I am thinking ahead to extensive trailer sailing upon retirement, and am really wanting information and ideas on the Hunter 23 water ballasts sailability and trailerability as well as how easily they load and unload. Any and all information will be appreciated. Sincerely, Ken
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Ernie
Hunter 23
Ken The Hunter 23 is not water ballasted. The newer Hunter 23.5 does use this system. My H23 requires about 3/4 people to get set up and about an hour to 1 1/2 hours. Not too bad, but you don't want to do it every weekend.
Ken The Hunter 23 is not water ballasted. The newer Hunter 23.5 does use this system. My H23 requires about 3/4 people to get set up and about an hour to 1 1/2 hours. Not too bad, but you don't want to do it every weekend.
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Dale Wile
23.5 or 24
Ernie is correct. The old model 23 in not water ballasted. You should be looking at a 23.5 or its successor, the H-24. I have owned, sailed and trailered a 23.5 since 1996. We have probably sailed it 3000 miles on water, and twice that many miles towed behind a pickup. My wife and I can have in it the water in less than 30 minutes, and back on the trailer and ready to head down the highway in 30-40 minutes. It has been a wonderful boat, and has been a joy to our retirement the last three years. We have seen great country, and have met great people along the way. It is a little crowded at times, but we have built in some extra storage. Also, we purchased a nice canopy for the pickup, so spare clothing, water jugs, extra supplies, etc., can be carried in the canopy and accessed when needed. We have even used the pickup-boat combination as a "camper" on some trips where no sailing was involved. We even parked a few times in RV camps. We used our boat-mounted barbeque for cooking (supplemented by the little stove in the boat galley), used the porta-potty on board, the sink for cooking, shaving, etc., and slept in the berths in the boat. We carried lawn chairs in the pickup to sit out of an evening and visit with neighboring campers. All in all, it has been a fun experience.
Ernie is correct. The old model 23 in not water ballasted. You should be looking at a 23.5 or its successor, the H-24. I have owned, sailed and trailered a 23.5 since 1996. We have probably sailed it 3000 miles on water, and twice that many miles towed behind a pickup. My wife and I can have in it the water in less than 30 minutes, and back on the trailer and ready to head down the highway in 30-40 minutes. It has been a wonderful boat, and has been a joy to our retirement the last three years. We have seen great country, and have met great people along the way. It is a little crowded at times, but we have built in some extra storage. Also, we purchased a nice canopy for the pickup, so spare clothing, water jugs, extra supplies, etc., can be carried in the canopy and accessed when needed. We have even used the pickup-boat combination as a "camper" on some trips where no sailing was involved. We even parked a few times in RV camps. We used our boat-mounted barbeque for cooking (supplemented by the little stove in the boat galley), used the porta-potty on board, the sink for cooking, shaving, etc., and slept in the berths in the boat. We carried lawn chairs in the pickup to sit out of an evening and visit with neighboring campers. All in all, it has been a fun experience.
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BIG JON
23.5 INFORMATION
I JUST PURCHASED A 23.5 1993 HUNTER AND TRAILERED IT 5 HOURS FROM TAMPA TO FORT LAUDERDALE. AFTER READING SOME OTHER ENTRIES ON THIS WEB SITE ABOUT THE TRAILER NOT BEING TO STABLE I WAS WORRIED. HOWEVER IN MY OPINION IT TRAILERED FINE. SOME SAY THAT IT SWAYS WHEN BEING PASSED BY LARGE TRUCKS ETC.. BUT ITS A GOOD SIZED BOAT. WHEN YOU TAKE TWO GOOD SIZED VEHICLES AND JAM A BUNCH OF AIR BETWEEN THEM, SOMTHING HAS TO GIVE. I TRAILERED FIRST AT 50 THAN AFTER AN HOUR I WENT UP TO 55 AND THAN FINALLY UP TO 60. I WOULD FEEL COMFORTABLE TOWING THIS BOAT ANYWHERE. ONE THING THAT YOU SHOULD NOW IS THAT THE HEIGHT OF YOUR BALL IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR. THE ANGLE OF THE TRAILER SHOULD BE FLAT!! IF YOUR BALL IS NOT HIGH ENOUGH IT ADDS TO THE SWAY YOU WILL EXPERIANCE. IM GLAD THAT I INVESTED THE $30 AT UHAUL TO GET A BALL WITH A HIGH LIFT. THIS EVENED OUT THE TRAILER AND IM SURE MADE THE EXPERIANCE FUN. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE BOAT FOR TWO DAYS, SO I HAVE NOT SAILED IT YET. I WAS CONSIDERING THE NEW 24 HUNTER WATER BALLAST, HOWEVER I BOUGHT THIS BOAT AT LESS THEN 1/2 THE PRICE OF A NEW ONE AND WILL BE ABLE TO SELL IT DOWN THE ROAD FOR AT LEAST WHAT I PAID. ALSO THE 23.5 IS VERY VERY SIMILAR TO THE 24. I PLAN TO DO A COUPLE OF PRACTICE MAST RAISES IN THE YARD TODAY, IF MY WIFE DOESN'T MAKE ME GO XMAS SHOPPING. CHRISTMAS HAS COME FOR ME ALREADY! BIG J
I JUST PURCHASED A 23.5 1993 HUNTER AND TRAILERED IT 5 HOURS FROM TAMPA TO FORT LAUDERDALE. AFTER READING SOME OTHER ENTRIES ON THIS WEB SITE ABOUT THE TRAILER NOT BEING TO STABLE I WAS WORRIED. HOWEVER IN MY OPINION IT TRAILERED FINE. SOME SAY THAT IT SWAYS WHEN BEING PASSED BY LARGE TRUCKS ETC.. BUT ITS A GOOD SIZED BOAT. WHEN YOU TAKE TWO GOOD SIZED VEHICLES AND JAM A BUNCH OF AIR BETWEEN THEM, SOMTHING HAS TO GIVE. I TRAILERED FIRST AT 50 THAN AFTER AN HOUR I WENT UP TO 55 AND THAN FINALLY UP TO 60. I WOULD FEEL COMFORTABLE TOWING THIS BOAT ANYWHERE. ONE THING THAT YOU SHOULD NOW IS THAT THE HEIGHT OF YOUR BALL IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR. THE ANGLE OF THE TRAILER SHOULD BE FLAT!! IF YOUR BALL IS NOT HIGH ENOUGH IT ADDS TO THE SWAY YOU WILL EXPERIANCE. IM GLAD THAT I INVESTED THE $30 AT UHAUL TO GET A BALL WITH A HIGH LIFT. THIS EVENED OUT THE TRAILER AND IM SURE MADE THE EXPERIANCE FUN. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE BOAT FOR TWO DAYS, SO I HAVE NOT SAILED IT YET. I WAS CONSIDERING THE NEW 24 HUNTER WATER BALLAST, HOWEVER I BOUGHT THIS BOAT AT LESS THEN 1/2 THE PRICE OF A NEW ONE AND WILL BE ABLE TO SELL IT DOWN THE ROAD FOR AT LEAST WHAT I PAID. ALSO THE 23.5 IS VERY VERY SIMILAR TO THE 24. I PLAN TO DO A COUPLE OF PRACTICE MAST RAISES IN THE YARD TODAY, IF MY WIFE DOESN'T MAKE ME GO XMAS SHOPPING. CHRISTMAS HAS COME FOR ME ALREADY! BIG J
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Carl
Hey Big Jon
We sail out of Hillsboro inlet and are members of a great club, Hillsboro Inlet Sailing Club. We have sailing socials, races, and just alot of fun in general. Drop us a line maybe we can hook up and see how close these two boats are. Carl & Suzi h240 Relentless
We sail out of Hillsboro inlet and are members of a great club, Hillsboro Inlet Sailing Club. We have sailing socials, races, and just alot of fun in general. Drop us a line maybe we can hook up and see how close these two boats are. Carl & Suzi h240 Relentless
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Frank Ladd
My 23.5
My Hunter 235 trailers like a dream for a boat this size. I can rig and launch it by myself and be sailing away in 45 minutes. It takes about and hour to retreive and derig for the highway. Subtract about 20 minutes off each time if Karla helps. Add about 10 minutes if one of my sailing buddies helps. I think it is the perfect size for extended camping/cruises up to a week. With two weeks being easy if you stay in a marina or stop where their is a pump out station. It will carry you and your mate and all the toys you need for fun. For our family of five it is fine for weekends. I rigged mine with a self tacking jib and a no batten main. This makes the sails really easy to handle and it still gives the bigger boats a run for their money. It will still tack in heavy winds even if the center board is up, so you can really be sailing in shallow water other cruisersw cannot go. I cannot tell you with words how pleased we are with the performance and cruising comfort of this boat, but I can tell you that this will be the boat I plan to use during my retirement more than 20 years from now. It is simply the ideal boat for what I want to do. If you cannot find a 235 the 240 it very much the same boat with some improvements that don't make it too much more complicated. I slightly prefer the 235 but I bet if I owned a 240 I might like it just as well.
My Hunter 235 trailers like a dream for a boat this size. I can rig and launch it by myself and be sailing away in 45 minutes. It takes about and hour to retreive and derig for the highway. Subtract about 20 minutes off each time if Karla helps. Add about 10 minutes if one of my sailing buddies helps. I think it is the perfect size for extended camping/cruises up to a week. With two weeks being easy if you stay in a marina or stop where their is a pump out station. It will carry you and your mate and all the toys you need for fun. For our family of five it is fine for weekends. I rigged mine with a self tacking jib and a no batten main. This makes the sails really easy to handle and it still gives the bigger boats a run for their money. It will still tack in heavy winds even if the center board is up, so you can really be sailing in shallow water other cruisersw cannot go. I cannot tell you with words how pleased we are with the performance and cruising comfort of this boat, but I can tell you that this will be the boat I plan to use during my retirement more than 20 years from now. It is simply the ideal boat for what I want to do. If you cannot find a 235 the 240 it very much the same boat with some improvements that don't make it too much more complicated. I slightly prefer the 235 but I bet if I owned a 240 I might like it just as well.
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Chris Haake
H23.5 purchase
I found HOW site "owner reviews" helpful prior to purchasing a H235. It is a very manageable boat, easy to lauch and retrive. It's large enough to be comfortable during sailing (the cockpit is larger than the H26), but not so big as to get overwhelmed with maintenance. It is cramped for more than 2 adults overnight due to lack of storage. Check the trailer prior to purchase. We ended up doing a total repair job; overhauling all moving parts (around $1100). I recommend a trailer with brakes although it raises the cost of repairs.
I found HOW site "owner reviews" helpful prior to purchasing a H235. It is a very manageable boat, easy to lauch and retrive. It's large enough to be comfortable during sailing (the cockpit is larger than the H26), but not so big as to get overwhelmed with maintenance. It is cramped for more than 2 adults overnight due to lack of storage. Check the trailer prior to purchase. We ended up doing a total repair job; overhauling all moving parts (around $1100). I recommend a trailer with brakes although it raises the cost of repairs.
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Gary
right on Frank..
From 1993 until this May I owned a 23.5 and loved ever minute of it. A perfect boat for weekends and singlehandling. This past May I found a better boat due to several improvements and the addition of stern rail seats. Southbound II as she is called is the replacement for Sounthbound and a beautiful 240 she is.......
From 1993 until this May I owned a 23.5 and loved ever minute of it. A perfect boat for weekends and singlehandling. This past May I found a better boat due to several improvements and the addition of stern rail seats. Southbound II as she is called is the replacement for Sounthbound and a beautiful 240 she is.......
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Alan Long
23.5
I've owned a 1994 23.5 since new. It had a few issues when that were repaired, mostly under warranty by Hunter. After 8 years of regular use it is still fun, low maintainance, and even looks good. Posts about the trailer are correct. Lots of them were made without a galvanized axle,it rusts away quickly in salt water. The trailer frame is galvanized and pretty durable...check for broken welds, expecially at the center of the crosspiece at the back. I replaced the entire running gear on mine, including brakes for around $500.00 with parts from Champion Trailers. The guideposts are another area to check for structural integrity. Mine broke off while traveling on the highway. I think all these issues are minor. The boat is an incredible value with some amazing features for the price. I think you will be pleased. Alan Long
I've owned a 1994 23.5 since new. It had a few issues when that were repaired, mostly under warranty by Hunter. After 8 years of regular use it is still fun, low maintainance, and even looks good. Posts about the trailer are correct. Lots of them were made without a galvanized axle,it rusts away quickly in salt water. The trailer frame is galvanized and pretty durable...check for broken welds, expecially at the center of the crosspiece at the back. I replaced the entire running gear on mine, including brakes for around $500.00 with parts from Champion Trailers. The guideposts are another area to check for structural integrity. Mine broke off while traveling on the highway. I think all these issues are minor. The boat is an incredible value with some amazing features for the price. I think you will be pleased. Alan Long
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John Powell
Loved my 23.5!
The first sailboat I owned was a 1992 23.5. It is still my favorite of the three, including my current Hunter 27. You will hear a lot of folks talking down the water ballast but don't pay any attention. Ballast is ballast whether it is feathers, lead, or water. Check the article on The Trailer Sailor website that explains how ballast works. It is a great article for anyone, but especially someone thinking about the water ballast approach. Good luck. John
The first sailboat I owned was a 1992 23.5. It is still my favorite of the three, including my current Hunter 27. You will hear a lot of folks talking down the water ballast but don't pay any attention. Ballast is ballast whether it is feathers, lead, or water. Check the article on The Trailer Sailor website that explains how ballast works. It is a great article for anyone, but especially someone thinking about the water ballast approach. Good luck. John
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Pascal
Go For It !!!!
My 94' 23.5 is a pleasure in and out of the water. We trailer sail the lakes of central Florida and find the 23.5 an excellent choice. A perfect setup for two persons.
My 94' 23.5 is a pleasure in and out of the water. We trailer sail the lakes of central Florida and find the 23.5 an excellent choice. A perfect setup for two persons.
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Rick Webb
Go For It
I've been thinking that with my 23.5 and a well outfitted conversion van I could go away and not miss the house at all.
I've been thinking that with my 23.5 and a well outfitted conversion van I could go away and not miss the house at all.
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