buying boat

[Mquin]

I am a newby and in the process of buying a bigger boat. I have a 17' vagaboung, that I have learned much with. But its too little for the bays and I would like to do something besides figure 8"s in the lake. Was looking for a Cat22, pop-top, swing keel. All I read says they are good, forgiving, learning boats.(and about 15000 made)Ran across a H23 on a good trailer for about $2000. No kicker, and needs TLC...but it has a wing keel, Our bays are very shallow (oyster reefs, spoil dumps etc...Do not know much about Hunters..is the H23 forgiving..I solo sail, can I learn by myself..(am not super dumb and believe in safety gear, but I am a newby).Any comments...boat quality? too much boat? Draft? etc..

 

[Jim Maroldo]

Buying the H23

I have to agree with the previous comments. We feel that our '23' was a steal at $1500.00 with trailer

 

[mike]

my story

I love my '87 H23 and single hand her most of the time on a midwestern inland lake. I've done many modifications including running the halyards to the cockpit. I paid 6500 but she was in great shape with a brand new mainsail. The boat is a good shoal water boat and that 2K price sounds like a steal as long as she's in reasonable condition.

 

[Keith Smoot]

Buy It Now!!!

I bought Gwaihir, my 1987 wing-keeled H-23 in 1996. At that time the Blue Book value of the boat, without a trailer or outboard was $8'500. Since I had been offered the boat at $5,500 I took it gladly. I have never regretted the decision. The boat does need a few things to single-hand it, but the fellows in my yacht club are always amazed to see me sailing alone. Second reef point, jib downhaul, run halyard aft through stopper clutches. Make a keel guide on the trailer bottom board to center the boat on the trailer. Move the boat forward 9-10 inches forward on the trailer. Upgrade the electrical system. Sound like a lot, but you will have this boat for a long time. I say this because I know you will fall in love with her like I did Gwaihir. May the two of you live happily ever after.Best WishesKeith SmootS/V Gwaihirps, e-mail me if you ever need anything for your H-23. snark11@aol.com

 

[Link Miles]

nice boat

My 89 h23 has been my first boat and purchased four years ago. I had not sailed before and I have spent the time since learning mostly single handed. I trailer mine and if you choose to buy the 23, I have to encourage you to ignore most of the comments about dificulty stepping the mast...It takes me longer to answer to the compliments I get on the boat than to get her in or out of the water. With a triangle suport to help raise the mast by myself, I can have her from trailer to underway in 50 minutes. Then even less to retrieve.