Hunter 23.5 and 240 Owners

[Homespun]

Hello,

I have done a considerable amount of online research on trailerable sailboats and think I have narrowed down my choice to either the Hunter 23.5 and 240.

With the 240s being newer they generally run a few thousand more dollars. I'd love to sail on one or both (preferably) before moving forward in deciding ultimately which one to pursue and whether the extra few thousand is worth it. With all of that said, I was wondering if there are any 23.5 or 240 owners in north or central Florida who would be interested in having any extra crew for a day sail.

If you have any interest in having me tag along for a day, please let me know either in this thread or through PM.

Moderators, I looked for a subforum that would be more appropriate for this request, but couldn't find one. If I posted this in the wrong subforum, I apologize.

Thanks very much.

 

[soling42]

I'd think that your question is well placed. We owned a 240 and sailed with a group from central fl that hang out at http://www.cfyc.com/Forum.aspx Try them. I'm pretty sure that there was a 240 owner in their group.

We kept our 240 for a year and moved up to a 260. My Admiral rebelled against the V-berth porta potti setup. I preferred the wheel steering, pressurized water and larger overall feel. All at the expense of a pretty simple setup. I guess overall we aren't more than a few minuets longer in set up but glad I made the jump.

The single axle trailer on the 240 was actually more challemging to tow than my tandem axle setup on my 260. As for a 23.5, it's about a trade off. They are nearly identical in most respects.

Good luck in your search. Here's a couple of the 240 and my fleet in the yard before the 240 sold.
M&K

 

[Homespun]

Great. Thanks for that link! I really appreciate it.

That is pretty interesting seeing the 240 and 260 next to each other like that. For only two feet there sure is a big difference between the two, as you've described. I'm not sure that my 4Runner would handle the 260 that easily, unfortunately.

Thanks again for your response. It's very helpful.

 

[soling42]

On the 240/260 it seems that our guests are always intrigued by the stern rail seats so I'd strongly recommend that as a must have option along with a huge bimini and a well tuned outboard with an alternator for charging the batteries on long weekends. If I'd choose any single one it'd be hard to pick, do them all.

We took the boat to lake George/St Johns River which we enjoyed very much. We also sailed with the group in Lake Dora(pic below) and Lake harris. the chain of lakes area is choice central Fl sailing territory. Here's a couple more pics of the 240 around sarasota and cntrl fl to keep your fire lit. The group raft-up shot is of the free Mt Dora city docks. great town, great company, fantastic lake.

Mike and Kelli

 

[BrianW]

Homespun. you are right in doubting whether a 4-runner will pull an H-260. Concerning the sternrail seats, my '94 H-26 does not have them, and I continually have "sternrail seat envy". They are about an $800 add-on to retro-fit. I believe all 240's (and 260's) have them, but the early 23.5's (and 26's) don't. Also a big bimini is a MUST in FL. BrianW

 

[jblersch]

Homespun,
I recently purchased a 240 (2001) after looking at a 1993 23.5 and the 240. They really were nearly identical, but with a few cockpit improvements that I liked. The 23.5 lacked the stern rail seats (which really are terrific) and lacked life-lines which made my wife nervous. You can of course do add-ons but that quickly adds up to the price of the newer boat. Ultimately, though, I decided on the 240 and the slightly higher price tag because this particular boat was kept in great shape by just one owner.

There is a 260 a few slips down from me and there is indeed a huge difference in the cabins. Much more roomy and comfortable for overnights. I thought about the 260 as well but, like you, doubted my vehicle would tow it well. The single axle trailer is a bit wobbly in windy conditions, though. I've seen some 240 owners who have converted to double axle.

It's a great boat - good luck!

 

[Homespun]

Brian, thanks for the info. I didn't realize the sternrail seats cost that much. They definitely seem worth it. I guess I'll add a checkmark to the 240 column.

jblersch, appreciate your post. Interesting point about installing the add-ons. It does seem that after you've put lifelines and sternrail seats onthe 23.5 you're approaching the cost of what a 240 is, or close to it. Is the trailer not designed well for the boat, causing the wobbling? Or is that pretty standard for any boat/trailer combo in windy conditions? Lastly, do you take yours on the interstate/freeway, and if so, at what speed do you notice a problem? Thanks.

 

[BrianW]

Homespun, many of the middle to later years of 23.5's do have the sternrail seats, so it may pay to still include 23.5's in your search. Just ask right off, does it have sternrail seats. BrianW

 

[jblersch]

I don't know if I'd go as far as to say that the trailer wasn't designed well for the boat, I just would feel a little more confident with a tandem trailer if I were to go some serious distances. This is my first season with my 240 - I towed it on the interstate about 80 miles after purchasing. I felt comfortable at 60mph, but not much beyond that. Trailing from my lake to my home is only on 2-lane state highways and that was no problem.

After considering the cost of the add-on's on the 23.5 I realized I would also be left with a pair of sails that were nearing 20 years old and getting close to needing replacement. Another reason I went with the newer 240. I agree with BrianW - I didn't mean to lead you astray - I saw many 23.5's online that did indeed have some of the later model upgrades already done to them.

jeff

 

[bobbo99]

Just to add my thoughts, i bought a 23.5 yesterday , 1994 model , and it is sat next to a newer 240 in the marina. Talking ot th e240 owner he indeed agreed tha tthe stern rail seats were an absolute gem , his girls love them. However he did remark that the stantchions on my 235 looks more roust having an extra leg on them versus his ... and mine has a lazy jack system as well as very neat controls aft...

I am very happy with my 23.5 but i weill be investing in rail seats the 4K differnece in prioce between the 235 and the nearlest 240 (age wise) meant it was a great (csots effective) way for my wife and i to get into the sport...

as they say horses for courses...

cheers
rob

 

[Homespun]

Interesting comments everyone. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. I appreciate it very much.

 

[jblersch]

I don't think you can go wrong with either - its been a great boat for me to get back into the sport again after being away for a while... and a great boat to teach my boys on too.