Question for 2x.5 Hunter owners!

[Ed Schenck]

Wondering about keels on the 198X series of 2X.5 Hunters, especially the 23.5 and 26.5. The specs section here on HOW only lists one draft for the 26.5 for example, a very shallow 3'6". Hard to understand how a boat can have a PHRF of less than 200 with that keel. Were there other options? How about the 23.5? And what about the 25.5, how does it differ? I think that I saw one on Yacht World with a diesel inboard!

I am looking for something that might be competitive for our little weekly cruising class races. But big enough to spend the night on after a little partying at the sailing club. My Highlander is fast but has terrible accomodations.

 

[Warren Milberg]

Why not consider an H28.5

I think these are great boats that return a lot of sailing fun for what they cost. They come in deep keel (draft 5.2) and shoal keel (draft 4 ft). When set up for racing, with the right sails, deck hardware, and bottom, they are very competitive with PRHFs ranging from 174-183. The guys who race them love them and they seem to do well. Plus, they are quite adequate cruisers for a small family.

 

[Clark]

Coulda been a typo buit the 23.5 is a 90's boat - water ballasted centerboard.

The 23 is from the 80's as were the 25.5, 26.5 and 28.5. Both the 25.5 and 26.5 are good performers with the 28.5 being the 'hottest' of the group as Warren said. Accommodations for any of those are pretty good. Owners specific to your question may chime in but I think the 26.5 carries a good sail/hull plan that allows it to get below 200.

 

[Ed Schenck]

To 2X.5 responders.

Thanks for your responses. But I am still confused about the 26.5 as I see 3'6" listed for draft. Your replies mention 4' and 5'6", probably for the 28.5. I am very familiar with that boat, sailed my friend's this week. But I already have a 37. The 23.5 would be a better option for me price wise but it puts me in a different fleet. Also I would like more liveability. Still it does remains an option. So the question about draft on those two boats still remains.

 

[Clark]

Check the Model Info Ed. The 4' & 5.2' are for the 28.5; wing & fin.

The 25.5 has 2 drafts listed; one for wing and one for fin. The 26.5 only has one listed - 3'6" - but there may have been a fin version that was not input in the specs page. AFAIK, the only keel for the 23 was a shoal @ 2' 6" and has a pretty high handicap (254). Also, just for comparisons sake, I have a 1996 280 wing w/swept spreaders and my PHRF is 192 and I'll bet the 26.5 overall performance is pretty darn close. Mine has 80 sqft. more sail but weighs 2000 lb more and only 1' more WL.

Sorry if I've gotten off track.

 

[Ed Schenck]

PHRF for 2X.5 Hunters

Thanks Clark, especially for the heads up regarding a boat I had not considered, the H25.5. Following are the PHRF numbers on Lake Lanier except the 26.5(Galveston Bay). They show two, 198 is for non-spin.
HUNTER 23 254
HUNTER 23.5 246
HUNTER 25.5 201
HUNTER 26.5 186/198
HUNTER 28.5 186

 

[s sauer]

28.5 PHRF

The PHRF ratings on Chesapeake Bay for our Hunter 28.5 Deep Keel (5'-2")& 155% Genoa has been 174; the shoal draft version was 186; the Hunter 26.5 with 155% Genoa lists at 192; Hunter 25 outboard with 150 headsail rates 234.
You can't go wrong with a deep keel 28.5 and decent sails; nice interior room, Yanmar 18 HP diesel; 7,000 lbs with 3,000 lb keel.

 

[Alan]

28.5 is very good boat

I've raced on a couple plenty. But the real wolf in sheep's clothing is the 26.5. With the deep keel option this boat will handle most 30 footers with no problem. The 25.5 is nothing like the 26.5, completely different animal.

I have often thought about buying a 26.5 and setting her up for club racing, she would be a real 'sleeper'.