Stern Rails

[Ed]

Has anyone out there seen stern rails for a 23.5? It sounds like it would be a nice addition if they are available.

 

[Rick Webb]

I Added Them to Mine

They were about $700 from Hunter including shipping took about two weeks to arrive as they do not make them until you place an order for them. Installation was fairly simple and very straight forward. If your bot was made before or is an early 95 be sure to ask them to include the backing plates half way through the model year there were alluminum plates glassed in the hull. There is a description in the archives concerning the installation and would probably be better than me trying to remember now what I went through. It is not somthing you want to wait untill the middle of the summer to do as you or your helper is going to spend alot of time all the way back in the aft berth I lost aboout five pounds sweating before it was done.

 

[Ed]

Ouch!

It sounds a bit pricey! Did the extra cockpit space justify the expense?

 

[Rick Webb]

Absolulty, No Question About it

My wife was very reluctant to spend the money but it has made a huge difference. I should mention also that the life lines will need to be shortened and an additional lifeline is needed across the stern. The cost for that was about another hundred. Before I put them on I got really nervous whenever the kids were between me and the stern with the seats now it is like a whole other boat. I had to make a choice between a roller furler and the seats I picked the seats still do not have the furler but do not regret that at all. Hunter will fax you a drawing that shows where they attach and how it looks.

 

[Ed]

Great info

Thanks for the feedback. In the short time I've had my boat I have begun to wonder about the value of the furler. There are good points and bad. Good is that you can shorten the sail without much bother. On the other hand I've had the furler jam which forced me to go forward and fool with it. The single headsail idea is nice, especially if sailing single handed. multiple headsails add versatility but can be costly. It's a toss up.

 

[Chris]

I recommend them too

This year we added stern rail seats to our 1995 H235. The seats were ordered from Hunter and installed by the dealer. They provide more seating space in the cockpit and some security for the kids and me when my husband heels the boat hard. (Doesn't stop us from yelling!) The only problem is that we are unable to use the seats with the bimini up.