I am a begining sailor looking for a boat. Can anyone tell me what the keel options were on the Hunter 25.5 and what is concidered ideal for best overall sailing? Also what size motor is good for that boat? The 25.5 (1984/85)catches my eye and would seem to fill my requirements without breaking the bank. Ideally I would prefer an inboard diesel but you just don't find them that often. The engines used always appear to me to be on the small side - anywhere from 6 to 10 HP! I would think something in the area of 10 - 12 to be a better size, but maybe I'm wrong. Thanks, STU
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
M
Mel
I love miine
I have the '86 25.5 and love it (so does the wife & 1yr old). Its my first boat. I've got a Johnson 9.9 (2 stroke) which is plenty of power (and I reinforced the transom since I think it’s a bit weak around the engine mount). I wasn’t too sure about an outboard at first but boat maneuverability and maintenance have convinced me. Mine has the 4.5 draft fin keel which seems stable and points decent enough, there is also a 3 ft draft keel option that I’m not familiar with. I believe the specs for both versions of this boat are on the hunterowners site under boat information/boat photos & specs. Good luck with whatever you choose.
I have the '86 25.5 and love it (so does the wife & 1yr old). Its my first boat. I've got a Johnson 9.9 (2 stroke) which is plenty of power (and I reinforced the transom since I think it’s a bit weak around the engine mount). I wasn’t too sure about an outboard at first but boat maneuverability and maintenance have convinced me. Mine has the 4.5 draft fin keel which seems stable and points decent enough, there is also a 3 ft draft keel option that I’m not familiar with. I believe the specs for both versions of this boat are on the hunterowners site under boat information/boat photos & specs. Good luck with whatever you choose.
D
Dave Busby
I agree with Mel...
Stuart, I have the same boat Mel does, fin keel,and I LOVE the boat. I am 6'4", and with the pop-top, it is fine...I have an 85' Nissan 8hp, and it is plenty of engine, and runs first time every time...This is a great inland water boat, I've had several boats, and used to sell Hunter boats in New Jersey 1979 & 80...This boat is pertty well built, lots of wood inside, and not so much plastic. It sails great even in very light air, but you can't move the 4'5" fin keen model very well. Good luck....I have lots of pictures inside and out if you want any...
Stuart, I have the same boat Mel does, fin keel,and I LOVE the boat. I am 6'4", and with the pop-top, it is fine...I have an 85' Nissan 8hp, and it is plenty of engine, and runs first time every time...This is a great inland water boat, I've had several boats, and used to sell Hunter boats in New Jersey 1979 & 80...This boat is pertty well built, lots of wood inside, and not so much plastic. It sails great even in very light air, but you can't move the 4'5" fin keen model very well. Good luck....I have lots of pictures inside and out if you want any...
S
Stuart Cook
Thanks Mel and Dave
Wow - I did not expect an answer from anyone so quickly but two in a couple of hours is great. This is the first time I ever tried one of these forum type email things so I hope I'm replying to both Dave and Mel. Dave, I live in Marlton, NJ and I'm trying to decide where to sail. I've found a couple of marinas on the Delaware River but I have to wonder what the sailing is like there with the trafic, tide and current etc. That's part of the reason I questioned the motor power!!! Where did you sail in NJ? Sounds like you are both happy with the boat. I found a couple of 25.5's not far from me late last year - I'm not sure if they are still available. I'd like to find a marina that I don't have to drive for a couple of hours to get to. Thanks to you both for the input, I'm sure I'll be in touch with you again. Regards, STU
Wow - I did not expect an answer from anyone so quickly but two in a couple of hours is great. This is the first time I ever tried one of these forum type email things so I hope I'm replying to both Dave and Mel. Dave, I live in Marlton, NJ and I'm trying to decide where to sail. I've found a couple of marinas on the Delaware River but I have to wonder what the sailing is like there with the trafic, tide and current etc. That's part of the reason I questioned the motor power!!! Where did you sail in NJ? Sounds like you are both happy with the boat. I found a couple of 25.5's not far from me late last year - I'm not sure if they are still available. I'd like to find a marina that I don't have to drive for a couple of hours to get to. Thanks to you both for the input, I'm sure I'll be in touch with you again. Regards, STU
S
Stuart Cook
Dave - I'm confused
Dave, What did you mean by this? It sails great even in very light air, but you can't move the 4'5" fin keen model very well. Good luck.... I don't undrestand what you meant by "Can't move the 4'5" fin keel model very well" STU
Dave, What did you mean by this? It sails great even in very light air, but you can't move the 4'5" fin keen model very well. Good luck.... I don't undrestand what you meant by "Can't move the 4'5" fin keel model very well" STU
M
Mel
Can't move well == can't trailer well
Stuart, He probably means you can't trailer it well with the fixed keel.
Stuart, He probably means you can't trailer it well with the fixed keel.
S
Stuart Cook
Makes sense now
Oh - Thanks Mel, That makes sense to me now. I'm not thinking of moving a boat on a trailer so that aspect does not bother me. It will either be in the water or in the marina yard. STU
Oh - Thanks Mel, That makes sense to me now. I'm not thinking of moving a boat on a trailer so that aspect does not bother me. It will either be in the water or in the marina yard. STU
D
Dave Busby
On a trailer.....
Not easy to move by trailer....which is my problem.....I am 100 miles from my boat, and have to rely totaly on marina lifts for everything...a little expensive for a 26' boat.
Not easy to move by trailer....which is my problem.....I am 100 miles from my boat, and have to rely totaly on marina lifts for everything...a little expensive for a 26' boat.
T
ted
You might consider a 15hp
stuart, my 86 25.5 came with a honda 9.9 and a shoal draft keel. The engine runs great and lives up to the dependable honda reputation. If I had to replace it I would get a 15 hp. Its has the same weight as the 9.9, but I sail in a lot of current. when the tide is running out while I am coming into the pass it would be nice to have a couple extra horses. Even though the shoal keel doesnt point as high, I like it for IWC sailing keeps of the mud. Ted
stuart, my 86 25.5 came with a honda 9.9 and a shoal draft keel. The engine runs great and lives up to the dependable honda reputation. If I had to replace it I would get a 15 hp. Its has the same weight as the 9.9, but I sail in a lot of current. when the tide is running out while I am coming into the pass it would be nice to have a couple extra horses. Even though the shoal keel doesnt point as high, I like it for IWC sailing keeps of the mud. Ted
S
Stuart Cook
15 HP is good - I think!
Thanks for your response. You seem to be confirming my thoughts by suggesting a 15 HP motor. From what I have read I am left with a dilemma – I guess it’s a case of a little knowledge being a dangerous thing! My thoughts are: In a displacement boat, the length determines the hull speed. In the case of the 25.5 the hull speed is around 6 knots. This maximum hull speed must apply whether under sail OR power. It appears to me that no matter how big of an engine you have, you couldn’t overcome the inherent hull speed. But, you need to select a large enough engine to be able to power the boat to at least the hull speed when needed. If the motor can only push the boat along at 3 or 4 knots and you have a 2 to 3 knot current with a head wind you are not going to make much if any headway. If you go to the Yanmar Sailboat Repower Guide http://www.marinedieseldirect.com/yanmar/repower/yanmar-sailboat-repowering-guide.htm it suggests the 1GM10-9HP is good for boats in the 18’ – 25’ range. There is an abrupt cutoff at 25’ for this engine!! The 2GM20F-18HP is good for boats in the 25’ – 31’ range. My thought is, if you were sailing in a lake with little or no current I think a 9 HP would be fine. But for river or bay sailing I think I would prefer something in the 12 HP to 15 HP range so I could get myself out of any trouble.
Thanks for your response. You seem to be confirming my thoughts by suggesting a 15 HP motor. From what I have read I am left with a dilemma – I guess it’s a case of a little knowledge being a dangerous thing! My thoughts are: In a displacement boat, the length determines the hull speed. In the case of the 25.5 the hull speed is around 6 knots. This maximum hull speed must apply whether under sail OR power. It appears to me that no matter how big of an engine you have, you couldn’t overcome the inherent hull speed. But, you need to select a large enough engine to be able to power the boat to at least the hull speed when needed. If the motor can only push the boat along at 3 or 4 knots and you have a 2 to 3 knot current with a head wind you are not going to make much if any headway. If you go to the Yanmar Sailboat Repower Guide http://www.marinedieseldirect.com/yanmar/repower/yanmar-sailboat-repowering-guide.htm it suggests the 1GM10-9HP is good for boats in the 18’ – 25’ range. There is an abrupt cutoff at 25’ for this engine!! The 2GM20F-18HP is good for boats in the 25’ – 31’ range. My thought is, if you were sailing in a lake with little or no current I think a 9 HP would be fine. But for river or bay sailing I think I would prefer something in the 12 HP to 15 HP range so I could get myself out of any trouble.
C
Crazy Dave Condon
ratings
Many think a 15 hp is needed. Not so. Transoms on sailboats are not built like power boats. You are correct that displacement boats can go so fast by design but it does not take much in way of hp. The maximum is 9.9 either two or four stroke. Even though the 15 hp engines are generally a 9.9 block with carbureation upgraded to 15 hp, I have seen many outboard motor brackets and transoms flexing and in some cases damaged at full power with a 15. As for the Hunter 25, you do not need over a 9.9 or 10 hp which is based on years of experience with the trailerable Hunters to include of course the 25. I have always said experience is the best teacher. Most transoms are only rated for a max 10 hp too which includes lareger saiboats powered by outboards. Crazy Dave condon
Many think a 15 hp is needed. Not so. Transoms on sailboats are not built like power boats. You are correct that displacement boats can go so fast by design but it does not take much in way of hp. The maximum is 9.9 either two or four stroke. Even though the 15 hp engines are generally a 9.9 block with carbureation upgraded to 15 hp, I have seen many outboard motor brackets and transoms flexing and in some cases damaged at full power with a 15. As for the Hunter 25, you do not need over a 9.9 or 10 hp which is based on years of experience with the trailerable Hunters to include of course the 25. I have always said experience is the best teacher. Most transoms are only rated for a max 10 hp too which includes lareger saiboats powered by outboards. Crazy Dave condon
S
Stuart Cook
Inboard Motor
Dave, I was thinking of an inboard motor not a transom mounted job. I understand what you are saying. Maybe, just maybe that is why they restrict the size to 10HP - more to do with the wieght of the engine rather than the HP requirements of the boat! Can a 9.9 HP Honda push the boat along at hull speed?
Dave, I was thinking of an inboard motor not a transom mounted job. I understand what you are saying. Maybe, just maybe that is why they restrict the size to 10HP - more to do with the wieght of the engine rather than the HP requirements of the boat! Can a 9.9 HP Honda push the boat along at hull speed?
S
Stuart Cook
Hunter Says
I just got off the line with Hunter. According to them a 10HP motor cannot push the 25.5 at hull speed. The only reason they stick with the 10HP is because the transom cannot withstand the torque of a larger motor - it can stand the weight, but not the torque. It can however if you use reinforcing plates. The only reason a 1GM10-9HP Yanmar inboard diesel is used is becuase the 2GM20-18HP will not fit!! I was advised that if I wanted to get hull speed I should use a 20HP outboard with reinforcing plates.
I just got off the line with Hunter. According to them a 10HP motor cannot push the 25.5 at hull speed. The only reason they stick with the 10HP is because the transom cannot withstand the torque of a larger motor - it can stand the weight, but not the torque. It can however if you use reinforcing plates. The only reason a 1GM10-9HP Yanmar inboard diesel is used is becuase the 2GM20-18HP will not fit!! I was advised that if I wanted to get hull speed I should use a 20HP outboard with reinforcing plates.
M
Mel
9.9 gets 5.5kts
My 9.9 will push the boat along at 5.5 kts under optimal conditions (no wind, flat seas). Generally, I run at much reduced throttle and go 3.5 to 4 kts, and only long enough until I can get the sails up and shut off that sound. Only once did I put myself in a position where I needed more than the 9.9, but still slipped by the rock with a 4kt cross current, but thats another story.
My 9.9 will push the boat along at 5.5 kts under optimal conditions (no wind, flat seas). Generally, I run at much reduced throttle and go 3.5 to 4 kts, and only long enough until I can get the sails up and shut off that sound. Only once did I put myself in a position where I needed more than the 9.9, but still slipped by the rock with a 4kt cross current, but thats another story.
B
Bruce Thompson
Stick with the O/B
Stu Stick with the 9.9hp outboard. I just traded a CAL27 for an '86 Hunter 25.5. The CAL had a Yanmar 1GM10 diesel. It was noisy at any rpm and even in a larger boat, access was a bear to do any routine maintenance. Almost any reputable O/B will drive the boat at a respectable speed. I used to sail on the Ohio River in Louisville where the current could be pretty bad. I agree with running the engine at lower rpm's because of the transom mount and torque. The mount allows you to get the lower unit and prop out of the water. And, even with a folding prop, which I had, the loss of power and weight doesn't provide the advantages you may be looking for in the diesel. We are about four feet short of the boats where the small diesels are a plus.
Stu Stick with the 9.9hp outboard. I just traded a CAL27 for an '86 Hunter 25.5. The CAL had a Yanmar 1GM10 diesel. It was noisy at any rpm and even in a larger boat, access was a bear to do any routine maintenance. Almost any reputable O/B will drive the boat at a respectable speed. I used to sail on the Ohio River in Louisville where the current could be pretty bad. I agree with running the engine at lower rpm's because of the transom mount and torque. The mount allows you to get the lower unit and prop out of the water. And, even with a folding prop, which I had, the loss of power and weight doesn't provide the advantages you may be looking for in the diesel. We are about four feet short of the boats where the small diesels are a plus.
S
Stuart Cook
Thanks to one and all
I would like to thank everyone who wrote a response to my question. I guess there are advantages and disadvantages with whatever engine I decide to go with. Certainly hearing from you all has given me more to ponder before I impulse buy! Bruce, I think you are probably right about the space available for service. I looked at a 25' O' Day last year with a 1GM10 Yanmar diesel and wondered at the time how on earth I would fit in that little hole to change the oil! Certainly, an outboard is easy to service. Do you know what, I had not even given a thought to the drag caused by the prop when not in motion! I can see now that maybe the outboard is the way to go. I have located a Hunter 25.5 not far from me with an inboard 1GM10 Yanmar and even the present owner tells me that getting in and out of the inlet can be tricky if the tides and current are not in your favor. So, I am still a little confused to know what I need to be safe rather than sorry. I will be looking at this boat in the spring. Whether or not I buy, or what I buy, may just boil down to how much the person wants for the boat regardless if it has an inboard or outboard!! I had even thought - well, if I have an inboard, I could always ADD an outboard for extra power when needed! I know, you guys are wondering what kind of nut you are dealing with!! Thanks to you all once again. STU
I would like to thank everyone who wrote a response to my question. I guess there are advantages and disadvantages with whatever engine I decide to go with. Certainly hearing from you all has given me more to ponder before I impulse buy! Bruce, I think you are probably right about the space available for service. I looked at a 25' O' Day last year with a 1GM10 Yanmar diesel and wondered at the time how on earth I would fit in that little hole to change the oil! Certainly, an outboard is easy to service. Do you know what, I had not even given a thought to the drag caused by the prop when not in motion! I can see now that maybe the outboard is the way to go. I have located a Hunter 25.5 not far from me with an inboard 1GM10 Yanmar and even the present owner tells me that getting in and out of the inlet can be tricky if the tides and current are not in your favor. So, I am still a little confused to know what I need to be safe rather than sorry. I will be looking at this boat in the spring. Whether or not I buy, or what I buy, may just boil down to how much the person wants for the boat regardless if it has an inboard or outboard!! I had even thought - well, if I have an inboard, I could always ADD an outboard for extra power when needed! I know, you guys are wondering what kind of nut you are dealing with!! Thanks to you all once again. STU
M
Mark Sanford
1GM10 in H25.5
I have just finished my first year of sailing and maintenance on my H25.5 with an inboard 1GM10 engine. My previous boat was an H23 with an 8HP OB. I would not hesitate at all to recommend buying an H2.5 with the inboard. Maintenance is a breeze as access to the engine is available from the front and back side. Oil changes are easy and all parts are readily accessible. I was concerned about fumes from the diesel but am pleased to say that we get very little as the exhaust exits below the waterline on the starboard side. Fuel economy is fantastic. This years fuel cost was a mere $20. This included many hours of motoring. Much cheaper than my 2 cycle 8HP OB. The only negative is the noise in the cabin However, my wife says that it is bearable. The engine compartment has sound deadning insulation and it helps. I would recommend this type of engine configuration for the H25.5. It seems to be well thought out by Hunter. However, I have heard of complaints from other small boat owners with inboard engines with respect to accessibility.
I have just finished my first year of sailing and maintenance on my H25.5 with an inboard 1GM10 engine. My previous boat was an H23 with an 8HP OB. I would not hesitate at all to recommend buying an H2.5 with the inboard. Maintenance is a breeze as access to the engine is available from the front and back side. Oil changes are easy and all parts are readily accessible. I was concerned about fumes from the diesel but am pleased to say that we get very little as the exhaust exits below the waterline on the starboard side. Fuel economy is fantastic. This years fuel cost was a mere $20. This included many hours of motoring. Much cheaper than my 2 cycle 8HP OB. The only negative is the noise in the cabin However, my wife says that it is bearable. The engine compartment has sound deadning insulation and it helps. I would recommend this type of engine configuration for the H25.5. It seems to be well thought out by Hunter. However, I have heard of complaints from other small boat owners with inboard engines with respect to accessibility.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.