New for me 23.5 Hunter

[Mauro15611]

Tomorrow I'm getting possession of a 23.5 in very good condition but not perfect, so I'm planning to do several things and I need suggestions from you veterans.1. Bottom paint needs redone. I plan to keep the boat on the trailer after each use. Is the idea of removing the paint and leaving the original gel coat exposed sound? If paint is a must, what paint is best?2. There is a water leak in one window. Is it OK sealing it with bathtub caulking? How to do it?3. The springs and axle of the trailer are rusted. Where can I find replacements?4. The centerboard would take paint. What is the best way of doing this? Same thing for the rudder.5. The external valve of the water ballast is encrusted with mud looking stuff. How to clean it? There is a need to clean the water ballast tank?6. I need an Owners manual and probably to buy parts for this boat. I have been unable to find a Hunter site that offer these things. Is there one?7. Is there a hot line number or site for Hunter customer support?Any information will be greatly appreciated.Thanks,Mauro.

 

[Tom23212]

Try This Site

Try this Hunter info site. It may have some things that will be helpful.http://www.ayesail.net/sailing/Hunter/Hunter23_45/index.htm

 

[Bill18593]

Lots o' stuff

#1 depends on the type of paint on the bottom. If its ablative paint that will wear off, then just keep the bottom clean. If its something else, well it just depends on what it is. Under any circumstance, I'd get a pressure washer and clean the bottom at each haul. If you must paint, then that opens a whole different discussion that is well covered in the archives.Keep an eye out for little blisters in the gel coat.#2 Bathroom caulk won't cut it. Get a good boat caulk. Again, much coverage in the archives.#6 and #7 go to huntermarine.com and look up the contact info for owners.

 

[Mauro15611]

Thanks for the site

I checked it and fond a H23 but no 23.5.Thank you.

 

[Ron M]

Welcome

1. No need for bottom paint if boat is daysailed.2. Do some research and find out the proper way to fix the leak. Bathroom caulk is probably not the answer.3. http://shop.easternmarine.com/index.cfm4. See No. 15. Try scraping away the crust. Maybe a Dremel tool? If your ballast tank smells, then add between a pint or quart of bleach to the full tank. Since you'll be daysailing, the tank will be drained each time, so odds are it will never get stinky.6 & 7. You definitely need an owners manual, especially for the mast raising/lowering info. Call Hunter. Their Customer Hotline is 800-771-5556. Their general web site is: http://www.huntermarine.com/index2.htmlHave fun with the "new" boat!Ron Mehringerh26 Hydro-Therapy