New Owner and new to forum

[tjpalek]

Hello All,

I just took ownership of a beautiful 1994 H23.5 yesterday. Even though I also have a 1980 Compac 16, I consider myself still a notice. I only cruise on a lake (no racing or salt water sailing).

With all that said, this is my first boat with a water ballast. Can anyone tell me the pros vs. cons? My reading says that it heals quicker but not further than a lead or concrete ballasted boat. Do I need to treat the tank with any anti mold (bleach) agent? It will be stored on the trailer at the marina. The owner took me out yesterday to show my how everything worked but there was little wind so I didn't get to experience her running free.

I am hopeful that I will be able to ADD something to this forum soon, rather than continuing to ask questions.

Thanks,
Sal

 

[Hugh Straub]

Hi Sal

Welcome to this forum where you will find good answers to almost any question you may have.

You will find the boat has very light displacement for its size. It sails rather like a large dinghy, very lively. You have correctly understood the water ballast provides no righting moment when the boat's not heeling And when she does heel, the water ballast does not provide as strong a righting force as would a lead keel. This is because the ballast is in the hull rather than three or four feet below the hull. Running before the wind is compromised by the aft swept spreaders, but you should be tacking down wind any way.

While the foregoing may sound a bit discouraging, the boat's shallow draft with the centerboard and rudder raised allows you to go into very shallow places. Also, the light displacement makes towing the boat a possibility. And the boat is easily powered by a 5hp outboard. Did I mention how roomy and comfortable it is down below, considering the boat's length? The simple rig makes single handing a snap.

So like every boat, there are compromises...I like my 23.5 a lot.

Kind regards

Hugh

 

[DJN51]

I own a 95 23.5 for ten yrs now.Sail on Lake Michigan.Boat can get tender after 12 knots in my opinion so reef early and no problems.As to treating ballast,I slip mine and have never had a problem with mold but I do put in. half a bag of pool chlorine a month be I pull for the season.Love the boat and solo mostly at 63 yrs old never felt uncomfortable.Try going to Youtube at watch {Hunter Capsize 02] will show you how stable boat is.Son and tried what the did and same thing happened,will always round up.Lot of knowledge on this forum and cant beat prices in the sites store.Good Luck with your boat.

 

[mmsailor]

Welcome to the forum . I have a 23.5 I am getting ready to get wet . It has been a long cold winter here in Ohio

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Many will be able to help you on your quest for information. Feel free to contact me via the forum and I will give you a call. I know the boat all too well from the inception and to the end when it was replaced by the 240 which again I knew that boat all too well. Probably sold about 20-25% of the entire production. Get in touch when others cannot help you sir.

Crazy Dave Condon