New Boat

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KevinMc

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Mar 4, 2007
43
Hunter 25.5 Brown's Creek Marina, Guntersville
Hi, Just got a new (to me) 1986 Hunter 25.5. Never sailed anything but a MacGregor 25. The Hunter has a much larger cabin, but other wise relatively the same size boat. Never sailed this boat ... yet! What do I need to expect? I was very comfortable with the Mac, unsure of the Hunter. I read somewhere that the Hunter might not take wind as well as the Mac.

Someone told me a few years ago that the Mac would not turn over. I believed them and put her to the test several times. Never really got her to far over. What about the Hunter? Just walking around on her, I find that she responds much quicker (or it seems to me).

Can any one help prepare me for what to expect? What kinds of winds are safe? How much become too much?

I have a Johnson 9.9 that I will put on her. It handled the Mac very well. The above mentioned article said that the Hunter doesn't motor well, lots of weight to push through the water. Any thoughts?

The Hunter has a roomy cabin, excited about an over night. Any thing I need to know here ... If I sound dumb .. I feel like it.

:confused:
 
David in Sandusky

David in Sandusky

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Nov 8, 2007
1,610
Hunter 27_75-84 Sandusky Harbor Marina, Ohio
Sources

Check owner modifications at the Hunter 25.5 under boat info. Lot's of info, and cruising pix and write-ups there.

9.9 horse should take a 25.5 near hull speed. That's about as fast as you want to drive a displacement hull.

Keel boat designs cannot be capsized by the wind. But any boat can be capsized if hit on the beam by a breaking wave taller than the beam of the boat. But you should be able to make it to port in the time it takes a gale to raise 9 footers.

Congratulations - you've got a good model boat!
 
Ed Schenck

Ed Schenck

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Jun 2, 2004
5,802
Hunter 37-cutter, '79 41 23' 30"N 82 33' 20"W--------Huron, OH
The H25.5 is more than twice the displacement I think. Some of the stability will depend upon which draft you have. Even though there is more sail area and your Mac had a deeper draft with the board you should find the Hunter at least as stable.
 
B

BoatBum

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Feb 26, 2004
39
NULL NULL Indiana
I have a 1985 25.5 and have been sailing her around an inland lake for many years. The boat tends to be a bit "tippy", but seems to become highly stable at about 28 degrees. I tend to reef when the wind is over 18 or so mph, but have sailed without reefing up to about 25 mph winds. That is too much for full sails on this boat.

I think you will enjoy the boat -- I have. The old Maxwell winches are a problem if repairs are needed, but I have had few issues beyond that.
 
J

jbreland

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Aug 5, 2005
131
- - Laurel, Ms
The Hunter 25.5 is a fine boat. Had one for many years.
She'll take just about anything you throw at her.
If you were comfortable on the Mac you should be at least twice as comfortable on the Hunter.

Congrats......
 
soling42

soling42

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Aug 9, 2005
825
Hunter 260 Sarasota,FL
The nicest 25.5 I've seen is owned by Brian and Steph of Boat babe fame. They've had theirs all over the Bahamas and the Fl Keys and now keep her in St Augustine. They'd posted numerous blogs about their trips which were fun to read but may have been lost in SBO updates(Edit: Found them all in the boat mod forum, thanx to scott http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/index.php?option=com_kb&Itemid=267&cat_id=14&page=model&mn=25.5). I really loved the attention to detail that Brian has for his endless improvements and tweaks on their boat.

He told me he bought it in Tarpon Springs years ago where he found it totally neglected on a dock attached to the bay bottom with oysters and growth while the interior was a rebuild too. An amazing effort considering the bristol finished product.

Your new 25.5 is a nice boat with tons of potential. Good luck.
 
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K

KevinMc

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Mar 4, 2007
43
Hunter 25.5 Brown's Creek Marina, Guntersville
can you tell me more? Can i email you personally? I think I am going to have lots of questions. Weather here is extremely cold. It may be a few weeks before I get her out on the water. At the present, I am not sure how much stuff on the boat works, the depth finder, the compass, the speedometer ... ? Any suggestion. Are most of these things things that come standard on the Hunter 25.5? Or is mind going to be unique?

kevinmc@farmerstel.com
 
soling42

soling42

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Aug 9, 2005
825
Hunter 260 Sarasota,FL
Sent you an email. Read the boat mod section on the 25.5. The link is in my previous post.
Good luck MKS
 
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