Hi all, Moving up from my American 23 and looking at several Catalina 25's, a Ranger 28, and a "1982" Hunter 25.5. My research shows that the 25.5 wasn't made until 1984, is this correct? Can someone supply me with web links to all the parts and pieces that are available for the 25.5? Known weak links/things to look for specifically on the 25.5? Thanks for your help, Ed
Looking at a 25.5 this weekend. Advice?
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From personal experience...
I purchased a '86 25.5 in 2000, since then I've done very little to the boat as it seems to hold up fine. I needed to replace the transom OB engine mount and needed to to reinforce the transom with hardwood custom fit plate inside since the transom fiberglass developed many spider-web cracks, probably due to engine stress on the hull. I had the underside stripped and barrier coated in '02, but mostly because the many layers of bottom paint, chipping, sand, repaint over the years had made the surface very uneven. I've replaced about every line now, I do a couple a year. It does have quite a bit of spider-web cracks around the cockpit floor area, but its mostly cosmetic. Overall its been a very good boat! Good luck with whatever you decide.
I purchased a '86 25.5 in 2000, since then I've done very little to the boat as it seems to hold up fine. I needed to replace the transom OB engine mount and needed to to reinforce the transom with hardwood custom fit plate inside since the transom fiberglass developed many spider-web cracks, probably due to engine stress on the hull. I had the underside stripped and barrier coated in '02, but mostly because the many layers of bottom paint, chipping, sand, repaint over the years had made the surface very uneven. I've replaced about every line now, I do a couple a year. It does have quite a bit of spider-web cracks around the cockpit floor area, but its mostly cosmetic. Overall its been a very good boat! Good luck with whatever you decide.
Read the Archives...thanks!
Finally got through ALL of the archives concerning the 25.5 Looks to be a boat with favorable following. I'd still like some info on where I'm going to find all the parts and pieces that will probably be missing/broken on the boat. Anyone? Ed
Finally got through ALL of the archives concerning the 25.5 Looks to be a boat with favorable following. I'd still like some info on where I'm going to find all the parts and pieces that will probably be missing/broken on the boat. Anyone? Ed
T
Tim
Ask Hunter
A couple of things...I just bought an '84 and love the boat because of the pop top and general layout - way cooler than my 240 I recently sold. Check Brian's Dry Tortuga trip under Photo Forum for pics of all you can do to this neat little cruiser. You will want to first call Hunter. They're really knowledgeable and friendly - will advise you where to go for what. I've got portlights and a front hatch that need replaced. Hunter gave me info on both but here it is: Bomar Hatch G966-1111 and Bomar 512 Portlights. Check WestMarine or Sailnet for ordering. I've also ordered a Bimini and headsail cover off this site that is made just for the 25.5. SailWharehouse had all the specs for my furler so go there if you need sail info/replacements. Hope this helps!
A couple of things...I just bought an '84 and love the boat because of the pop top and general layout - way cooler than my 240 I recently sold. Check Brian's Dry Tortuga trip under Photo Forum for pics of all you can do to this neat little cruiser. You will want to first call Hunter. They're really knowledgeable and friendly - will advise you where to go for what. I've got portlights and a front hatch that need replaced. Hunter gave me info on both but here it is: Bomar Hatch G966-1111 and Bomar 512 Portlights. Check WestMarine or Sailnet for ordering. I've also ordered a Bimini and headsail cover off this site that is made just for the 25.5. SailWharehouse had all the specs for my furler so go there if you need sail info/replacements. Hope this helps!
D
Dave Busby
Ed...I love my 25.5...
I have had her almost four years now. I know everything about her. Have done much work on her. I live outside Memphis, you are welcome to see her anytime. Right now she is in my driveway...I have the 86' fin keel model. I have lots of pictures...you can find me in the owners area. Send me an e-mail...Dave
I have had her almost four years now. I know everything about her. Have done much work on her. I live outside Memphis, you are welcome to see her anytime. Right now she is in my driveway...I have the 86' fin keel model. I have lots of pictures...you can find me in the owners area. Send me an e-mail...Dave
fast boat
For a nine foot plus beam its a fast very roomy boat, I just picked mine up at a steat for 3 grand and had fully batten sails 99 yahmar 15hp OB. I did have a 22 catalina and a 25 and man for the money and proformance this little winch will give the big guys a run for the money (its a fin keel) haven't had any problems its a 84 model, but I haven't had it that long either. Can't really suggest anything except I choose this boat over a catalina 25 any day!-----Good Luck, Johnny
For a nine foot plus beam its a fast very roomy boat, I just picked mine up at a steat for 3 grand and had fully batten sails 99 yahmar 15hp OB. I did have a 22 catalina and a 25 and man for the money and proformance this little winch will give the big guys a run for the money (its a fin keel) haven't had any problems its a 84 model, but I haven't had it that long either. Can't really suggest anything except I choose this boat over a catalina 25 any day!-----Good Luck, Johnny
B
Bill
Have one
Had ours coming into our third season. She's a shoal keel-outboard model. I agree with the comments about being fast and roomy. Our "neighbor" has a Catalina 25sk and has commented several times on the roominess of our 25.5. His boat shrinks next to ours. And our 25.5 is faster than his (swing keel). Walks away from it on about every point of sail. The admiral and I just attended Strictly Sail on the Navy Pier here. Regardless of the manufacturer, we did not find an increase in usable cabin space until we got into boats of greater than 28 feet. Then it seemed like a toss-up for space. The current Hunter 25 and 27 seem quite a bit smaller in the cabin than our 25.5. Wife said she wouldn't even consider moving to one of those new boats (she considered such a move as a big "move down" for us). When sailing head-to-head, we are usually faster than most of the most of the boats in our size range. That's with a shoal keel, VC Tar barrier coat that's been faired and VC-17. That bottom paint might help speed, but is marginal for inhibiting growth on the bottom. Check to see make sure the outboard is a long shaft or an extra-long shaft. The xl is more desirable, but if the conditions aren't really choppy, the long shaft would probably be OK, at least for 95%+ of the time. If the model you're looking at is an inboard, do the normal due dilligence on maintenance records. Unless its a repower, the original Yanmar is pretty good. Don't worry too much about the hairline/spider cracks in the gelcoat unless they are big and deep. This is a known problem with the gelcoat on this model. All the 25.5s seem to suffer from this but it seems mostly cosmetic. There are sealers and treatments to restore some of the weathering and loss of sheen. Lots on the archives about this. There is a downside. The cast iron keel tends to oxidize and pop loose the coatings we've tried. It looks ugly, but I don't think it damages anything (or so we've been told). Also, if a bimini is in your future, the backstay becomes an opportunity for engineering creativity. If you get the 25.5, you might think about investing in a spare rudder in the future. We haven't had any problems, but the previous owner had to replace the original rudder and Hunter rudders do not have a good reputation. Suggest you have the current rudder checked.
Had ours coming into our third season. She's a shoal keel-outboard model. I agree with the comments about being fast and roomy. Our "neighbor" has a Catalina 25sk and has commented several times on the roominess of our 25.5. His boat shrinks next to ours. And our 25.5 is faster than his (swing keel). Walks away from it on about every point of sail. The admiral and I just attended Strictly Sail on the Navy Pier here. Regardless of the manufacturer, we did not find an increase in usable cabin space until we got into boats of greater than 28 feet. Then it seemed like a toss-up for space. The current Hunter 25 and 27 seem quite a bit smaller in the cabin than our 25.5. Wife said she wouldn't even consider moving to one of those new boats (she considered such a move as a big "move down" for us). When sailing head-to-head, we are usually faster than most of the most of the boats in our size range. That's with a shoal keel, VC Tar barrier coat that's been faired and VC-17. That bottom paint might help speed, but is marginal for inhibiting growth on the bottom. Check to see make sure the outboard is a long shaft or an extra-long shaft. The xl is more desirable, but if the conditions aren't really choppy, the long shaft would probably be OK, at least for 95%+ of the time. If the model you're looking at is an inboard, do the normal due dilligence on maintenance records. Unless its a repower, the original Yanmar is pretty good. Don't worry too much about the hairline/spider cracks in the gelcoat unless they are big and deep. This is a known problem with the gelcoat on this model. All the 25.5s seem to suffer from this but it seems mostly cosmetic. There are sealers and treatments to restore some of the weathering and loss of sheen. Lots on the archives about this. There is a downside. The cast iron keel tends to oxidize and pop loose the coatings we've tried. It looks ugly, but I don't think it damages anything (or so we've been told). Also, if a bimini is in your future, the backstay becomes an opportunity for engineering creativity. If you get the 25.5, you might think about investing in a spare rudder in the future. We haven't had any problems, but the previous owner had to replace the original rudder and Hunter rudders do not have a good reputation. Suggest you have the current rudder checked.
J
John
25.5
From what I've seen of the 25.5, it looks like an excellent boat. You might also consider adding the 26.5 to your list. It's also a GREAT sailing boat, and is pretty quick. It has similar interior space as the 25.5. Tim: Wish I had my camera this weekend to get a shot of your 25.5 breaking ice!
From what I've seen of the 25.5, it looks like an excellent boat. You might also consider adding the 26.5 to your list. It's also a GREAT sailing boat, and is pretty quick. It has similar interior space as the 25.5. Tim: Wish I had my camera this weekend to get a shot of your 25.5 breaking ice!
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