Do you own a Hunter 25.5?

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Mark Harris

I am currently shopping for a first sailboat. Am considering a Hunter 25.5 model, I think its an '84. Would like any and all opinions, problems, and especially things I should look for specifically with the boat. Any input will be greatly appreciated.
 
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Dick Vance

Excellent Boat

Hi Mark, If you're looking for a great boat for sailing the lakes around Nashville, a 25.5 in good condition is an excellent choice. It is a great performer and very roomy for a 25 footer. Please see reviews by myself and others in "The Boats" section of HOW. Mine is an '85 that I have owned for 9 years. Do you have any sailing experience? If not, don't be intimidated by this boat. After you learn the basics and the systems, it sails like a big dinghy. My first boat was a 20 footer and I bought my 25.5 six months later. I did take a basic keelboat course while I had the 20' but much was learned just by lots of sailing, tips from sailing friends and reading. Condition is a key to purchasing any boat, especially one 16 years old. Is it an outboard or inboard model? If at all possible, have the boat surveyed before purchase. If no surveyor is available, go over the boat with a knowledgable sailor, especially looking at it out of the water. Mid 80's Hunters were susceptible to bottom blistering and the iron keel could corrode underneath the gelcoat covering. I have refinished mine, including the keel, and corrected the problems. If the boat has been well cared for chances are any such problems have already been corrected but you need a careful inspection. Of course, the same is true for all systems and hardware for any older boat. Tell us more about this particular boat. Dick
 
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Mayona Austin

Very good choice

We bought our boat new in 1984. Could not have asked for a better boat. It still looks good and has required very little to keep it up. It has always been in fresh water. I knew very little about sailing but two years after we bought it my husband passed away. It has been easy for me to learn to sail and take care of. The aft cabin is a bit shallow but it is ok for children or storage space. It has an outboard 5.5 Suziski and it does very well. I do not think you could go wrong on a 25.5 if it has been taken care of. Good Luck from the Rainnek. mayona
 
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Jim Miller

Super Boat

I bought an '84 in May. It is in good shape. I single hand all the time with the jib mostly. It easily reaches 6 knots in 10 mph of breeze. I am impressed how it cuts into the 2-4 ft seas of San Diego oceans. In fact I (jib only)have passed a Catalina 30 who was using a genoa, and passed a 27 Catalina with a gennie, and a Newport 28 with a furling jib. And it is a C&C design. The interior is perfect for a small cruiser. I took out the shelves in the v-berth for more leg/knee room. Big difference. Great boat - why buy new!!
 
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Stephen Bourquein

Catspaws II

We bought our H25.5 in 1985 (#503) and have sailed it every year. If I were buying a boat today, I would still buy this boat. We have found no other boat with its combination of room, performance, comfort and looks. My wife and I race this boat PHRF against Capri 25s, Catalina 25s, J22s, Hunter 26.5s, Hunter 26s, Hunter 23s, Hunter 260s, Catalina 22s, S2 7.3s, and other boats. We generally beat boats rated up to 30 sec/mi faster than us. We also use this boat as our lake house. WE LOVE IT.
 
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