Hunter 23.5 or 240?

[Brad Hamby]

As the previous owner of a Hunter 22 I'm now on the market for a h23.5 or h240. Is the 24 worth the additional cost? Any recommendations? I plan on day sailing with two adults and two young kids in the Dover DE area.

 

[John Cooley]

23.5

Brad,First, let me express my envy that you sail in the Dover, DE area. Some of my greatest sailing has been done in the Bay. I currently own a 23.5, and opted for this boat over the 240 because of cost. Actually, I found a 1994 23.5 that was sold new in 1996, and had spent all but six months of her life in storage. I understand that the 23.5 sails a little better to windward, but nothing significant. My opinion is that if cost is a factor, find a good used 23.5 that merely needs a little love. There are some great deals out there, and the length of production run on this boat should give some indication of their value.Smooth Sailing,John Cooleys/v SeaThree

 

[Bill Krause]

In my opinion

I bought the 240 last Sept. after looking at the 23.5. The first thing I liked better was the rounded off stern with the rub rail. This simple change takes some worry about backing into slips stern first and also the swim platform and ladder configuration is better. As I can remember the 240 has a little more room in the cabin and the cockpit. If you are going for a new 240 definitly go for the upgraded interior fabric and also the upgraded cockpit seats which are great. If you would like to see what my 240 looks like drive south down to Dewey Beach, only an hour from you. My boat is still in its slip (until 10/13) at the Rehobeth Bay Marina, "c" dock. You can't miss it. Best lookin boat in the marina. Give me a e-mail shout if coming down on the weekend as I should be there.

 

[Ken Shubert]

H23.5 VS H240 Preferences

The H23.5 has a little more sail area. The H240 has the aft bunk turned sideways, which takes the area we use for storing galley pot/pans and a docking pole. The 240 has sternrail seats and better swim access. If you shop around, there are H23.5's with only a season or two of sailing at halfthe price of a new H240. That money would buy a lot of upgrades like a furler, GPS, bimini, and other 'necessities'. KenS/V Wouff Hong

 

[Mark Kissel]

Honestly...

I would have to say no, it's not worth the extra cost; unless you think so.I bought a 240 because I liked the slight changes in hull style better than the 23.5. There were other factors as well but styling was a major influence. There are features of both boats that I like. The 23.5 has a much better rudder arrangement. The 240 has a better-looking (to me) non-skid deck. As far as sailing performance, I think the two boats are fairly even. The 240 may have a slight edge but not much. A good skipper on either boat might win the race.If you don't really have a preference, I agree with Ken. Go for the 23.5 and spend your savings on goodies!Happy boat hunting!!Mark Kissels/v KittiwakeH240

 

[Ed Knebel]

Priorities

The cockpit is shallower in the 240(raised up the deck for more room below), so I would think for day sailing a 23.5 has a nicer cockpit. I can't see using the stern seats uder sail, since they slow the boat so much(weight aft).