My boyfriend and I are considering buying a Hunter in the future. He really wants a model with water ballast for easier trailering. How are your experiences with water ballast and which of the models in the 23 - 26 foot range have it? Neither of us have sailed before.
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Frank Ladd
I love it
As far as current new boats the 240 and the 260 are made with water ballast. My 93 Hunter 23.5 was the first water ballast model. It sure makes towing and launching easy and it sails as well as or better than other boats its size. If you are looking for a trailer boat to use for cruising the water ballast boats are the only way to go!
As far as current new boats the 240 and the 260 are made with water ballast. My 93 Hunter 23.5 was the first water ballast model. It sure makes towing and launching easy and it sails as well as or better than other boats its size. If you are looking for a trailer boat to use for cruising the water ballast boats are the only way to go!
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Glenn Haake
Hunter 23.5 (and 26)!
Roberta, We own a hunter 23.5 and love it. It is a very stable and forgivable boat that is perfect to learn on. It is the perfect size to trailer anywhere, yet easy to spend a weekend on. The mast raising system is makes putting up the mast easier that any comparable boats I have seen. However due to a growing family, it was time for us to move up. As of December, we now also own a H26, which is the larger version of a H23.5. Please contact me at haakeg@yahoo.com, and I would be happy to answer any other questions you may have about water ballast trailerable hunters in MO.
Roberta, We own a hunter 23.5 and love it. It is a very stable and forgivable boat that is perfect to learn on. It is the perfect size to trailer anywhere, yet easy to spend a weekend on. The mast raising system is makes putting up the mast easier that any comparable boats I have seen. However due to a growing family, it was time for us to move up. As of December, we now also own a H26, which is the larger version of a H23.5. Please contact me at haakeg@yahoo.com, and I would be happy to answer any other questions you may have about water ballast trailerable hunters in MO.
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Mark
Oh Roberta
You have opened the can of worms again. We will get all sorts of posts about the good and bad of water ballast. The reality is that you buy a boat that suits your needs and if it is a water balast then go for it. We have a 260 and we use it for what it was designed for and it is just perfect. It sails as well as any of our other yachts in the conditions it was designed for. Good luck and we look forward to you both coming on board this forum!
You have opened the can of worms again. We will get all sorts of posts about the good and bad of water ballast. The reality is that you buy a boat that suits your needs and if it is a water balast then go for it. We have a 260 and we use it for what it was designed for and it is just perfect. It sails as well as any of our other yachts in the conditions it was designed for. Good luck and we look forward to you both coming on board this forum!
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John Pollitt
and.....
I have an H26, and though I leave it in a slip during the summer, come time to haul it out, I have a trailer to put it on, and no expense for a lift and cradle, which you would have with a keelboat. The main reason for water ballast though, is for trailering. You might find it well worth your while to take a drive to Memphis and talk with Chris Rooke, of Rooke Sails there. He has a couple of H26's and is an excellent person to work with (pardon the shameless plug, but from my experience buying from him, he deserves it). Welcome to the forum, good hunting, and fair winds, John S/V Icymoon
I have an H26, and though I leave it in a slip during the summer, come time to haul it out, I have a trailer to put it on, and no expense for a lift and cradle, which you would have with a keelboat. The main reason for water ballast though, is for trailering. You might find it well worth your while to take a drive to Memphis and talk with Chris Rooke, of Rooke Sails there. He has a couple of H26's and is an excellent person to work with (pardon the shameless plug, but from my experience buying from him, he deserves it). Welcome to the forum, good hunting, and fair winds, John S/V Icymoon
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BIG JON
ITS ALL ABOUT THE FRANKLINS!
THAT IS BEN FRANKLINS! I RECENTLY BOUGHT A 23.5 1993 ON TRAILER AND ITS GREAT. FOR THE MONEY, YOU CANT FIND A WATER BALLAST BOAT AT A BETTER PRICE. YOU CAN FIND THESE FROM 7K-12K. IF YOU CAN GO MORE THAN CONSIDER THE NEWER 240 WHICH IS 24 FEET AND VERY VERY SIMILIAR TO THE 23.5. NEW ABOVE 20K USED 14-20K. IF YOU BUY USED CONSIDER CONDITION OF TRAILER, SAILS, HULL, AND MOTOR. TAKE YOUR TIME AND TRY TO SEE A FEW BOATS BEFORE YOU BUY OR CONSULT WITH THIS WEBSITE. WINTER MONTHS ARE WHEN YOU WILL GET YOUR BEST DEAL. PEOPLE DONT LIKE SPENDING THE MONEY TO STORE AND WILL USUALLY LET GO AT NICE PRICE. I PAID 7K FOR MY 93 23.5 WITH A BRAND NEW YAMAHA 4STROKE 8HP. THE TRAILER IS IN GOOD SHAPE, BUT I HAD TO DRIVE 4+ HOURS TO LOOK AT IT. WORTH THE TRIP AND THE 5 HOUR DRIVE HOME FROM TAMPA GOT ME REAL COMFORTABLE TRAILERING IT. THIS IS A GREAT WEBSITE TO CONSULT WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE. BIG J
THAT IS BEN FRANKLINS! I RECENTLY BOUGHT A 23.5 1993 ON TRAILER AND ITS GREAT. FOR THE MONEY, YOU CANT FIND A WATER BALLAST BOAT AT A BETTER PRICE. YOU CAN FIND THESE FROM 7K-12K. IF YOU CAN GO MORE THAN CONSIDER THE NEWER 240 WHICH IS 24 FEET AND VERY VERY SIMILIAR TO THE 23.5. NEW ABOVE 20K USED 14-20K. IF YOU BUY USED CONSIDER CONDITION OF TRAILER, SAILS, HULL, AND MOTOR. TAKE YOUR TIME AND TRY TO SEE A FEW BOATS BEFORE YOU BUY OR CONSULT WITH THIS WEBSITE. WINTER MONTHS ARE WHEN YOU WILL GET YOUR BEST DEAL. PEOPLE DONT LIKE SPENDING THE MONEY TO STORE AND WILL USUALLY LET GO AT NICE PRICE. I PAID 7K FOR MY 93 23.5 WITH A BRAND NEW YAMAHA 4STROKE 8HP. THE TRAILER IS IN GOOD SHAPE, BUT I HAD TO DRIVE 4+ HOURS TO LOOK AT IT. WORTH THE TRIP AND THE 5 HOUR DRIVE HOME FROM TAMPA GOT ME REAL COMFORTABLE TRAILERING IT. THIS IS A GREAT WEBSITE TO CONSULT WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE. BIG J
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Steve Wright
Come over to Wichita, Kansas
If you will come over to Cheney Lake, Kansas I will be glad to take you sailing on a H-26, even let you sleep on the boat overnight if you wish. It is only about a 4 hour drive from Springfield.
If you will come over to Cheney Lake, Kansas I will be glad to take you sailing on a H-26, even let you sleep on the boat overnight if you wish. It is only about a 4 hour drive from Springfield.
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Crazy Dave Condon
Good to see the offers to take Roberta sailing
Thank you all for sharing with Robeerta and the offers to take them sailing. It is good to see this. Crazy Dave Condon
Thank you all for sharing with Robeerta and the offers to take them sailing. It is good to see this. Crazy Dave Condon
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Mark
Sailing By Australian Rules No Doubt
Sorry, couldn't resist Mark. Roberta...I recently sold a 1996 H26. It was our first cabin boat. We went from a day-sailor to the 26. It took about a full season to get comfortable sailing and docking this boat. You will no doubt find this true with any boat you purchase. We kept it in a slip. The room in a 26 is terrific, especially in the cockpit. We had a tiller and loved rafting up in a cove, pushing the tiller over to starboard and inviting everyone aboard for Margaritas. The lesson here is you spend a lot of time in the cockpit. Find a roomy one. We enjoyed the private head on the 26. The smaller boats will not have this. Buying a boat will be a major expense in itself. Don't blow your budget on just the boat. Keep in mind everyone buys gadgets for their boats though a used one will have some things already. They add up quickly. You'll find a water ballasted boat very comfortable to sail just reef (reduce sail)early if the wind pipes up. Also keep in mind the vehicle you have now to pull the boat. You can get by with a smaller V-6 SUV to pull a 23.5 or a 24 but a 26 will require a full size truck or larger SUV with a V-8. If you know of a friend that has a sailboat, their coaching will be of help. We all get excited about the prospect of a new boat and emotions take over sometimes. Be methodical in your approach and by all means if you can get a ride in them do so. Jeff S/V GailForce H33.5
Sorry, couldn't resist Mark. Roberta...I recently sold a 1996 H26. It was our first cabin boat. We went from a day-sailor to the 26. It took about a full season to get comfortable sailing and docking this boat. You will no doubt find this true with any boat you purchase. We kept it in a slip. The room in a 26 is terrific, especially in the cockpit. We had a tiller and loved rafting up in a cove, pushing the tiller over to starboard and inviting everyone aboard for Margaritas. The lesson here is you spend a lot of time in the cockpit. Find a roomy one. We enjoyed the private head on the 26. The smaller boats will not have this. Buying a boat will be a major expense in itself. Don't blow your budget on just the boat. Keep in mind everyone buys gadgets for their boats though a used one will have some things already. They add up quickly. You'll find a water ballasted boat very comfortable to sail just reef (reduce sail)early if the wind pipes up. Also keep in mind the vehicle you have now to pull the boat. You can get by with a smaller V-6 SUV to pull a 23.5 or a 24 but a 26 will require a full size truck or larger SUV with a V-8. If you know of a friend that has a sailboat, their coaching will be of help. We all get excited about the prospect of a new boat and emotions take over sometimes. Be methodical in your approach and by all means if you can get a ride in them do so. Jeff S/V GailForce H33.5
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Roberta
Wow!
I'm overwhelmed by the advice and offers to go sailing! Beware, we'll probably take you up on it! Terry has had powerboats until the last couple of years, but we've both have the sailing bug. I've had it ever since I went on my first Windjammer cruise in 1992. We appreciate any advice we can get, since we're both really new to this. And despite my desire for an enclosed head, I think our budget is going to put us in the 23.5. Am I right that the table can be mounted in the cockpit? And how does one keep the cabin relatively cool in the hot and humid Missouri summers?
I'm overwhelmed by the advice and offers to go sailing! Beware, we'll probably take you up on it! Terry has had powerboats until the last couple of years, but we've both have the sailing bug. I've had it ever since I went on my first Windjammer cruise in 1992. We appreciate any advice we can get, since we're both really new to this. And despite my desire for an enclosed head, I think our budget is going to put us in the 23.5. Am I right that the table can be mounted in the cockpit? And how does one keep the cabin relatively cool in the hot and humid Missouri summers?
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alan
I have a 26 and love it too, but...
...since the rest have given you it's strong points I'll tell you what I don't like about it. The water ballasted version (26,260) vs. the keeled version (270) is a bit more tender. The rudder of the 26 needs some simple modifications (you have a choice and they are easy to do) to keep the rudder from kicking up prematurely. Like many others I keep my boat in the water or the boat yard. Lots of shallow water where I sail and the swing keel keeps me from grounding. I can pull right up to the beach and let the kids walk to shore. They make heavy ballasted swing keels but in theory are dangerous in a knock down and have maintenance issues. alan
...since the rest have given you it's strong points I'll tell you what I don't like about it. The water ballasted version (26,260) vs. the keeled version (270) is a bit more tender. The rudder of the 26 needs some simple modifications (you have a choice and they are easy to do) to keep the rudder from kicking up prematurely. Like many others I keep my boat in the water or the boat yard. Lots of shallow water where I sail and the swing keel keeps me from grounding. I can pull right up to the beach and let the kids walk to shore. They make heavy ballasted swing keels but in theory are dangerous in a knock down and have maintenance issues. alan
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Glenn Haake
Towing
Roberta, Jeff is correct. We didn't have any problems pulling our 23.5 with a 6 cylinder Jeep. The jeep is actually rated to pull the h26, and I recently read of a jeep liberty (6 cylinder) pulling a 260 from Florida to somewhere up north. So pulling a 26 with a 6 cylinder is possible. I felt the h26 was too big for the Jeep, so we now pull our new (to us) h26 with a V8. When looking at a 23.5, pay close attention to the trailer. I did not. When bringing mine to MO from Indiana, the wheel bearing froze up. I had to add the cost of replacing the axle, and all of the other moving parts on the trailer to the cost of the boat. The one complaint I have with the 23.5 is that the trailer is bit light for the boat. If your ever up in St. Louis, and would like to take a 23.5 out on Carlyle, let me know. That is, while I still have it.
Roberta, Jeff is correct. We didn't have any problems pulling our 23.5 with a 6 cylinder Jeep. The jeep is actually rated to pull the h26, and I recently read of a jeep liberty (6 cylinder) pulling a 260 from Florida to somewhere up north. So pulling a 26 with a 6 cylinder is possible. I felt the h26 was too big for the Jeep, so we now pull our new (to us) h26 with a V8. When looking at a 23.5, pay close attention to the trailer. I did not. When bringing mine to MO from Indiana, the wheel bearing froze up. I had to add the cost of replacing the axle, and all of the other moving parts on the trailer to the cost of the boat. The one complaint I have with the 23.5 is that the trailer is bit light for the boat. If your ever up in St. Louis, and would like to take a 23.5 out on Carlyle, let me know. That is, while I still have it.
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Steve Wright
Cruise Air A/C
Roberta, I have a Cruise Air A/C that I can use at a dock with AC power. But most of the time I anchor out in a cove with a good breeze.
Roberta, I have a Cruise Air A/C that I can use at a dock with AC power. But most of the time I anchor out in a cove with a good breeze.
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Jesse Mulanax
Roberta, Jeff is right. My gadgets cost nearly as much as the boat and still wanting. I owned a 21 foot Venture for several years and moved up to a Hunter 260. I'm still trying to get used to it as it is a different world going from a day sailor to a larger boat. My wife and I both love the Hunter!
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Chris
table/ventilation
Roberta, Yes, the table on the H23.5 fits both cabin or cockpit. Unless you are anchored, you probably would not use the table in the cockpit due to limited room (nothing's going to stay put underway as you heel over). As a fellow Missourian, trying to stay cool on a hot humid night aboard is a challenge. There is only two operable hatch openings making it difficult to get air. I would recommend a wind catcher over the front hatch and a small fan (if you have AC power).
Roberta, Yes, the table on the H23.5 fits both cabin or cockpit. Unless you are anchored, you probably would not use the table in the cockpit due to limited room (nothing's going to stay put underway as you heel over). As a fellow Missourian, trying to stay cool on a hot humid night aboard is a challenge. There is only two operable hatch openings making it difficult to get air. I would recommend a wind catcher over the front hatch and a small fan (if you have AC power).
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Steve Wright
Check out Ebay
Roberta, There is a 1996 Hunter 24 water balast that you can get for $7,000 in New Jersey. Sounds like a good deal, I bet it goes quick. It would be a good boat for Table Rock Lake, it will go under the bridges, a H-26 wont I know. Steve in Wichita
Roberta, There is a 1996 Hunter 24 water balast that you can get for $7,000 in New Jersey. Sounds like a good deal, I bet it goes quick. It would be a good boat for Table Rock Lake, it will go under the bridges, a H-26 wont I know. Steve in Wichita
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Brian
Towing
I recently towed my H26 from Florida to Michigan which involves going through the mountains. My Jeep Liberty V-6 had plenty of power (215 hp). It has the factory towing package and is rated for 5,000 lbs. I never used full throttle. The temperature gauge never budged. The trans temp never rose. I got about 9 mpg at 65 mph which is about half of normal without the trailer. You can read more about it if you want under the trailer section.
I recently towed my H26 from Florida to Michigan which involves going through the mountains. My Jeep Liberty V-6 had plenty of power (215 hp). It has the factory towing package and is rated for 5,000 lbs. I never used full throttle. The temperature gauge never budged. The trans temp never rose. I got about 9 mpg at 65 mph which is about half of normal without the trailer. You can read more about it if you want under the trailer section.
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