Have a question for hunter 23.5 owners. How sea worhty is this boat? I was conteplating trailering to the keys possible next year. But Not sure how this boat would handle in the ocean? Was thinking Marathon to key west is the 23.5 safe for this?
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You are probably going to get a lot of different answers to this question, based on personal experiences. I have a 240 and I would not do it. The boat is rated for lakes and protected bays. I assume that their system for rating these boats is based on some reasonable criteria. My boat is pretty tender. I've learned to sail it in controlled conditions but I personally would not be comfortable too far from a safe harbor, esp. if I don’t know the area or weather patterns. Keep in mind that I just finished reading a book about the Fathome sinking in hurricane Mitch, so maybe I am just a little paranoid. Why not rent something larger that is rated for those waters? You would not have all of the cost of trailering (my Pathfinder gets terrible gas mileage towing and it is not unusual to break something when you trailer the boat a long way) and you would have more room. Just a thought. Good luck either way.
You are probably going to get a lot of different answers to this question, based on personal experiences. I have a 240 and I would not do it. The boat is rated for lakes and protected bays. I assume that their system for rating these boats is based on some reasonable criteria. My boat is pretty tender. I've learned to sail it in controlled conditions but I personally would not be comfortable too far from a safe harbor, esp. if I don’t know the area or weather patterns. Keep in mind that I just finished reading a book about the Fathome sinking in hurricane Mitch, so maybe I am just a little paranoid. Why not rent something larger that is rated for those waters? You would not have all of the cost of trailering (my Pathfinder gets terrible gas mileage towing and it is not unusual to break something when you trailer the boat a long way) and you would have more room. Just a thought. Good luck either way.
No Hesitation at All
I sail mine out into the gulf all the time. I have even thought about dragging it down to Key West and sailing out to the Dry Tortugas. Just make sure you get some local information, charts, a couple of communication devices at least one being a VHF and that you have all of the safety gear. Getting a courtesy safety check from the Coast Guard Auxiliary would be a very good start. Have fun.
I sail mine out into the gulf all the time. I have even thought about dragging it down to Key West and sailing out to the Dry Tortugas. Just make sure you get some local information, charts, a couple of communication devices at least one being a VHF and that you have all of the safety gear. Getting a courtesy safety check from the Coast Guard Auxiliary would be a very good start. Have fun.
Why not consider the
My family and I rented a home on a canal in Islamorada (South of Key Largo) that came with an H23. We used the boat mostly in the Florida Bay, but took it out in the ocean several times through the Snake Creek bridge to snorkel in the ocean. Even though we were only a couple miles off shore, I still got nervous. I'm sure it was mostly psychological, though. On the other hand, on the inland side, the Bay was much calmer, beautiful sailing with plenty to see and do. You do need to watch the charts because the water is thin at points, but with the 23.5, that shouldn't be a problem. You can go all the way from Largo to Key West via the ICW.
My family and I rented a home on a canal in Islamorada (South of Key Largo) that came with an H23. We used the boat mostly in the Florida Bay, but took it out in the ocean several times through the Snake Creek bridge to snorkel in the ocean. Even though we were only a couple miles off shore, I still got nervous. I'm sure it was mostly psychological, though. On the other hand, on the inland side, the Bay was much calmer, beautiful sailing with plenty to see and do. You do need to watch the charts because the water is thin at points, but with the 23.5, that shouldn't be a problem. You can go all the way from Largo to Key West via the ICW.
Rental
Treasure Harbor Marine in Islamorada charters a 23.5. People take it regularly to Key West via Florida Bay and Hawk Channel (on the ocean side) Alan Long
Treasure Harbor Marine in Islamorada charters a 23.5. People take it regularly to Key West via Florida Bay and Hawk Channel (on the ocean side) Alan Long
Dry Tortugas
Rick, several years ago our Cave Run Sailing group chartered Hunter 38s out of Key West and sailed to the Dry Tortugas. It was a great trip, but we did run into a storm that lasted about 45 minutes. Don't think I would want to be caught in a 23.5, 240 or a 260 in the 30 knot winds we hit. The salt water facials were exhilarating. Bob Kalisz Alrightie Then
Rick, several years ago our Cave Run Sailing group chartered Hunter 38s out of Key West and sailed to the Dry Tortugas. It was a great trip, but we did run into a storm that lasted about 45 minutes. Don't think I would want to be caught in a 23.5, 240 or a 260 in the 30 knot winds we hit. The salt water facials were exhilarating. Bob Kalisz Alrightie Then
Go for it
I know that water pretty well (Marathon to KW). That is 1 good day's sail down the Hawk channel. There is a reef on the outside of the channel, so the water is somewhat protected. Dockage at Key West is $$$, so you may want to anchor out. Another suggestion at KW is the call the water taxi on Ch 16 instead of using the dinghy (very few places to tie off) You may want to call Southernmost Marina at Stock Island (1 island up from Key West) if you want a transient slip. Winds will usually be steady from ENE. Good sailing.
I know that water pretty well (Marathon to KW). That is 1 good day's sail down the Hawk channel. There is a reef on the outside of the channel, so the water is somewhat protected. Dockage at Key West is $$$, so you may want to anchor out. Another suggestion at KW is the call the water taxi on Ch 16 instead of using the dinghy (very few places to tie off) You may want to call Southernmost Marina at Stock Island (1 island up from Key West) if you want a transient slip. Winds will usually be steady from ENE. Good sailing.
Robert...
just wondering, how much does it cost in general, for the water taxi? I know prices change, but I have no earthly idea.. what was your experience with that. thanks.
just wondering, how much does it cost in general, for the water taxi? I know prices change, but I have no earthly idea.. what was your experience with that. thanks.
Info a little stale, but...
A few years ago, the water taxi was $5, plus tip. It has probably gone up. Service was prompt. You may be able to find a telephone # on the net. Keep in mind that the few places in KW that allow dinghies charge a few bucks for that privelege. I haven't used the water taxi in a few years, but the last time I did, we just called and gave them a description of our boat and where we were anchored and they were there in a few minutes. DON'T dock over by the steamship docks. There is one slip that looks inviting, but the harbor master sent a kid looking for me one time to move my boat, interrupted my drinking. KW anchorages tend to be crowded. Get there early in the day and allow room to swing.
A few years ago, the water taxi was $5, plus tip. It has probably gone up. Service was prompt. You may be able to find a telephone # on the net. Keep in mind that the few places in KW that allow dinghies charge a few bucks for that privelege. I haven't used the water taxi in a few years, but the last time I did, we just called and gave them a description of our boat and where we were anchored and they were there in a few minutes. DON'T dock over by the steamship docks. There is one slip that looks inviting, but the harbor master sent a kid looking for me one time to move my boat, interrupted my drinking. KW anchorages tend to be crowded. Get there early in the day and allow room to swing.
Depends on the weather
My expperience is that the 23.5 will take anything you can take. But it is still stupid to go out in unprotected water with the winds over 20 knots and rising. We've surfed or 23.5 down the face of large breaking waves and we've had wave break over the front of the boat and wash back to the cockpit and out the back. The 23.5 it more seaworthy than you think because of the open quick draining cockpit, but you are stupid if you go out in bad weather or conditions beyond your ability. The keys have plenty of protected areas for sailing if it is blowing hard. In winds over 20 I think the 23.5 sails best with a reefed main and no jib. Winds much beyond that have me headed for shelter although sometimes it takes a couple of hours to get to a shetered spot.
My expperience is that the 23.5 will take anything you can take. But it is still stupid to go out in unprotected water with the winds over 20 knots and rising. We've surfed or 23.5 down the face of large breaking waves and we've had wave break over the front of the boat and wash back to the cockpit and out the back. The 23.5 it more seaworthy than you think because of the open quick draining cockpit, but you are stupid if you go out in bad weather or conditions beyond your ability. The keys have plenty of protected areas for sailing if it is blowing hard. In winds over 20 I think the 23.5 sails best with a reefed main and no jib. Winds much beyond that have me headed for shelter although sometimes it takes a couple of hours to get to a shetered spot.
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