Hunter 25.5

[Lee Taylor]

I am considering purchasing a Hunter 25.5 WK as a first boat. Would appreciate anyand all input about this boat plus and minus. It is trailerable which is a requisite1 foot wider than a Catalina 25 and fits our budget. How bout some feedback

 

[brian]

great choice!

Hey Lee...It sounds like you have done your research. We bought our boat as a scrap boat in 1996 and given her an extensive refit. You will find more capability and functionality in the Hunter 25.5 than you will find in boats of 30+ feet. The sailing characteristics of the 25.5 are excellent and will not restrict you to "fair" weather. I hope that you find as much satisfaction as we have. We are planning to keep "empty Pocket" for some time to come as she fulfills all of the desires we have for sailing. We have some pics posted under the owner-contributed section. Feel free to contact me if I can be of more help.

 

[Lee Taylor]

Thanx Brian

Actually I have 2 choices. one is fin keel inboard engine with trailer, Pic's appearvery very clean.....the other is a WK outboardwith trailer, again pic's look very clean.We plan to trailer a lot....not just use SF Bay.Do you know how deck is fastened to hull?These boats are 1984 and 1985.

 

[Bill Saint]

My first boat too

My first boat was a 25.5. We sailed it more than any boat since and it did everything we asked of her. Very light and fast. Tons of room down below if you plan to weekend - the aft berth was a bit small but we actually fashioned two boards and a custom made cushion to put accross the port and starboard settees and made it into a queen size berth for sleeping - it was very comfortable. I'm on my forth Hunter now and convinced they make a great boat at a super value.Bill Saintsv Satisfaction IIICharlotte, NC

 

[Dave Weir]

Considering 25.5

Hi Lee,Our Hunter 25.5 is our second boat. We had been looking at 28-30 footers, so the 25.5 was to be an interim boat. We have since found it accomodations comfortable for 2-3 people and have now restored and upgraded the boat. We will definitely keep it for as long as our sailing is primarily daysails and trips under a week."Last Resort" is a fin keel/inboard version. I highly recommend it. While there are pros & cons of inboard vs. outboard, the inboard has a 35-amp alternator which maintains the batteries (we are on a mooring) well. The location of the engine weight is also better for the inboard.The sailing characteristic of the boat are excellent. We have made three trips along the NJ coast, and the boat performed well in 7-foot swells with 20+ knot winds. On flatter water, we have had her in 33 knots with both sails reefed, and she did fine. The 25.5 also likes light air.Good Luck!!