Possible Hunter 23.5 Purches

Sep 11, 2013
245
Catalina 25 6106 Lake Erie Metro Park
I'm considering purchasing a 1994 Hunter 23.5 from another sailor at the marina where we keep our Catalina 22. I've just started to research these boats, the Cat being our first boat.
What should I be looking for interns of chronic problems with these boats in general? I'm not sure at this point if it's water ballasted but if so, what should I look for? Is the keel a cable operated swing keel like my Cat 22?
How readily available are parts?
What's their reputation in terms of rugged / reliable. We'll be keeping in a slip on the west end of Lake Erie. We're still very much the fair weather day sailors but hopefully would expand our horizons as time goes by.

Thanx.....
 
Jan 19, 2010
12,625
Hobie 16 & Rhodes 22 Skeeter Charleston
I have the bigger sister.... H26

Yes your boat is water ballasted. The keel is not part of the ballast system so it just pulls up on a rope line. I'm sure @Crazy Dave Condon will chime in and give you better advice than I but the first thing I'd do is have the guy put it on the trailer and inspect the valve plate for the ballast tank.

Yes you can still get parts for this boat.
 
Jun 10, 2012
85
Hunter 23.5 Indian Lake
We have a 94 23.5 and love sailing her. I do recommend inspecting the gasket on the ballast valve, it's a simple piece of rubber but it keeps the water in the ballast hold when heeled so it's a bit important. Check the uphaul and downhaul lines for the rudder and keel, they are easy to replace but they do wear out. Look at the standing rigging and check for bent bolts and frayed cable ends. The boats are generally solid and hold up well. I sail on an inland lake in central Ohio and we have been out in 25 mile winds and were in good control and she handled well. As others have said I'm sure Crazy Dave will chime in, he knows these boats better than anyone. Our previous boat was a Catalina 22 MKII wing keel and we like the Hunter 23.5 much better.
 
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Jun 8, 2004
10,470
-na -NA Anywhere USA
Maryellarose;
On the upper right, click on your name and it will bring up a menu for a private message. Send me a private message using the forum email to include reference to H 23.5 that includes your name, phone and where you are located with good times to call. the original plans were submitted to Hunter by me for the 23.5 and I was a dealer for Hunter as well. At Annapolis I use to bring the small boats for both Catalina and Hunter to the show.
 
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Sep 11, 2013
245
Catalina 25 6106 Lake Erie Metro Park
After careful consideration we decided not to buy another boat at this time. Thanx for everyone's replies, especially you Dave.

Tom G
 
Jun 28, 2016
334
Hunter 23.5 Paupack, PA
Well, sorry to hear the deal fell through. No, I'm never selling, but for future reference to the future owners of my ship, the boat couldn't be simpler to setup and sail. I can never resist praising the Hunter engineers for a great design (of course, they had guidance of our very own Sir Dave). Quite honestly, we didn't know a seacock from a sea hen, but were surprised how easy it was to step the mast. We got her done after one dry run. But you do need to inspect your mast fittings, baby stays and shrouds, and everything they connect to. Twice. And don't forget the gin pole, jib halyard, and shackles, they do ALL the work.

As for what problems to look for on an H23.5, I don't know of any systemic design faults or chronic problems. But given the ship is 22+ years old now, all the familiar problems are there, like window leaks, a soft spot or two, maybe a faulty mast plug connection, faded seat cushions, stuff like that. Don't forget the trailer, especially the bolts on the bunks and the vertical "stalks" as Sir Dave calls them. You don't want a mishap towing her to her new home.
 
Jun 8, 2004
10,470
-na -NA Anywhere USA
Ggordonwood;
I did receive a response back from the original poster who advised due to financing, they were not in a position at this time but did thank me for offereing to help them.