H23 23.5 mast stepping

[Matt Rice]

Considering the purchase of a H23-23.5. Have read a lot of post that refer to a 2 hour mast stepping procedure. Have read other posts that lead me to believe that Hunter improved the design to make the mast stepping easier. What I need to know is on what year boat did they do this? Do all of the 23.5 have the improvment that allow quick, and hopefully, single person set-up? Or, would I have to buy a 240 to set the easy set-up?Your feedback greatly appreciated.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Matt

There is alot in the archives but I will be glad to give you any help. Call Hunter and ask Gregg emerson for my phone. The only difference between the two boats is the 240 has side bars to stabilize the mast from going sideways. Once you learn, it should take you 15-30 minutes topsCrazy Dave Condon

 

[Ernie Rogers]

Big change from 23 to 23.5

Hi Matt,Crazy Dave told you about the minor difference in mast stepping between the 23.5 and the 240. There's a greater difference between the 23 and the 23.5. 23's were built '85 to '92 and 23.5's from '93 to '97 I think. I own a '86 h23, and have made all the "devices" talked about in the archives. Stepping the mast is a lot easier with them, BUT, it's still no walk in the park! Around '89 I think Hunter changed from Kenyon spars (heavy!) to Z Spars, which I hear helped considerably. Still, the system on the h23.5 is much easier, IMHO. Plus, the 23.5 is water-ballasted, so rides much lower on the trailer, making it easier to pull than the 23.At the time I bought my 23 I had a phobia about swing-keel boats, so I overlooked the 23.5. I've since learned that the 23.5 is a "centerboard" boat, not a swing keel, therefore not as likely to jam in the trunk, which was my worry.There's one opinion! Now, it's up to you!! Good luck and have fun with whatever you choose.

 

[Hayden]

I have a 23.5. It's a '93 and stepping is

pretty easy. I keep the shrouds attached so I don't have to fool with them each time. I have the easy stepping equipment that came with the boat. The hardest part for me is the roller furler. It takes me about 20-30 minutes to step her.Hayden

 

[Frank Ladd]

Keep practicing

I stepped my 235 mast in about 10 minutes. the whole boat was rigged launched and sailed in 35 minutes. What helped me cut the time down was maiking a list of all the things that need to be done and putting them in the most efficient order.Still If I have help it often takes longer and if I stop and talk to someone I can spend hours just visiting with folks at the ramp and looking at boats.

 

[Bob Ulrich]

Mast Stepping a 1995 Hunter 23.5

Matt,We have a 1995 Hunter 23.5 and find the entire process of Stepping the Mast is done in 20 minutes. We are usually under way 45 minutes after we tow the boat into a marina.Bob Ulrich