hunter 23 foot sailboat

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• Sailboat Reviews

Hunter 23.5

This family cruiser is innovative and has lots of room. in gusty winds, however, it is quick to stall..

Hunter Marine Corp. is noted for its slick, innovative and low-cost mass production sailers. The Hunter 23.5, new in 1992, fits the bill in all respects.

The 23.5 was designed as a trailerable family cruiser for entry-level sailors. Like most Hunters, the boat offers lots of space in the cockpit and down below, and comes with the famous Cruise Pac, which provides just about anything a customer needs, including sails, motor, trailer, lifelines, anchor, life jackets, flares and a copy of Chapman’s Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Handling . It’s this type of marketing (plus price: the 1992 price was $13,500) that has helped make Hunter one of the most successful sailboat producers in the U.S.

No one has ever faulted the Alachua, Florida, builder for offering anything but fresh, well-thought out designs. The most striking feature of the 23.5 is its water ballast system, new to Hunter. The system permits an operator to remove 1,000 pounds of ballast from the trailering weight. A retractable centerboard, kick-up rudder and mast that’s fairly easy to step and unstep further enhances trailerability. All told, boat, motor and trailer weigh a combined 2,450 pounds. This model also contains enough foam to provide positive flotation.

While Hunter has enjoyed considerable success with the buying public, it has also suffered from a negative image problem. Earlier PS reviews have criticized Hunter products for a lack of quality control-various systems kinks, lightweight hulls, poor finish work and general absence of blue-water seaworthiness. On the other hand, Hunter owners, while acknowledging a prevailing lack of respect, frequently defend their choice. In the realm of objective data, Coast Guard complaint and recall statistics reveal that Hunter has a better than average record when it comes to hull blistering. (Hunter offers five-year bottom blister warranty protection for the 23.5.) Clearly, the company is doing something right. The model we inspected (hull #8) showed, with very few exceptions, careful attention to detail and finish work in even the least accessible places-more than youd expect on a $13,500 boat. But it is also a boat with some inherent contradictions, in our opinion.

The 23.5 is a highly engineered product with lots of thoughtful features. Hunter, unlike some builders, constructs a mock-up, followed by a prototype that is extensively tested before final design decisions are made. The hull form is modern looking, almost powerboaty in appearance from some angles. Continuing a tendency evident in recent Hunters, the design team has given the 23.5 a relatively full hull, and raised the freeboard to reduce the cabin height, as well as add room below and keep those up top dry in a chop. Because the cabin extends to the rail (no side decks), you must climb over the cabin top to get to the foredeck.

The rig (a B&R design) consists of a 28-foot Z. Spar mast, fractionally rigged with swept-back spreaders that eliminate the need for a backstay (and make un-stepping/stepping, hence trailering, simpler); for the most part, the uppers are aft of the “after” lowers-until deck level-creating a triangular support system. Main and jib halyards are internal and led back to the cockpit. Power comes from a fully battenedmainsail and 110-percent jib (UK Sailmakers-Hong Kong) with a total of 236 square feet. For steering, the traditional wooden tiller has been replaced with a brushed aluminum tube that arches over the walk-through transom (swim ladder comes standard). The aluminum, said chief designer Rob Mazza, weathers better and is easier to arch in order to keep the rudder low and the tiller sufficiently high. Many helmsmen will use the standard Ronstan X-10 tiller extension.

The water ballast/keel system constitutes the key feature of the 23.5. The water ballast-125 gallons, or 1,000 pounds-takes about two minutes to bring on board. The system is activated by flipping up a lid at the base of the companionway, opening a vent and turning a T-valve; the valve in turn drops a circular stainless steel plate aft of the keel, exposing four holes in the hull. (The plate can then be closed flush.) And while you can’t jettison the water downwind, you can swing up the centerboard to reduce draft to 18 inches. The 4-foot centerboard, controlled by the outboard line to the cockpit, moves easily up and down via a cascade block and tackle arrangement.

The apparent thinking of Hunter engineers was to provide a simple, one-step water ballast system that keeps draft shallow while lowering the center of gravity for added stability and righting moment. The ballast-about 16 cubic feet in volume-lies immediately below the waterline. When the water is added, the boat sinks several inches. Nevertheless, while the water adds 1,000 pounds to the overall displacement, its location does not seem to provide sufficient righting moment for windward work in gusty conditions. On racing boats, water ballast is carried above the waterline and outboard under the settees, which of course provides more righting moment. But this water must be pumped into the chambers and drained before tacking-too complicated for Hunter’s purposes.

Construction of the boat is fairly straightforward, with balsa in the hull and plywood in the deck. The plywood core has the potential to encourage water migration should a deck leak occur at some point. The deck/hull joint, with a roll similar to a Hobie 18-a “modified shoebox,” one Hunter engineer described it-is bonded with glass and further fastened by flathead screws through the rubrail. Stanchions, fastened to aluminum backing plates that are glassed in, are sturdy. Though not a heavily-built boat, the 23 looks solid enough; in the absence of a graceful hull form-no sheer here-Hunter provides some added dash with a smoked forward-facing window and a green and purple hull swoosh graphic, which apparently has drawn strong reaction, pro and con (We liked it). Oddly, there is no waterline or boot scribed in the hull. Perhaps Hunter anticipates owners dry-sailing the 23.5, but the absence of a waterline mark will make bottom painting a difficult chore the first time.

Performance

We test sailed the 23.5 off Newport, Rhode Island. In light-air conditions, the shallow-body, lightweight boat (displacement 3,000 pounds with the water ballast) moved up to speed quickly. The boat pointed high and the few light puffs we experienced produced no noticeable helm. We did have some problem finding a definitive groove, especially after tacking. The boat glided through the water easily on a reach and downwind, with the board up, sped along as much as a 23-footer can (Mazza said it will surf under the right conditions). We moved relatively faster, in fact, than a Nonsuch 27 on the same tack.

In stronger 15-20 knot winds, it is a whole different experience. With a single reef in the mainsail, the boat consistently rounds up and stalls. In addition to the boat’s higher vertical center of gravity, this tendency may also be due to the very high-aspect ratio centerboard, which is generally associated with quick stall characteristics.

Complicating matters is the way the rig and sheeting are set up. With no backstay (or topping lift) and no traveler, and with the main sheeted down and far forward near the companionway, the main and sheet are highly stressed. And because the cam cleat for the mainsheet is down near the cockpit sole, it’s difficult to reach-especially in heavy air on a beat, when the helmsman and everyone else is out on the rail. The rounding up and stalling require constant spilling of the main. This may be okay (if tiring) for the experienced sailor, but a bit strenuous and nerve-wracking for the beginner at whom this boat is marketed.

Instead of a single reef, one solution might be to take a second reef in the main in anything approaching 15 knots, but that’s not much of a solution. With 236 square feet of sail-128 in the main, 108 in the foretriangle-for a sail area-displacement ratio of 18.9, the boat should not be overpowered. (The O’Day 23, of about the same displacement, but with 200 more pounds of ballast, carries 246 square feet)

Another solution, although it breaks up the cockpit, might be a barney post where there’s already a slot for the cockpit table, a system that worked well enough in the Alerion-Express. A traveler would be even better, though obviously Hunter wanted to keep the cockpit clear of obstructions as well as avoid the added cost.

Accommodations

You get a lot for your money with this Hunter model. One thing you get a lot of is interior space or, as company literature describes it, “a 25-foot boat in a 23.5 hull.” The main cabin is sizable and has more headroom than we’ve seen on a 23-footer. A pop-top hatch allows those down below to stand up in the center of the cabin. An optional canvas camper top ($300) provides protection from the elements. Poptops are notoriously leaky, and we can’t vouch for this one’s water tightness; however, Hunter has provided drains all around.

The smoked pop-top, plus three ports per side in the main cabin (two small circles, one longer swoosh-style forward) and the forward-facing window provide plenty of light. Hunter has made no attempt to yacht-up the interior: What you get is a basic cream-colored liner, offset on a portion of the topsides by a close-weave grayish fabric someone called “monkey fur.” Despite the plainness, we liked the clean look of the interior.

Aft to port in the main cabin you get a galley station with a one-burner alcohol stove, sink, and fold-out table with storage below. You won’t be whipping up any Cruising World -style feasts in this galley, but it’s nice to be able to heat up some coffee or a cup of soup. Forward of the galley is a small settee/berth, sized right for a child, with storage beneath and a cutout for a portable ice chest. Opposite is a somewhat longer settee/berth of less than six feet, with more storage and a battery compartment below. On the centerline is a slot for a small table that also can be set up in the cockpit.

There are a number of helpful additions: an automatic bilge pump, access plates underneath the cockpit winches. The portable toilet is located to starboard behind a half-bulkhead and privacy curtain, and under the V-berth. Aside from the standard V-berth in the bow, which seems a bit cramped, there’s a double berth (plus stowage) aft of the main cabin, under the cockpit and seats (not for the claustrophobic). It was back here in the bowels of the boat that we spotted the only untrimmed fiberglass.

On deck, there’s an equally roomy cockpit-7′ 9″ long and 6′ 2″ from coaming to coaming. The relatively wide beam makes the addition of a ridge along the centerline for use as a footrest a welcome touch. Foam padding on the seatbacks is another. A lazaret on either side provides on-deck stowage. There’s a #8 Barient winch on either side of the cabin top, each with an attendant cleat. Lines are meant to be kept in the no-name stoppers to starboard. Because of the profusion of lines led back on the starboard side, we’d prefer an extra cleat and winch.

Nonskid is molded in. The foredeck holds an anchor locker, which also contains a padeye for the stepping/unstepping operation. Skipping the details of this procedure-which involves use of a gin pole, the main and jib halyards and a bridle that controls lateral movement-we’d say that Hunter has devised as easy a way to drop a mast as is possible. Once down, the forward end rests in a U-shaped bend in the bow pulpit, the aft end on a roller-topped pole fitted at the transom.

Conclusions

In its attempt to create a simply operated, easily trailered, entry-level boat at a good price, Hunter has come up with some clever compromises. But they are compromises just the same. The 23.5 sails well on all points in light air; it does well off the wind in heavier air. Windward work over 15 knots in this boat is poor in our estimation. We’d strongly recommend that potential customers thoroughly test sail the boat in a variety of wind conditions, experimenting with one or two reefs, to be certain it’s something they’re able-and willing-to handle.

The Hunter 23.5 is clearly striking a chord with some buyers, and assuming many are entry-level sailors, we think it’s great that this boat is attracting newcomers to the sport. The design represents a clever way of managing the trailering problem (i.e., weight and draft). At the same time, we can’t help but wonder if its behavior in gusty winds is worth the convenience of dumping ballast on the launch ramp.

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excellent article.

Darrell – excellent review. Thanks.

Thanks for the review, I just saw one for sale online.

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The Hunter 23 is a 23.25ft fractional sloop designed by Hunter Marine and built in fiberglass by Hunter Marine (USA) between 1985 and 1992.

The Hunter 23 is a light sailboat which is a high performer. It is reasonably stable / stiff and has a low righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a racing boat.

Hunter 23 for sale elsewhere on the web:

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The Hunter 23 is an American trailerable sailboat, that was designed by Hunter Marine and first built in 1985. The design was built by Hunter Marine in the United States from 1985 and 1992, but it is now out of production.

The Hunter 23 is a small recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fiberglass, with wood trim. It has a fractional sloop rig, a raked stem, a reverse transom, a transom-hung rudder controlled by a tiller and a fixed wing keel or centerboard. It displaces 2,450 lb (1,111 kg) and carries 800 lb (363 kg) of ballast. The wing keel-equipped version of the boat has a draft of 2.25 ft (0.69 m), while the centerboard-equipped version has a draft of 4.90 ft (1.49 m) with the centerboard extended and 2.0 ft (0.61 m) with it retracted, allowing ground transportation on a trailer.

The boat is normally fitted with a small 3 to 6 hp (2 to 4 kW) outboard motor for docking and maneuvering.

The design has sleeping accommodation for four people, with a double "V"-berth in the bow cabin, and two straight settees in the main cabin that can be converted into a full-wideth double berth. The galley is located on the port side just aft of the companionway ladder. The galley is equipped with a single-burner stove and a sink. The head is located in the bow cabin under the "V"-berth. Cabin headroom is 55 in (140 cm).

The wing keel version has a PHRF racing average handicap of 237 with a high of 258 and low of 226. The centerboard version has a PHRF racing average handicap of 237 with a high of 219 and low of 276. It has a hull speed of 5.93 kn (10.98 km/h).

Source: Wikipedia . Image Credit: Wikipedia

LOA: 23.25 ft LWL: 19.58 ft Beam: 8.00 ft Draft: 2.25 ft Displacement: 2450.00 lbs Ballast: 800.00 lbs Hull type: Wing Keel Hull construction: FG Rigging type: Fractional Sloop

Hunter 23 for sale in the last 12 months

Below you'll find the latest Hunter 23 listings for the last 12 months. We compare the listing price with boats listed in the past and the color coding indicates if the price is good (green = below the average listing price) or more on the expensive side (red = seller is asking more than the average listing price).

Hunter 23 listing prices over time

Listing details.

HUNTER 23 Detailed Review

If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of HUNTER 23. Built by Hunter Marine (USA) and designed by undefined, the boat was first built in 1985. It has a hull type of Wing Keel and LOA is 7.09. Its sail area/displacement ratio 20.83. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by undefined, runs on undefined.

HUNTER 23 has retained its value as a result of superior building, a solid reputation, and a devoted owner base. Read on to find out more about HUNTER 23 and decide if it is a fit for your boating needs.

Boat Information

Boat specifications, sail boat calculation, rig and sail specs, contributions, who builds hunter 23.

HUNTER 23 is built by Hunter Marine (USA).

When was HUNTER 23 first built?

HUNTER 23 was first built in 1985.

How long is HUNTER 23?

HUNTER 23 is 5.97 m in length.

What is mast height on HUNTER 23?

HUNTER 23 has a mast height of 7.82 m.

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• Sailboat Guide

1985 Hunter 23

• Description

Seller's Description

You will find the Hunter 23 at many docks across the nation because of its versatility and roominess both inside and the cockpit. It was first built in late 1985 and continued to late 1992. It has a fixed wing keel for great sailing with just a 27 draft which is wonderful for getting in close to shore or sailing in shallow lakes. The boat has a beam of 8 foot which is wider than the popular Catalina 22. The boat displaces 2,450 lbs and has 800 lbs in winged keel. The Hunter 23 is raced and sailed from close coastal to inland lakes. It is great for single handling and loading on the trailer is easily done. The boat hull has been buffed out and waxed. The boat has a single handed mast raising system. The main sail is near new and has 2 reef points and used 1 season with mainsail cover. The jibs both are nice hank on sails. The interior is clean and ready for day or overnight use. The ceiling is upholstered; cozy v-berth sleeps 4 comfortably, teak foldout dining table; ample storage. This boat is a tiller style sailboat. There is an anchor with rode.

Equipment: This boat has a 12 volt system with command center and fuses, cigarette socket, battery meter, master battery control switch, light switches. VHF radio w/antennae; Trailer is a Magic Tilt brand that is galvanized. With new axle, bearings, bearing buddies, new tires, spare tire, and extension for easy loading and unloading. There is a porta-potty. The tiller is laminated and ready to use on the newly painted rudder. The interior has very serviceable cushions. There is a small galley with sink and stove. There are 2 12-volt fans in salon area. There are 2 #14 Maxwell winches with handle in cockpit and a winch on the mast. There is a solar charger with controller battery charger. There is an Interstate deep cycle 12-volt battery. There is a 12-volt pressure water system with a 15-gallon freshwater tank. There is a cockpit wall mounted compass. There is a rear mounted ladder, and the cockpit floor has a teak grid floor. There are screens for the front hatch and the companion way along with a cover for companion way. The boat has a near new bimini for those hot days. The 2007 Suzuki 6 hp 4 cycle motor is mounted on a stainless-steel adjustable motor mount. This boat has a new bottom paint on it and is ready for the water. There is a ST1000 tiller pilot, Garmin GPS, and a depth sounder. Navigation lights all work and ready to sail.

I think you will find this boat in good condition for a boat of this age. Come see this boat for many more years of great sailing.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

CB version- Draft BU: 2.0’/.61m Draft BD: 4.9’/1.49m

This listing is presented by SailboatListings.com . Visit their website for more information or to contact the seller.

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1985 Hunter 23

1985 Hunter 23 Boats for sale

1985 Hunter 23' sailboat

Littleton, Colorado

Make Hunter

Category Daysailer Sailboats

Length 23.0

Posted Over 1 Month

This 1985 Hunter 23 is in almost "Bristol" condition. The headsail is one seasonold from North. The main sail has two seasons use and is also from North. Both sails are tri-radial. The headsail has roller furling. The main sail has a "Dutchman" flaking system. This makes sail handling very easy. You can raise and lower the mainsail from the cockpit. There is a cruising spinnaker that furls up. The primary winches are 2 speed. There a 2 anchors. There is a 55 watt solar panel with a controller to keep the battery charged. All the wood is in beautiful condition (inside and out). Everything is easy to operate and in first class condition. the boat is amply powered by a 2008 2HP Honda 4 stroke engine. The boat is at Chatfield. I am only selling this boat because I bought a cruising boat on the east coast.”

Snohomish, Washington

1985 Hunter 23,Hunter 23 in very good condition, ready to sail or trailer anywhere. Very stable & easy to handle. Wing keel draws 27", Bottom is clean with fresh bottom paint - this boat easily exceeds her rated hull speed! Trailer in excellent condition, has tongue extension, new tires, 2" ball, side guides for easy launches & retrieves, Bearing buddy grease fittings on hubs. Interior is excellent with all new factory cushions & a newer rarely used port-a-potty. Nice single burner stove. VHF Radio. Main sail, jib & new 135% Genoa jib from Ballard Sails. Later model Nissan 4hp, 4 stroke (oil injected, not mixed) long shaft Outboard w 3/gallon gas tank. No soft spots, blisters or rot anywhere, All running & standing rigging is sound. Ready to cruise the Sound, the islands or the Straits. Stable, fast fun! Sleeps 4. 425-931-5383 $3500, 4259315383

1985 Hunter 40

Pasadena, Maryland

Private Seller (703) 928-8561 Photos Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4 Photo 5 Photo 6 Photo 7 Photo 8 Photo 9 Photo 10 Photo 11 Photo 12 Photo 13 Photo 14 Photo 15 Photo 16 Photo 17 Photo 18 Photo 19 Photo 20 Photo 21 Photo 22 Photo 23 Photo 24 Photo 25 Photo 26 Photo 27 Photo 28 Photo 29 Photo 30 Photo 31 Photo 32 Photo 33 Photo 34 Photo 35 Photo 36 Close Request Information * Name First Name * Email Telephone (optional) Best Time to Contact Anytime Morning Mid-day Evening Question/Comments (optional) Shop Safely: Protect Your Money. By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use. Contact Seller 1985 Hunter 40,This is a beautiful cruiser / racer, very clean and up to date. Major upgrades in the past 3 years including bow thruster, canvas, electronics, rigging, davits, interior and exterior cushions. This is a very well maintained 2 head 2 cabin boat. Excellent live aboard or week night racer. Extremely easy to operate single handed with the remote autopilot and remote controlled thruster. This is a must see!!! $59,900.00, 7039288561 Be sure: Get a boat history report|Finance this boat|Get an insurance quote|

Hunter 23' Sailboat 1985 with trailer, motor, and excellent sails

Sarasota, Florida

5 high quality sails included. Very good condition. A Doyle main sail is in 90% new condition. Doyle genoa 140 is in 90% new condition. Doyle jib 100 at 90% new. Storm jib at 100% new Spinnaker at 90%.Includes Spinikker pole.All lines run aft to cockpit for single handing.Includes 9.8 hp mercury outboard 2 stroke in excellent running conditionTandem axel trailer in good condition but for long hauling could use a professional check and some minor repair. Boat has ablative bottom paint with some wear. All lines are in good condition.Boat is also for sale locally, and auction may end early.

1986 Hunter 28.5 Sailboat, shoal draft, ready to daysailing or coastal cruising!

Jacksonville, Florida

Category Cruiser Motorcycles

Length 28.5

Riversong is a 1986 Hunter 28.5’ shoal draft sailboat that is ready for day sailing or extended coastal cruising! She has a very well appointed cockpit with a Raymarine ST6002 wheel autopilot, Raymarine e7 touchscreen chart plotter with wifi, Rule Aqua compass, and more. The bimini and dodger will keep you shaded from the sun and have zip in sections to keep you dry when it rains. Swing out speaker so you can listen to music while you swim and a ladder to get you back on-board. She has an anchor with plenty of rode to keep you in place. Down below you will find a full galley with stainless sink, alcohol 2 burner stove, cooler, microwave, 1000 watt inverter, and huge dual voltage refrigerator. The salon features fold out table, seating for 6, a television with boosted antenna, dvd player, am/fm cd player with bluetooth. She can sleep 4 comfortably (2 in the v-berth and 2 in the quarter berth), or 6 if you use the salon benches. The rear quarter berth has a hanging closet and drawers. There is tons of storage everywhere. The bathroom has a sink, shower (with hot water heater), and an electric flush head. There is a big hanging closet in the head as well. There’s even a wine rack under the v-berth for storing the most important of provisions. You can enjoy all of this in the nice cool air-conditioning provided by the on-board Mermaid A/C unit. Her sails are in great shape. She comes with a main sail (with 2 reefing points) and roller furl working jib (130%). The main sheet, main halyard, and topping life were replaced in 2014. The winches are 2 speed and in great shape. She also has whisker and spinnaker poles, but no sails to go with them. Her iron jib is a Yanmar 2GM20F in great shape. The fuel pump and starter were just replaced in 2014. The house battery is also brand new, as is the dual battery charging system. She comes with many other little things like a handheld VHF radio, extra winch handles, extra line, 30 amp shore cable, hoses, etc. I will have her bottom cleaned prior to taking delivery. Below are the detailed physical specifications: Hull Type: Fin w/spade rudderRig Type: B&RLOA: 28.42' / 8.66mLWL: 23.75' / 7.24mBeam: 10.50' / 3.20mListed SA: 398 ft2 / 36.97 m2Draft (max.) 5.18' / 1.58mDraft (min.) Disp. 7000 lbs./ 3175 kgs.Ballast: 3000 lbs. / 1361 kgs.SA/Disp.: 17.46Bal./Disp.: 42.87%Disp./Len.: 233.27Designer: Hunter DesignBuilder: Hunter Marine (USA)Construct.: FGBal. type: First Built: 1985Last Built: 1988# Built: TANKSWater: 27 gals. / 102 ltrs.Fuel: 11 gals. / 42 ltrs.RIG DIMENSIONS KEYI(IG): 37.33' / 11.38mJ: 12.08' / 3.68mP: 31.75' / 9.68mE: 10.83' / 3.30mPY: EY: SPL/TPS: ISP: SA(Fore.): 225.47 ft2 / 20.95 m2SA(Main): 171.93 ft2 / 15.97 m2Total(calc.)SA: 397.40 ft2 / 36.92 m2DL ratio: 233.27SA/Disp: 17.43Est. Forestay Len.: 39.24' / 11.96mMast Height from DWL: 41.25' / 12.57mBUILDERS (past & present)More about & boats built by: Hunter Marine (USA)NOTESShoal draft: 4'/1.21m

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Hi all. Got a lead on a 87 Hunter 23. Fin keel. Heard lots of negative opinions here about both Hunters, and fin keels. Aside from all that, what else would steer me away from a Hunter? Just looking for a decent weekender for Tampa Bay, and maybe trips along the Gulf coast. Thanks, Steve  

It's possibly too late to help you but I'll make a quick response. I purchased a Hunter 23 wing keel last summer, even though I was prejudiced against Hunters from things I'd read. I like mine a lot more than I expected. It handles nicely, no heavy helm, never tried to "round up" while I was sailing. Comes about easily and quickly. Moves well in light airs. Has good sail controls. Lots of nice design touches. Some cheaping out, like portlights with no exterior trim. Excellent interior space and makes good use of it. Surfing down some very large waves from directly astern felt unstable and needed careful attention at the helm, but that is about normal in my experience. An excellent coastal sail boat. Built light for trailering and mast stepping. The light mast has a hinged tabernacle and drops toward the stern, fairly easy to step and unstep with gin pole and sway control - hook a block to the mooring pin, and run line back to the winches in the cockpit. The "Ken's Trailer" trailer is not well fitted to the boat, at least not mine. Make sure you get a trailer with either brakes or a square plate at the ends of the axle by the wheel where brakes can be added. Make sure the boat is tight against the bow stops. There should be support under the bow, mine was too short so I shimmed it with wood. I'm half done making an extension for it. I should probably write a review in the Hunter section, so anyone can find the info.  

I'm surprised this post didn't get more replies. Hunters seem to have a bad reputation because, apparently, in the late 80's and early 90's, some of their boats weren't well made. By that, I mean they didn't sail well, and the equipment was either undersized or inexpensive components that were prone to fail. However, the "Cherubini-erea" Hunters, and some of the more recent ones, consistent get positive reviews. They aren't typically seen as ocean-crossers (especially the smaller boats), but they are good for their purpose, coastal sailing. Are they made to the same standards as an Island Packet? No. But you'll pay a lot less, and still have a sailboat that gets you from Point A to many Point B's. It's kind of like a car - if you buy a Honda Civic, you know you're not going to get the same "stuff" as in a Maybach or even a Lexis. What you will get, though, is a decent car at a fair price, and it will get you from Point A to Point B. You may not get there as fast, and you may not be as comfortable when you get there as you would have in another vessel/vehicle, but, in most peoples' opinions, that's still beats walking, or never getting to Point B at all.  

Hello - I bought a Hunter 23' wing keel that had been sitting in a yard for 10+ years. Sails are shot, and running rigging is toast. Is anyone able to help with what line does what? Is there a site explaining the line functions? She has a mast and port/starboard cockpit winches, but I have no idea how it all works. I sail a Montego 19, she's very basic and was in sailing condition when I bought her. I'm a year into sailing, and I want to get the Hunter going so I can sell the Montego, but I'm stalled out. Thanks!  

Clarks Hill Windbag said: Hello - I bought a Hunter 23' wing keel that had been sitting in a yard for 10+ years. Sails are shot, and running rigging is toast. Is anyone able to help with what line does what? Is there a site explaining the line functions? She has a mast and port/starboard cockpit winches, but I have no idea how it all works. I sail a Montego 19, she's very basic and was in sailing condition when I bought her. I'm a year into sailing, and I want to get the Hunter going so I can sell the Montego, but I'm stalled out. Thanks! Click to expand...

I had a H23 and loved it! It just wasn't the size I really wanted. The H23 is a real sailboat. It's not a bad boat either. Only issues I had were the need to backplate the outboard mount, and the mast was difficult for 2 people to handle.  

Clarks Hill Windbag said: ...Thanks - I get "halyards" but this boat has a roller furl jib, and 3 small lines in the boom (Outhaul, ???,???). It looks like it had lazyjacks? from the odd small lines with knots on either side of the main. I just have no clue how it was originally rigged. Click to expand...

there was an out haul yes. most likely reefing lines. in the boom. Launching our Hunter 23 for Spring 2013! - YouTube Some good close ups here.  

I bought a hunter 23 last fall. It is of the fixed wing keel design. I paid $2600. My previous boat was a Hobie18, and I sail in Lake Michigan. Even with 4 years of sailing hobie cats(2) & sunfish. I can't really compare. However I will tell you what I know after sailing about 10-15 times this year including my first race. The boat heels easy, but when it does it feels safe. I had 3 experienced sailers tell me its a good boat at good deal. They both all "more serious" boats, Erikson 27 & 35 foot racing boat, & 35 foot center cockpit cruiser. All have sailed many years(some 15) so there opinion was sound. Below are just minor stuff to look out for. None of them made me regret buying it. The trailer is minimal. Some dont' have rollers under the bow. This is a necessity. Otherwise it puts all the bow weight on the kiel and lots of friction to winch up. Not easy to launch. I had to add an 8' extender. When putting the mast down it will hit the hatch lid before tilted all the way down. Best to unsrcrew the white hatch from the hinges. The marina tech told me its a trademark of these boats to see hatch pinch damage here. My mast has more backward rake then most boats at marina when walking down docks. This is a function of the fiberglass molding. Don't be alarmed or try to overcorrect. if you try to pull it too far forward you are pulling on the base step. The swept back spreaders are crappy design in terms of the sail hits them when sheeted out. The interior is very nice. Very large for what it looks like outside. Add a plate or rot resistant backer behind the outboard bracket and rudder bolts. Factory stuff is not sufficient and stress cracks will develop. Replace lights with LED. The "O" & point bulbs don't make good contact. Especialy on the mast where its difficult to get at. Don't think pulleys on top are robust enough for bosuns chair. Some of the keel bolts they cheated and used steel & are rusty but no leaks and solid hull. Great first sailboat. Wouldn't sail across Lake Michigan. Wouldn't sail in over 20knot gusts. But fine for daysailing or 7-20 mile away overnights. The electrical switches are very long and break off if you hit them exiting/entering the cabin. Make sure you get the longest shaft motor or check mout height if adjustable as it cavitates in waves coming into the harbor. My motor mount hits the prop if outboard is turned extreme left and rudder extreme right. PO added aftermarket motor mount- the original failed or wasn't good enough.  

I agree with skygazer. The pdf hunter 23 manual also "vaugely" shows the "quick" reefing system for the foot of the 1st reef grommet. The description below is much better. This is a tangent... but maybe helpful to someone... when I bought the boat all the lines had been pulled out of the boom except the SS wire outhaul for the foot of the sail. I especially wanted the reef line restored. Getting the line through the boom looked tricky at first glance. You have two small holes at each end & 9 feet of hollow between. My boom caps were screwed on with SS bolts(glad not riveted) so I took off both ends. Then I and straightened, flattened & twisted together 3 steel coat-hangers together & electrical taped the 1/4 line around the end & use the hanger snake to feed the wire through the 8-9 foot length. If you have a real wire snake use that. On the mast end, make sure you thread the rope above the cam clamp, over the top of the pulley and down the pulley toward the mast. If there's nothing to compare it to its not obvious. The hole above the clamp where the line goes into the boom is not visible  

I got one as my first boat with little to no experience on a lake with regular 25-40 knot winds. I have made some substantial sailing mistakes and haven't demasted or sunk it yet. Sure have learned a lot about how to not sail though.  

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20 Best Small Sailboats for the Weekender

• By Mark Pillsbury
• Updated: August 4, 2021

In order to go cruising, most of us require a sailboat with a head, a galley, and bunks. The boat, likely a 30-footer and more often a 40-footer, will have electronics for navigation and entertainment, refrigeration if the trip is longer than a coastal hop, an engine for light wind, and, depending on our appetites for food and fun, perhaps a genset to power our toys and appliances.

To go sailing , however, all we really need is a hull, mast, rudder, and sail. To experience the pure joy of sheeting in and scooting off across a lake, bay, or even the open ocean, there’s nothing better than a small sailboat – we’re talking sailboats under 25 feet. You can literally reach out and touch the water as it flows past. You instantly feel every puff of breeze and sense every change in trim.

Some of the boats in this list are new designs, others are time-tested models from small sailboat manufacturers, but every one is easy to rig, simple to sail, and looks like a whole lot of fun either for a solo outing on a breezy afternoon or to keep family and friends entertained throughout your entire sailing season. This list is made up of all types of sailboats , and if you’re looking for a list of some of the best small sailboats for beginners, you’ll find exactly that here.

Any one of these popular boats could be labeled as a trailerable sailboat, daysailer, or even a weekender sailboat. And while most would be labeled as a one or two person sailboat, some could comfortably fit three or even four people.

Marblehead 22 Daysailer

If you have an eye for elegant lines and your heart goes pitter-patter over just the right amount of overhang beneath a counter transom, the Marblehead 22 daysailer, designed by Doug Zurn and built by Samoset Boatworks in Boothbay, Maine, will definitely raise your pulse. Traditional-looking above the waterline and modern beneath, the cold-molded hull sports a deep bulb keel and a Hall Spars carbon-fiber mast with a wishbone rig and square-top main. The 11-foot-9-inch cockpit can seat a crowd, and a small cuddy forward will let you stow your friends’ gear for the day. samosetboatworks.com

Catalina 22 Sport

Many a harbor plays host to an active fleet of Catalina 22s, one of the most popular small sailboats over the years, given its basic amenities and retractable keel, which allows it to be easily trailered. Recently, the company introduced the Catalina 22 Sport, an updated design that can compete with the older 22s. The boat features a retractable lead keel; a cabin that can sleep four, with a forward hatch for ventilation; and a fractional rig with a mainsail and a roller-furling jib. Lifelines, a swim ladder, and an engine are options, as are cloth cushions; vinyl cushions are standard. The large cockpit will seat a crowd or let a mom-and-pop crew stretch out and enjoy their sail. It’s clear why the Catalina 22 is one of the best sailboats under 25 feet. catalinayachts.com

With its large, open-transom cockpit and sloop rig, the Hunter 22 makes a comfortable daysailer for family and friends. But with its cuddy cabin, twin bunks, optional electrical system, opening screened ports, and portable toilet, a parent and child or a couple could comfortably slip away for an overnight or weekend. Add in the optional performance package, which includes an asymmetric spinnaker, a pole, and a mainsheet traveler, and you could be off to the races. The boat features a laminated fiberglass hull and deck, molded-in nonskid, and a hydraulic lifting centerboard. Mount a small outboard on the stern bracket, and you’re set to go. marlow-hunter.com

Not sure whether you want to race, cruise or just go out for an afternoon sail? Since 1958, sailors have been having a ball aboard the Uffa Fox/George O’Day-designed Daysailer. Fox, who in the 1950s was on the cutting edge of planning-dinghy design, collaborated with Fall River, Massachusetts boatbuilder O’Day Corp. to build the 16-foot Daysailer, a boat that features a slippery hull and a small cuddy cabin that covers the boat roughly from the mast forward. Thousands of Daysailers were built by various builders, and they can be found used for quite affordable prices. There are active racing fleets around the US, and new Daysailers are still in production today, built by Cape Cod Ship Building. capecodshipbuilding.com

BayRaider from Swallow Boats

Easy to rig and trailer, the BayRaider from England’s Swallow Yachts is a relative newcomer to the small-boat market in the United States. Nearly all of its 19 feet 9 inches is open cockpit, though a spray hood can be added to keep the forward sections dry. The BayRaider is ketch-rigged with a gunter-style mainmast. The topmast and mizzen are both carbon-fiber, which is an option for the mainmast as well. The BayRaider can be sailed with a dry hull in lighter conditions or with 300 pounds of water ballast to increase its stability. With the centerboard and hinged rudder raised, the boat can maneuver in even the thinnest water.

$28,900, (904) 234-8779, swallowyachts.com

Big fun can come in small packages, especially if your vessel of choice happens to be the 12 ½-foot Beetle Cat. Designed by John Beetle and first built in 1921, the wooden shallow draft sailboat is still in production today in Wareham, Massachusetts at the Beetle Boat Shop. With a draft of just 2 feet, the boat is well-suited for shallow bays, but equally at home in open coastal waters. The single gaff-rigged sail provides plenty of power in light air and can be quickly reefed down to handle a blow. In a word, sailing a Beetle Cat is fun. beetlecat.com

West Wight Potter P 19

With berths for four and a workable galley featuring a cooler, a sink, and a stove, West Wight Potter has packed a lot into its 19-foot-long P 19. First launched in 1971, this is a line of boats that’s attracted a true following among trailer-sailors. The P 19′s fully retractable keel means that you can pull up just about anywhere and go exploring. Closed-cell foam fore and aft makes the boat unsinkable, and thanks to its hard chine, the boat is reportedly quite stable under way. westwightpotter.com

NorseBoat 17.5

Designed for rowing and sailing (a motor mount is optional), the Canadian-built NorseBoat 17.5—one of which was spotted by a CW editor making its way through the Northwest Passage with a two-man crew—features an open cockpit, a carbon-fiber mast, and a curved-gaff rig, with an optional furling headsail set on a sprit. The lapstrake hull is fiberglass; the interior is ply and epoxy. The boat comes standard with two rowing stations and one set of 9-foot oars. The boat is designed with positive flotation and offers good load-carrying capacity, which you could put to use if you added the available canvas work and camping tent. NorseBoats offers a smaller sibling, the 12.5, as well; both are available in kit form.

$19,000, (902) 659-2790, norseboat.com

Montgomery 17

Billed as a trailerable pocket cruiser, the Montgomery 17 is a stout-looking sloop designed by Lyle Hess and built out of fiberglass in Ontario, California, by Montgomery Boats. With a keel and centerboard, the boat draws just under 2 feet with the board up and can be easily beached when you’re gunkholing. In the cuddy cabin you’ll find sitting headroom, a pair of bunks, a portable toilet, optional shore and DC power, and an impressive amount of storage space. The deck-stepped mast can be easily raised using a four-part tackle. The builder reports taking his own boat on trips across the Golfo de California and on visits to California’s coastal islands. Montgomery makes 15-foot and 23-foot models, as well. If you’re in search of a small sailboat with a cabin, the Montgomery 17 has to be on your wish list.

With long overhangs and shiny brightwork, the CW Hood 32 is on the larger end of the daysailer spectrum. Designers Chris Hood and Ben Stoddard made a conscious decision to forego a cabin and head in favor of an open cockpit big enough to bring 4 or 5 friends or family out for an afternoon on the water. The CW Hood 32 is sleek and graceful through the water and quick enough to do some racing, but keeps things simple with a self-tacking jib and controls that can be lead back to a single-handed skipper. A top-furling asymmetrical, electric sail drive and Torqeedo outboard are all optional. The CW Hood 32 makes for a great small family sailboat.  cwhoodyachts.com

Sun Cat from Com-Pac

Shallow U.S. East Coast bays and rock-strewn coasts have long been graced by cat boats, whose large, gaff-rigged mainsails proved simple and powerful both on the wind and, better yet, when reaching and running. The 17-foot-4-inch Sun Cat, built by Com-Pac Yachts, updates the classic wooden cat with its fiberglass hull and deck and the easy-to-step Mastender Rigging System, which incorporates a hinged tabernacle to make stepping the mast a one-person job. If you want a personal sailboat ideal for solo sailing, the Sun Can is a great choice. Belowdecks, the twin 6-foot-5-inch berths and many other features and amenities make this cat a willing weekender.

$19,800, (727) 443-4408, com-pacyachts.com

Catalina 16.5

The Catalina 16.5 sits right in the middle of Catalina Yachts’ line of small sailboats, which range from the 12.5 to the 22 Capri and Sport, and it comes in both an easy-to-trailer centerboard model and a shoal-draft fixed-keel configuration. With the fiberglass board up, the 17-foot-2-inch boat draws just 5 inches of water; with the board down, the 4-foot-5-inch draft suggests good windward performance. Hull and deck are hand-laminated fiberglass. The roomy cockpit is self-bailing, and the bow harbors a good-sized storage area with a waterproof hatch. catalinayachts.com

No roundup of best small sailboats (trailerable and fun too) would be complete without a mention of the venerable Hobie 16, which made its debut in Southern California way back in 1969. The company has introduced many other multihulls since, but more than 100,000 of the 16s have been launched, a remarkable figure. The Hobie’s asymmetric fiberglass-and-foam hulls eliminate the need for daggerboards, and with its kick-up rudders, the 16 can be sailed right up to the beach. Its large trampoline offers lots of space to move about or a good place to plant one’s feet when hanging off the double trapezes with a hull flying. The boat comes with a main and a jib; a spinnaker, douse kit, trailer, and beach dolly are optional features. hobiecat.com

Novice sailors or old salts looking for simplicity could both enjoy sailing the Hunter 15. With a fiberglass hull and deck and foam flotation, the boat is sturdily built. The ample freeboard and wide beam provide stability under way, and the heavy-duty rubrail and kick-up rudder mean that you won’t have to worry when the dock looms or the going grows shallow. Both the 15 and its slightly larger 18-foot sibling come standard with roller-furling jibs.

$6,900/$9,500 (boat-show prices for the 15 and 18 includes trailers), (386) 462-3077, marlow-hunter.com

Super Snark

Under various owners, the Snark brand of sailboats, now built by Meyers Boat Co., has been around since the early 1970s. The Super Snark, at 11 feet, is a simple, easily car-topped daysailer that’s fit out with a lateen rig and sail. Billed as unsinkable, the five boats in the company’s line are built with E.P.S. foam, with the external hull and deck vacuum-formed to the core using an A.B.S. polymer. The Super Snark weighs in at 50 pounds, and with a payload capacity of 310 pounds, the boat can carry two.

$970, (800) 247-6275, meyersboat.com

Norseboat 21.5

Built in Canada, the NorseBoat 21.5 is a rugged looking craft that comes in a couple of configurations: one with an open cockpit and small doghouse, and another with a smaller cockpit and cabin that houses a double berth for two adults and optional quarter berths for the kids. Both carry NorseBoat’s distinctive looking carbon fiber gaff-rigged mast with main and jib (a sprit-set drifter is optional), and come with a ballasted stub keel and centerboard. Because of its lightweight design, the boat can be rowed and is easily trailered.

$36,000 (starting), 902-659-2790, norseboat.com

Flying Scot

Talk about time-tested, the 19-foot Flying Scot has been in production since 1957 and remains a popular design today. Sloop rigged, with a conventional spinnaker for downwind work, the boat is an easily sailed family boat as well as a competitive racer, with over 130 racing fleets across the U.S. Its roomy cockpit can seat six to eight, though the boat is often sailed by a pair or solo. Hull and deck are a fiberglass and balsa core sandwich. With the centerboard up, the boat draws only eight inches. Though intended to be a daysailer, owners have rigged boom tents and berths for overnight trips, and one adventurous Scot sailor cruised his along inland waterways from Philadelphia to New Orleans.

Known primarily for its line of racing dinghys, RS Sailing also builds the 16-foot, 4-inch Venture, which it describes as a cruising and training dinghy. The Venture features a large, self-draining cockpit that will accommodate a family or pack of kids. A furling jib and mainsail with slab reefing come standard with the boat; a gennaker and trapeze kit are options, as is an outboard motor mount and transom swim ladder. The deck and hull are laid up in a fiberglass and Coremat sandwich. The Venture’s designed to be both a good performer under sail, but also stable, making it a good boat for those learning the sport.

$14,900, 203-259-7808, rssailing.com

Topper makes a range of mono- and multihull rotomolded boats, but the model that caught one editor’s eye at Strictly Sail Chicago was the Topaz Taz. At 9 feet, 8 inches LOA and weighing in at 88 pounds, the Taz is not going to take the whole crowd out for the day. But, with the optional mainsail and jib package (main alone is for a single child), the Taz can carry two or three kids or an adult and one child, and would make a fun escape pod when tied behind the big boat and towed to some scenic harbor. The hull features Topper’s Trilam construction, a plastic and foam sandwich that creates a boat that’s stiff, light, and durable, and shouldn’t mind being dragged up on the beach when it’s time for a break.

$2,900 (includes main and jib), 410-286-1960, topazsailboats.com

WindRider WRTango

WRTango, a fast, sturdy, 10-foot trimaran that’s easy to sail, is the newest portable craft from WindRider International. It joins a line that includes the WR16 and WR17 trimarans. The Tango features forward-facing seating, foot-pedal steering, and a low center of gravity that mimics the sensation of sitting in a kayak. It weighs 125 pounds (including the outriggers and carbon-fiber mast), is extremely stable, and has single-sheet sail control. The six-inch draft and kick-up rudder make it great for beaching, while the hull and outriggers are made of rotomolded polyethylene, so it can withstand running into docks and being dragged over rocks.

$3,000, 612-338-2170, windrider.com

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The Hunter 23 is an American trailerable sailboat designed by Hunter Marine and was first built in 1985. The production started in 1982 and continued till 1992, but it then went out of production.

About the Hunter 23

Hunter 23 is mainly used as a recreational keelboat, and it is built primarily of fiberglass and has wood trim. The build consists of a raked stem, reverse transom, fractional sloop rig, and a transom hung rudder controlled by a tiller and a fixed-wing keel or centerboard.

This centered board equipped version has a draft of 4.90 ft (1.49m) with centerboard extended and 2.0 ft (0.61 m) with it retraced. The wing keel equipped version of the boat has a draft of 2.25 ft (0.69 m), and it allows the ground transportation on a trailer. The Hunter 23 displaces 800 lb (363 kg). It has a mainsail area of 125.14 sq ft (11.626 m2), and jib/genoa area of 110.50 sq ft (10.266 m2).

An outboard motor is usually fitted in the boat for maneuvering and docking. The wing keel version of Hunter 23 has a PHRF racing average handicap of 237 with a high of 258 and a low of 226. The centerboard version has a PHRF racing average handicap of 237 with a high till 219 and lows till 276. The hull speed of Hunter 23 is 5.93 kn (10.98 km/h).

Request a Hunter 23 Quote

Looking to buy a new headsail or mainsail for your Hunter 23? Request a free quote from Precision Sails for a new custom sail. Our team will work with you to design the perfect sail for you.