in moderate wind, but behaves well otherwise. I don't believe you can go wrong with any year of the 23.5. You mentioned trailering the boat. With that in mind, they did have problems with the trailers on the 93, 94 & 95 boats. Crazy Dave told me they changed to another manufacturer because of the problems. I don't know when that occurred.I have not trailered my boat at all since it was delivered in early 97. Suggest you take a look at the boat reviews done by 23.5 owners at this site. It will provide a lot more opinions, observations,compliments and critical comments about the 93-97 boats. There are quite a few reviews for you to read. Which ever year you choose, there are a couple of things you can do to make sailing more enjoyable for yourself and your guests. I won't mention rail seats as I believe this has been covered pretty well already. 1. Look for a boat with a furling jib. It makes it a snap to get the jib up and down. If you get a boat without this, you can add for less than $500. CDI makes a good unit that runs about $200 I think, but you will still need to get the sail modified. 2. Get a bimini to get some shade. Very nice on hot days with little breeze. 3. Add lazy jacks for dropping the mainsail. It makes it a lot quicker, easier and more organized to raise and lower the main and is especially helpful if you and or your crew are new to sailing. It can be done for $150 at a sailboat yard, or check the "Related link" shown below my comments for doing the job yourself. It also has a couple of other projects that owner has done to improve and upgrade his boat. Good Sailing
I've had the pleasure of meeting several 23.5 owners in my area who own 93 & 94 model boats. Ours is a 95. All these boats sail the same. The water ballast is a bit tender in moderate wind, but behaves well otherwise. I don't believe you can go wrong with any year of the 23.5. You mentioned trailering the boat. With that in mind, they did have problems with the trailers on the 93, 94 & 95 boats. Crazy Dave told me they changed to another manufacturer because of the problems. I don't know when that occurred.I have not trailered my boat at all since it was delivered in early 97. Suggest you take a look at the boat reviews done by 23.5 owners at this site. It will provide a lot more opinions, observations,compliments and critical comments about the 93-97 boats. There are quite a few reviews for you to read. Which ever year you choose, there are a couple of things you can do to make sailing more enjoyable for yourself and your guests. I won't mention rail seats as I believe this has been covered pretty well already. 1. Look for a boat with a furling jib. It makes it a snap to get the jib up and down. If you get a boat without this, you can add for less than $500. CDI makes a good unit that runs about $200 I think, but you will still need to get the sail modified. 2. Get a bimini to get some shade. Very nice on hot days with little breeze. 3. Add lazy jacks for dropping the mainsail. It makes it a lot quicker, easier and more organized to raise and lower the main and is especially helpful if you and or your crew are new to sailing. It can be done for $150 at a sailboat yard, or check the "Related link" shown below my comments for doing the job yourself. It also has a couple of other projects that owner has done to improve and upgrade his boat. Good Sailing
In my opinion .....
You are better looking at the condition of individual boats rather than a particular year. My 1997 240 is stored during the summer months under cover in a boathouse (see photo in photo forum) and spends winter months sitting on her trailer in a boatyard - again covered by a tarpaulin. There is another 240, same year on the lake where I sail that spends 12 months of each year sitting in the water exposed to everything. Needless to say which is in better condition. I added stern rails to my boat - they are a must!
You are better looking at the condition of individual boats rather than a particular year. My 1997 240 is stored during the summer months under cover in a boathouse (see photo in photo forum) and spends winter months sitting on her trailer in a boatyard - again covered by a tarpaulin. There is another 240, same year on the lake where I sail that spends 12 months of each year sitting in the water exposed to everything. Needless to say which is in better condition. I added stern rails to my boat - they are a must!
A little surprized !
Well I'm a little surprized at Hunter not making costomer feedback improvements each new year while in production. The boat companys seem to wait till a new model comes along, "H240". But I am new to the big sailboats so this must be the norm. Thanks to all that replied and I am looking at more 23.5's hopefully this weekend. Happy sailing, Mark
Well I'm a little surprized at Hunter not making costomer feedback improvements each new year while in production. The boat companys seem to wait till a new model comes along, "H240". But I am new to the big sailboats so this must be the norm. Thanks to all that replied and I am looking at more 23.5's hopefully this weekend. Happy sailing, Mark
The trailers
Someone mentioned that the trailer manufacturer was changed around 1996. My 1994 23.5 has been very good for an inexpensive, mass produced salboat. There has been some stress cracks in the fiberglass. I also had a leak in the ballast tank that was repaired under warranty. Other than that, there have been no major failures on the boat in 9 years of ownership. The trailer, however is another story. There were balance issues with the boat on the trailer, numerous broken parts and white knuckle moments when trailering. I have repaired/replaced the problematic pieces over the years and the trailer is now pretty reliable. It is barely adequate to haul the boat as originally configured and I would consider the trailer factor when deciding which year of 23.5 to purchase. Hope this helps Alan Long 94 23.5
Someone mentioned that the trailer manufacturer was changed around 1996. My 1994 23.5 has been very good for an inexpensive, mass produced salboat. There has been some stress cracks in the fiberglass. I also had a leak in the ballast tank that was repaired under warranty. Other than that, there have been no major failures on the boat in 9 years of ownership. The trailer, however is another story. There were balance issues with the boat on the trailer, numerous broken parts and white knuckle moments when trailering. I have repaired/replaced the problematic pieces over the years and the trailer is now pretty reliable. It is barely adequate to haul the boat as originally configured and I would consider the trailer factor when deciding which year of 23.5 to purchase. Hope this helps Alan Long 94 23.5
Trailer Manufacturer Changed more than Once?
Seems like Ol' Crazy Dave has mentioned three manufacturers Kens Welding Service (KWS), Hunter, and Magic Tilt trailers. I have a Hunter trailer for my '95 have not had any real problems with it but I did change out the 5/16" bolts holding on the trailer guides with 3/8" ones and replaced the single axle with dual axles. Never had a problem with my axle but there have been others who have.
Seems like Ol' Crazy Dave has mentioned three manufacturers Kens Welding Service (KWS), Hunter, and Magic Tilt trailers. I have a Hunter trailer for my '95 have not had any real problems with it but I did change out the 5/16" bolts holding on the trailer guides with 3/8" ones and replaced the single axle with dual axles. Never had a problem with my axle but there have been others who have.
How hard should it be??
I looked at another 23.5 sat. and we got to sail her. When we got back to the dock the captin ask me to raise the keel. I had to put my foot aganst the cabin wall and pull with both hands and rope wrapped around my hand, pull very very hard.. the rope had a block and tackle to help matters.. is this normal??
I looked at another 23.5 sat. and we got to sail her. When we got back to the dock the captin ask me to raise the keel. I had to put my foot aganst the cabin wall and pull with both hands and rope wrapped around my hand, pull very very hard.. the rope had a block and tackle to help matters.. is this normal??
raising the keel
I have a 1993 Hunter 19 and I have the same issue. The centerboard is very heavy but it comes right up once you brace yourself. The 23.5 is similar to the 19 in this respect. A winch would be a help in this case.
I have a 1993 Hunter 19 and I have the same issue. The centerboard is very heavy but it comes right up once you brace yourself. The 23.5 is similar to the 19 in this respect. A winch would be a help in this case.
raising the cb
On my H26 it takes a feat of Herculean strength to pull up the cb by hand. I use the winch. Ron Mehringer H26 Hydro-Therapy
On my H26 it takes a feat of Herculean strength to pull up the cb by hand. I use the winch. Ron Mehringer H26 Hydro-Therapy
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