hunter 19 sailboat review

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Hunter 19- good first boat?

• Thread starter Kelpie
• Start date 27 May 2008
• 27 May 2008

Well-known member

I've been gaining some experience crewing with friends and am now looking to buy a boat for myself. I have a rather limited budget and the Hunter 19 seems to be crop up often in my price range. I like the look of it, and the fact that it would be easily trailed. It also seems to suit my needs for day sails and possible overnights if I can drag the girlfriend along! My main concern is that, living in Stornoway, I could be facing potentially quite serious sailing conditions. I certainly don't intend to seek out rough weather by any means, but on the other hand I can't discuont the possibility of being caught out. The Hunter is obviously a very small boat- would I be crazy to leave harbour in one? Thanks! Rob  

The Hunter 19, and the marginally more civilised Hunter Europa, same hull different coachroof, are excellent boats. Very seaworthy and surprisingly quick. Obviously limited on accomodation but super wee boats. David Blagden sailed his across the Atlantic.  

My wife and I had a Hunter Europa as our first boat. It was very seaworthy and surprisingly quick. We had a triple keeled version which always fell over on its drying mooring but fin keel versions are also out there. Its hull was from a Squib keelboat but with a deck moulding fitted. I would say it is ideal as a first boat although rather cramped inside. If you like more comfort (though not as quick to sail) we have also owned a Newbridge Venturer which are 22ft but much more space including a separate heads. Visit www.newbridge-nava.co ,uk for the owners association website.  

KenMcCulloch

[ QUOTE ] My main concern is that, living in Stornoway, I could be facing potentially quite serious sailing conditions. I certainly don't intend to seek out rough weather by any means, but on the other hand I can't discuont the possibility of being caught out. The Hunter is obviously a very small boat- would I be crazy to leave harbour in one? Thanks! Rob [/ QUOTE ] If you have never been I recommend a trip (by land or sea) to Rodel at the S end of Harris. In the old church there you can see the best extant depiction of a medieval hebridean galley. Some of these were probably little bigger than 20' or so and were used for 00s of years as the mainstay of the local economy, and primitive compared to what you are considering (open to the sea, poor windward performance, no lifesaving equipment etc. etc.). A boat like a Hunter 19 with a full deck and self-draining cockpit will stay afloat long after the crew have given up caring. Stay away from the Blue Men of Shiant and you'll be fine /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif  

That would be, as said, a good boat. There's quite a few sound little boats like that. Prelude, Foxcub etc., all available for less than £1500 for a good one with a trailer. Don't be tempted to buy a rough one cheap. a set of sails would set you back £700, so you may as well shop for a top quality example. There is a young guy who was on the next mooring to me with a rough Europa was planning to take it to sea and do a Round-Britain. He is an RYA Instructor so presumably knows what he is about.  

Active member

I seem to remember considering one of these back in 2002, and I got a PBO report on it. If I'm correct then it was the lifting keel version I was interested and the only downside as I recall was that the lifting mechanism was hydraulic and the ram is installed upside down in the keel box, which meant if it corroded/failed it had to be cut out as it was otherwise inaccessible (and I suppose irreplaceable). So watch out for that  

Twister_Ken

"He is an RYA Instructor so presumably knows what he is about. " Sure!  

RYA instructor = marine engineer?  

my first boat was a Europa,fin/bulb keel, very fast, great first boat, big enough for two / three to cruise, four for a race, very seaworthy, i heartily reccomend them  

Thanks very much for the responses- clearly a lot of good feeling for these wee boats! There seem to be quite a few around, and from what I've seen less than £2000 in good condition on a trailer (or with a tender and a cradle) seems to be about right. If I can haggle that down then that's all the better. Any idea what the hull speed would be for one of these? Also, (and I know this is a hard thing to quantify!) how much of a chop does it take to make things slow and unpleasant? [ QUOTE ] If you have never been I recommend a trip (by land or sea) to Rodel at the S end of Harris. In the old church there you can see the best extant depiction of a medieval hebridean galley. Some of these were probably little bigger than 20' or so and were used for 00s of years as the mainstay of the local economy, and primitive compared to what you are considering (open to the sea, poor windward performance, no lifesaving equipment etc. etc.). A boat like a Hunter 19 with a full deck and self-draining cockpit will stay afloat long after the crew have given up caring. Stay away from the Blue Men of Shiant and you'll be fine /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif [/ QUOTE ] Yes, St Clements church is a very interesting place- I'll need to look out for the craving next time I'm there though. Out of interest, much of my sailing has been aboard traditional Sgoth Niseach fishing boats (see www.ansulaire.com ) which have a shallow double-ended clinker hull and a dipping lugsail. They're good, fun boats, but windward performance is a bit lacking compared to modern rigs! However at 27 and 33ft the two that I have sailed are obviously a bit bigger than the Hunter, but I guess I'm comparing Apples and Pears now.  

They will do about 5 knots and a bit. But are not easy to get planing as they have a narrow stern. Which is good news in a rough following sea. My Foxcub had a broad flat stern which would plane but was a pain in the arse when running.  

my first boat was also a europa - folly - super first yacht - we used to trail sail and then after that kept her afloat - sailed her 3 up from harwich to oostende and loved her - lead to strong faith in hunters - have had 3 - go for it  

• 19 Jun 2023

PaulR said: my first boat was also a europa - folly - super first yacht - we used to trail sail and then after that kept her afloat - sailed her 3 up from harwich to oostende and loved her - lead to strong faith in hunters - have had 3 - go for it Click to expand...

EZLee said: Hi Paul, I came across this thread as just in the process of purchasing 'folly' which has been advertised as built in 1995 as a Hunter Europa 19, although a previous bill of sale states it was built in 1972, the boat is still in he water and i have looked at here and she seems fine, just wondered if you know exactly when she was built or can offer some information, advice, or feedback for her please? Click to expand...

Well this thread was a bit of a blast from the past! I never did buy the Hunter. Got a Wayfarer instead, then a year later an Albin Vega. I do wonder how things would have worked out with the Hunter. Might well have put off the other half for life.  

I was just about to tell you that Hunter is a bad decision, but now I see the topic is from 2008 and you got Wayfarer)) great choice  

BashkoN said: I was just about to tell you that Hunter is a bad decision, but now I see the topic is from 2008 and you got Wayfarer)) great choice Click to expand...

• 20 Jun 2023

Bajansailor

Kelpie said: Well this thread was a bit of a blast from the past! I never did buy the Hunter. Got a Wayfarer instead, then a year later an Albin Vega. Click to expand...

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• 28 Aug 2024

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Just How Good Are Hunters?

• Thread starter Caribbeanknight1
• Start date Aug 1, 2013
• Hunter Owner Forums
• Ask A Hunter Owner

Caribbeanknight1

I realize I am asking a biased audience but I know many here have owned other makes of sailboat. I have only limited sailing experience but I have been so impressed with my H240 vs the other boats on the lake. I know Hunter are considered "production boats" but you get so much boat for the price and they seem to sail as fast as anything in the same class yet the simplicity of the boat allows a beginner like me to sail like a pro. What am I missing? Where do Hunters not stack up to the much more expensive competition?  

When crossing an ocean. Hunters can do it and do but most prefer a blue water boat. Many can argue this subject but Hunters are not "blue water boats." I love mine and it is great for coastal cruising. However, I would not want to cross an ocean in it.  

Consider this that Ferrari cars are "production cars" even though they may make only twenty-four of that model. I'm in the September of my years now and have grown up with sailboats since the late nineteen fifties. I've had ten new boats, the last five have been Hunters because of the quality of construction that I have observed. They are a good company and made in America. Years ago at the beginning of the dawn of fiberglass right after WWII, sailboats were hulls with decks and minimal interiors. When you looked under the interior seats of the Cal there was raw fiberglass. The hot boat at that time was the plywood Thunderbird or T-bird, an excellent 26 footer that could be built at home. It took a while for sail boat companies to learn how to design and use fiberglass. And building the interior was a work of art with each piece of wood being measure for that individual boat. Some companies still build their boats that way but it is labor intensified. Some of our boat companies couldn't compete with the Asian boat companies with their cheaper labor and we began to import Fugis, Yamaha's, etc. So our boat companies responded with learning how to build boats like old Ford cars with every piece fitting every boat on the line. A company could cut ten pieces for ten boats at one time and have them all fit. Hunter was one of those companies that lead the way in modern day boat construction. But one of the things that convinced me to buy Hunter was their program of checking back with owners and asking what is working--what is not working. Then they would make adjustments in the plant and construction of their new models. I have watch improvements on all of my five Hunters. I suspect the new models are even better and have passed me by. "How can we make it better" seems to be the mantra of Hunter company and indeed, they have been one of the most innovating boat companies during the past twenty five years. Look at the B and R rid, roller furling mains and jibs, sugar scoop sterns, "tourist" seats in the stern, and the list goes on. Even where you can't see things they made improvements such as all plastic tankage or all through hull fittings in one place accessible for checking. Some of these same innovations and/or improvements you cannot find on some of the more expensive boats....however individual perception is a fascinating study. To complete my point, I drive a Subaru Forester which gets me to the store quite well. Would I like a Ferrari? I'm sure I would have fun going to the store in one but I doubt if it would get me there quicker (we have stop lights in my town) or anymore comfortable..... I suspect I would enjoy the purr of the Ferrari motor or the smell of the interior. I suspect I could enjoy sailing an Oyster sailboat but quite frankly I am in love with my Hunter 27. At my age it is a delight to sail and I can sail it by myself. And I don't have to repair or add items to make it sailable. It may be that the owner of a Ferrari will look down at me as might the owner of an Oyster. But the end result is that I'm having as much fun as they are sailing. So if you think your H240 is well made, you are correct. If you think your H240 is a good investment, you probably are correct as well. The end result is how much you enjoy sailing and cruising in your boat. I hope you get as much satisfaction from your Hunter as I do mind. I wish you well. By the way, I'm eighty in years and have sail many, many boats over the years. I still think of my Hunter 27 as a MGA of the boating world....a fun boat.  

I am new here and just purchased a 2006 Hunter 33.1. I have owned an ODay 25, a Hooks Marine Custom 34,Heavy Bluewater Boat. and also own a Nimble Nomad. Sailing for over 20 years. I do my own work and have read several books on boat construction. I was a Machinist Mate in the Navy and operated a 1200 lb Super Heated Steam Main Propulsion engine room. A Hunter is a production boat which seems to have it's fair share of detractors but from what I have seen and inspected it is a well built boat. The boat I bought had a owners manual which detailed every system on board in detail, which is not something I saw on any other boat, I also found the manual on line. All thru hulls are centrally located easy to close which is what you should do when you leave the boat. I found all the equipment installed up to the intended and installed properly. BTW I am perfectly qualified to survey the boat myself but hired a qualified survey to do a survey and he found no construction issues and only minor gear issues. I had used the same surveyor last week on a Catalina 30 which I walked away from at a cost of $800.00 for survey and lift, money well spent. Bang for the buck the boat is a great boat. As on all boats you have to balance the boat you buy with the intended use and your skill level. Good luck on your hunt for a boat, sometimes it takes time to find the boat that loves you. Jim  

Les said: I still think of my Hunter 27 as a MGA of the boating world....a fun boat. Click to expand

The Italians do not use Ferraris to go to the store either, they keep them in the garage and drive a Fiat. Each engine is hand assembled by a single highly trained and experienced individual. The seats are hancrafted from selected cuts of leather. That is not a production automobile. The use of computers has revolutionized manufacturing processes, we can now reach tolerances that before were to expensive to achieve. The difference observed between specialty builders and production manufacturers mostly rest in the quality of the materials being used and the quality controls. While the first may accept the cost of having to redo a job the other may decide to overlook it. Ferrari engine blocks undergo rigorous testing with a rather large percentage being scrapped and the metal recycled. The quality on production automobiles and boats has been improving but there are still a number of lemons reaching the marketplace. Don't get me wrong Hunter puts out a "Ferrari" of a design, uses good matrials and good components and price the boats fairly. Production errors that do not affect the safety of the boat are routinely overlooked but that is the tradeoff we are willing to accept between Price and Quality.  

Crazy Dave Condon

The Hunter water ballast sailboats were designed for the trailerable sailor as I was very much involved with them from the start. The 23.5 is my baby and I outsold all other dealers of the 240. I also sold Catalina, Beneteau, ComPac, Precision, MacGregor and many others over the years. I have heard all the Fiddlesticks about boats and so on. All to include the Hunters have their good points. When you say this is a blue water boat of course referencing the 240, it was not designed to cross an ocean. As to a productin boat, well guess what, so are the rest of the crowd as I have been in all the plants except for the MacGregor. If the two of you want to contact me, please feel free thru the forum email and I will be glad to help. My info is based on information and experience. crazy dave condon  

Not "blue water boats"? Don't know about the newer Hunters, but I bought a Cherubini 37-C specifically to be my "blue water boat". It's built like a tank and reported by far-too-many-to-ignore owners as surprisingly fast. I wouldn't think twice about cruising the oceans in Fred V - the boat is fine, it's the captain that's questionable!  

FredV said: Not "blue water boats"? Don't know about the newer Hunters, but I bought a Cherubini 37-C specifically to be my "blue water boat". It's built like a tank and reported by far-too-many-to-ignore owners as surprisingly fast. I wouldn't think twice about cruising the oceans in Fred V - the boat is fine, it's the captain that's questionable! Click to expand

Hunter Quality I spent the last year repairing and replacing parts on my 2002 H456. Eighty percent done by professionals and everyone of them from the diesel mechanic to the electrical engineer to the plumber has commented on how well this boat is built and with quality parts. Just be prepared to add 50K of offshore equipment and go where you want to go.  

wifeofgonzo

A Biased Reply I have a 2005 Hunter 36. In my opinion, the 36 is one of the best designed boats Hunter has made. I agree that the company does listen to owners and make changes. Lately it is their downfall. Go to the sail show - I don't think anyone leaves the dock. No storage space, difficult to do things underway, all designed to be at the marina not on the hook. Finding the right boat boat is like buying house. You know when you're "home". New is just as much of a pain as not, still bugs to work through. Our friends spend more time fixing their brand new Beneteau than sailing. I also agree I would not take our boat blue water. Not because she isn't seaworthy, but because of the keel. She is perfect for the coastal cruising that we do. Easy to single hand, perfect for two to be very comfortable, but big enough for friends to join us every now and then.  

John Murphy

CRBKT 1, I looked at all kinds of boats from Fla,to Apls, to New Eng. in the 37-40 range. I stayed away from Hunters 'cuz of my late 70's experience w/ them where they were a "Package Boat": carpeting not only on the cabin sole but UP THE BULKHEADS & ACROSS THE CEILING !!! REALLY!!, & a plastic "garbage bag" filled w/ 2 PFDS, some lines & a couple other items that made it; "Ready To Sail". I bought an Ericson back then & loved the John Holland designs & quality materials ( real, thick teak not vinyl over plywood ) & craftsmanship. Had it 30+years. Anywho, I had to swallow my pride & got a rude come-uppance. I bought a 1997 Hunter 376!! : o Learned it had been The Boat of the Year!! I am constantly comparing it w/ similar Catalinas ( who also have come a long way since the 70's) & Benateaus,etc. $ for $, spaciousness, brightness below ( Benateaus are "bat caves"), comfort, ( the pass-thru stern stateroom ( 2 doors, to galley & head ) surpass the other boats. I'm a USNA Offshore Instructor & USPS Safety Officer. I agree w/ my fellow sailors that Hunters are NOT Offshore boats, but Coastal Cruisers. Mine has been to Maine & back & all over the Chesapeake Bay, whose summer squalls can get pretty nasty. They're not Tartans, nor Sabres, but if you're not going Offshore, they're a GREAT boat. "Fair Winds & Following Seas...." " Murph "  

I have one of those 1970's package Hunters, a 1977 30 with the carpet everywhere. These boats were built to meet a price point and they did. They were well made and still do what they were intended to do. Amazingly much of that carpet is intact and as she is a dry boat not moldy and while not as attractive as teak, its ok. I sail the boat not its interior and more than 36 years after she left the factory she is still a fast boat for her class. My crew member who owns a Catalina 30 marvels over the standing room and comfort below. She is no Ferrari, she will never cross an ocean but she gets me a round the Cheaspeake and the Delaware and that's what I bought her for.  

My first boat was an 85 Hunter 25.5. I also looked at the 24 foot ODay but liiked the separate bulkhead going into the V berth on the Hunter, making it seem bigger. . It only drew 3'3', you needed a porta potty but it sailed well. When looking for a newer boat, I was directed to both Catalina and Beneteau. Both nice boats but I liked the style and the amount of light coming thru on the Hunter along with the lighter wood. The boat sails great, even in higher winds and the in-mast furling doesn't cost you a lot of speed. I frequently get over 7 knots and topped out at 8.4 kts. It does have the North Sails. Boats are personal preference but I'll put the Hunter up there with the other producton boats anyday.  

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Review of Hunter 19 Mk II (Hunter)

Basic specs..

The hull is made of fibreglass. Generally, a hull made of fibreglass requires only a minimum of maintenance during the sailing season. And outside the sailing season, just bottom cleaning and perhaps anti-fouling painting once a year - a few hours of work, that's all.

The boat is equipped with 11.0 liter fresh water capacity.

The boat equipped with a fractional rig. A fractional rig has smaller headsails which make tacking easier, which is an advantage for cruisers and racers, of course. The downside is that having the wind from behind often requires a genaker or a spinnaker for optimal speed.

Sailing characteristics

This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.

What is Capsize Screening Formula (CSF)?

The capsize screening value for Hunter 19 Mk II (Hunter) is 2.46, indicating that this boat would not be accepted to participate in ocean races.

What is Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed?

The theoretical maximal speed of a displacement boat of this length is 5.3 knots. The term "Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed" is widely used even though a boat can sail faster. The term shall be interpreted as above the theoretical speed a great additional power is necessary for a small gain in speed.

The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Hunter 19 Mk II (Hunter) is about 76 kg/cm, alternatively 429 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 76 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 429 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

Sailing statistics

This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.

What is Motion Comfort Ratio (MCR)?

What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?

What is Displacement Length Ratio?

What is SA/D (Sail Area Displacement ratio)?

Maintenance

Are your sails worn out? You might find your next sail here: Sails for Sale

If you need to renew parts of your running rig and is not quite sure of the dimensions, you may find the estimates computed below useful.

This section is reserved boat owner's modifications, improvements, etc. Here you might find (or contribute with) inspiration for your boat.

Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what you have done.

We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for Hunter 19 Mk II (Hunter) it would be a great help.

If you have any comments to the review, improvement suggestions, or the like, feel free to contact us . Criticism helps us to improve.

Practical Boat Owner

• Digital edition

Hunter 19 restoration: lessons learned from restoring an unwanted cruiser

• Richard Date
• March 17, 2023

Richard Date takes up the challenge of restoring an unloved and unwanted cruiser

Nani sailing nicely in a light breeze

When friends of mine, who were keelboat racers, successfully restored a Hunter 19 cruiser and changed the rig I was impressed.

If they could do it, maybe I could too – it seemed they’d started a trend.

It began at the 2004 Squib Nationals when a couple of ex-Squib champions took pity on a Hunter 19 that was languishing at the back of Holyhead Boatyard.

The Hunter 19 was built in 1972, and Hull No34 was in a sorry state. Credit: Richard Date

They bought the yacht and took it back to the East Coast. They restored it with a new interior and put a Squib rig on it before taking it cruising .

At a more recent Squib Championships in Holyhead there was a layday due to strong winds and, during a discussion at the bar, it transpired that another unloved Hunter 19 was on a trailer which had been acquired on ebay and that the trailer was sold to (yet another) Squib champion in Burnham-on-Crouch

The boat was surplus to requirements so if I could fetch it from Burnham I too could have a project to keep me busy for a year.

Crouch Cheetah

So, after quite a lot of diesel and the generous provision of a trailer, the 1972 vintage Hunter 19 No34 found its way to Anglesey for a project which was to be shamelessly based on my friends’ yacht.

I found out that the boat had been raced as Crouch Cheetah at Burnham-on-Crouch by David Blake in the Burnham Sailing Club fleet and, as an early number built by the designer Oliver Lee, had the Mk1 keel which is highly prized by Squib sailors to this day.

The interior of the Hunter 19 needed ripping out. Credit: Richard Date

On inspection, the interior was beyond restoration – and full of sails and other paraphernalia – so it was an easy decision to remove all the existing structures and start with a totally empty hull.

As much as possible of the interior GRP lay-up attached to the hull was retained for stiffness.

Holes that had been cut for a self-bailer and a transducer were filled and the rusted keel -bolts were replaced with stainless steel bolts and lifting hangers; now construction could begin.

Restoring a Hunter 19

I fitted 12mm ply for all the interior structures with epoxy fillets and GRP lay-up of the joints, starting with the floors and bow-tank/vee berth.

It was important to stabilise the hull for this stage as, when empty, it could flex alarmingly.

The interior was stripped ready for rebuilding work. Credit: Richard Date

With the bow tank, floors and side benches fitted the hull was stable and the galley , shelves and lockers were added. Inspection hatches and a new stainless steel mast strut completed stage one of the rather cozy (ie small) cabin.

The hatchway was repaired, strengthened and raised in preparation for the single washboard .

The original cockpit of the Hunter 19. Credit: Richard Date

All the winches and deck fittings were removed from the cockpit and deck moulding (except for the mooring cleats), and all these areas were filled, sanded and painted with two coats of a high quality exterior finish.

The cockpit sole was finished with Trakmark over flowcoat resin and the seats were replaced with new, varnished, iroko.

Cockpit cleaned up with new seating. Credit: Richard Date

The cockpit of the early, pre-Europa, Hunter 19 is not self-draining and so an electric pump was installed in the sump in the cockpit floor, and a battery box was fitted to a new bulkhead in the aft locker to take a small 12V battery.

This has been able to run the pump and retain charge throughout a season with just a small solar panel mounted inside a window.

The items emptied from the hull included a pair of new windows and a pulpit which had been ripped off the bow.

Bow tank and floors. Credit: Richard Date

The windows were of the original pattern and fitted the cut-outs perfectly but fitting straight glazing and alloy to a curved coachroof required some interesting discussion and effort.

The helpful people at Houdini Marine Windows said they would bend sufficiently and they were, thankfully, correct.

It was, however, a two-person job and brought out the worst of my vocabulary.

Hull stripped looking aft. Credit: Richard Date

The pulpit was straightened and the attachment points repaired with epoxy and ply backing pads before fitting, again with some persuasion but this time with no swearing.

After a professional polish by local expert Gwyn, which largely restored the original gelcoat colour, iroko rubbing strakes were added to set off the shiny hull.

As the boat was to have a Squib rig – no winches, easier handling – only the aft set of chain plates was required.

The bowplate was extended forward so that the forestay would clear the furler and a furling spar was made from Needlespar dinghy mast luff extrusion and wood dowelling; this required the jib luff to be modified with the correct bolt-rope instead of wire.

Attachment plates for the back stay and mainsheet bridle, and an eye for the mainsheet ratchet block and cleat on the floor, completed the cockpit set-up.

The cockpit of the early, pre-Europa, Hunter 19 is not self-draining and so an electric pump was installed. Credit: Richard Date

The fittings for jib sheeting were arranged in classic Squib style, barber haulers and all (even though there was no plan to race) and as for sails there were some good ones in the hull – show me a Squib sailor without spare sails!

The mainsail was fitted with two sets of reefing points because, if single-handed, you need to reef the relatively large main early and deep.

The inside of the transom was strengthened with ply so that better pintles and a refurbished outboard bracket could be fitted to take my 2hp 2-stroke Yamaha engine – which is 10 years younger than the boat.

Continues below…

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The whole interior was painted and the forward part finished with lining fabric.

The cabin sole received a flowcoat finish and the loose floorboards were set as low as possible between the plywood floors for extra legroom and to give access to the lifting hangers.

Smart cushions were made locally and completed the cabin, with breathable fabric for the vee berth and vinyl for the seats under the hatchway, which are vulnerable to weather.

Side lockers and floorboards installed in the Hunter 19. Credit: Richard Date

An overboom cover can be used to cover the hatch when not sailing.

The Hunter 19 rig departed for Ullswater where there is an active fleet of 19s, and a Squib mast, which had been broken at deck level (and kindly donated) was cut above the break for the higher deck-step on the 19’s coachroof; a mast-step with a pivot was made locally and fitted so the mast could be raised/lowered more easily.

Three halyards exit the base of the mast and the jib halyard goes direct to a muscle box on the side of the mast; having the forestay permanently attached increases rig security and means that the jib luff tension can be altered for sailing or on the mooring.

Pulpit, stanchions and strakes – all fitted and ready to go. Credit: Richard Date

The rig works well and is nicely balanced even though the mast position is a little further aft than on a Squib.

The jib sheets are 2:1 and the whole rig can be managed with just three camcleats.

Thus far there is no spinnaker , but there is plenty of time for that and lots of room for the extra hardware.

The only electronic component is a simple echo sounder , essential for the Menai Strait and around Anglesey.

The refurbished Hunter 19 renamed Nani sailing in her home waters of Anglesey. Credit: Richard Date

The transducer for this had to be forward of the keel and required another hatch in the bowtank/vee berth because the site was out of reach from the inspection hatch installed during the build.

More forethought required!

Following some time on the water I’ve not found any other problems but I’m sure improvements will come to mind as we enjoy our modified ‘Squib with a lid’, now called Nani after my first boat, a National 12 from a very long time ago!

Enjoyed reading Hunter 19 restoration: lessons learned from restoring an unwanted cruiser?

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Are Hunter Sailboats Any Good? (My Honest Experience)

There are a ton of different sailboat brands in the world today. Trying to decide which one is best, is no easy task. It comes down to a bit of fact and personal opinion, but that’s my opinion.

Hunter is a very well-known brand of sailboats. Hunter sailboats are a good boat depending on your needs and what you will be using your boat for primarily. They were designed as a more budget-friendly boat with all of the basic features needed for good coastal cruising.

The debate about whether a Hunter sailboat is good or not has been going on since the company started and there are a lot of pros and cons out there on the sailboat forums. This article is going to go over Hunters and cover as many of the pros and cons as possible. There will be facts and my personal opinion throughout this article. I just want to cover as much as possible so you will have the knowledge you need when considering a Hunter.

The History Of Hunter Sailboats

In the 1800s Henry Luhrs, a German immigrant, outfitted trading ships. He continued to work on boats his whole life and eventually passed the skills on to his grandson. His grandson was also named Henry and continued the family trade on the Jersey coast, building and repairing recreational and fishing boats. After a while, Henry and his sons started the Hunter Company in 1973 in Alachua, Florida, as a sailboat manufacturer.

Luhrs was the owner of the company, but the early boat designs were done by a man named John E. Cherubini. One of the most recognizable boats of the Hunter legacy is the Cherubini Hunter 30. In my opinion, this is a fantastic boat.

Towards the end of the 1980s, the company did run into trouble. Luhrs was not necessarily running the company at this time, he was out sailing the world and had let a board of management take over. The management team had started to run the company into the ground. They did this by only offering a 1-year warranty, poorly built boats, and terrible customer service for its customers. This would be sure to end any company. Luhrs, with fear his company would go under, decided to return immediately and address the issues at hand. He decided to do a whole restructuring of production and decided extending the warranty from one year to five years would be a good start. Luhrs also hired Canadian designer Rob Mazza in 1991 to take over the design and coordinate the production process. These many steps and others helped get the company back on track.

Hunter is responsible for several market innovations, including their trademark stainless steel cockpit arch and their use of the B&R rig. The B&R rig uses swept spreaders that are usually angled aft, together with “stays” running diagonally downward from the tip of the spreaders to the attachment of the next pair of spreaders to the mast or to the intersection of the mast with the deck, that facilitates a pre-bend of the mast (curving aft).

In 2012 Hunter Marine entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company was sold in August 2012 to David E. Marlow, owner of Marlow Yachts and the name changed to Marlow-Hunter, LLC.

Marlow-Hunter continues to produce sailboats to this day and I must say….they are beautiful designs.

Before we start the debate about whether Hunter sailboats are good or not, let’s look at one or two of their better models.

Cherubini Hunter 30

The Cherubini Hunter 30 is one of the most recognizable Hunters out there today. They were first built in the year 1973 and were made until the year1983. Roughly a thousand of these boats were made and you can find them all over the world.

Here are some more facts about the Hunter 30.

• Hull Type: Fin with rudder on skeg
• Rigging Type: Masthead Sloop
• LOA: 30.40 ft / 9.27 m
• Displacement: 9,700 lb / 4,400 kg
• Beam: 10.17 ft / 3.10 m

I have personally sailed on this boat and I found it to be very solid and a great all-around boat. I sailed it in the Gulf of Mexico and the bays around the area and it was always a great experience.

When sailing it felt very sturdy in the water. I never got the feeling that we were being pushed off course in the slightest. There were also a few times that we heeled over and put the rails in the water and it handled that just fine. From the outside, the boat is very recognizable with its unique design, but the cabin below is quite a common layout and design.

I feel like the cabin resembles most 30-foot boats of that time period. There might have been a touch more space in the overall design than other boats but the look and feel are all the same if you compare it to a Catalina or O’Day of the same time period. That is my personal opinion of course.

Would I purchase one of these for myself? I would definitely consider it. They are a great design and very solid. I don’t think I would have any problems with this boat, whether I was sailing it on a lake or across the Atlantic. Some will say it is not a bluewater boat, but I have read plenty of articles about people actually sailing in the bluewater. It just comes down to the captain and what you are comfortable with.

Let’s look at another type of Hunter, the Hunter 37 Legend!

The Hunter 37 Legend

This boat is a less commonly seen Hunter but still a very impressive one. Warren Luhrs was the designer of this vessel. It was not in production long just from 1986 to 1988, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a good design. This design gets great reviews from the internet and has a great design for speed and comfort. I have only researched this one and watched videos about it. I would very much like to sail one of these someday, but they are not very common as I mentioned.

• Hull Type: Fin w/spade rudder
• Rigging Type: Fractional Sloop
• LOA: 37.50 ft / 11.43 m
• LWL: 31.33 ft / 9.55 m
• Beam: 12.83 ft / 3.91 m
• S.A. (reported): 704.00 ft 2  / 65.40 m 2
• Draft (max): 6.67 ft / 2.03 m
• Displacement: 14,900 lb / 6,759 kg

To get a better look at this boat please take a look at the video below. It is a quick overview of the boat itself.

After researching this boat, I would very much like to have it. This one has a ton of great features and would be perfect for some long weekend sail trips with a good group of friends. If you find a good deal on this one, I would take a second look.

Let us address one of the bigger issues in the next section, which is the bad reviews Hunter sailboats get.

Why Do Hunter Sailboats Get Such Bad Reviews? Personal Opinion

I have done a lot of research and read a lot of forums about Hunter sailboats online and they tend to get a bad rap. There are a lot of discussions about how they are cheaply made and won’t handle open ocean sailing, but I have seen videos of them handling it just fine. Maybe people have had bad experiences with a Hunter before?

There are also bad reviews on certain designs which make sense. Not every sailboat that Hunter has produced, is something I would consider. That can be said about every boat company. I’m sure even Catalina (my favorite brand) has a bad design here or there. One of the complaints was a Hunter sailboat designed without a backstay. This is very upsetting to some sailors and I would have to agree.

The backstay is what helps hold up the back end of the boom when sailing. Technically the mainsail does this as well but the backstay helps keep the shape much better. I have lowered the sail before without a backstay and you have to be very careful because your boom is going to drop right into the cockpit if you don’t have some other means of support. Some people may have a good reason for no backstay, maybe in a racing condition, but for casual life on the water, I definitely want one.

I wouldn’t rule out Hunters just for this or maybe one bad experience on one, you need to give the Hunter brand a chance. Everybody has an opinion on the internet and a lot of them will be against Hunter sailboats. That’s the internet for you though. The internet can say whatever it wants about anything in this world, even if it doesn’t have good evidence. That’s why I think personal experience is the best evidence here.

Take car brands for example. So many people will say don’t buy a ford or a chevy or dodge because it will break down on you. To be clear, every brand of car has had models broken down on them. It is not necessarily the brand, it’s the improper care of the vehicle or a random breakdown of an engine part. The brand itself still makes good vehicles you just had bad luck.

That is why I say you need to try out a few Hunters before claiming them to be a terrible boat.

The last thing I will say about this subject is that I have met multiple Hunter sailboat owners and they have loved their boats. I have not met one captain who owned a Hunter and did not like it. I only found out about their bad reviews by going online and researching them. Take all of this with a grain of salt though, I am just giving you my honest opinion. Check out the video below for another opinion on Hunter sailboats. This is a great video, be sure to check out his channel as well.

Final Thoughts

This article talked about Hunter sailboats and if they are any good. The history of the Hunter brand was discussed and is currently named Marlow-Hunter because the Marlow Yacht company purchased Hunter in 2011. We discussed the Cherubini 30 and the 37 Legend, both of which are great boats in my opinion. That was a big topic in the last section of this article, opinions. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and that’s what keeps these great sailboat discussions going. We need these great discussions to keep going and fill our minds with as much knowledge as possible. Get out there and talk to people with Hunter sailboats to get the most information you possibly can. I hope this article provided you with some Hunter knowledge to help you in your sailing life. Cheers!

Boatlifehq owner and author/editor of this article.

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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 19 (EUROPA). Built by Hunter Boats Ltd. (UK) and designed by Oliver Lee, the boat was first built in 1972. It has a hull type of Fin w/transom hung rudder and LOA is 5.78. Its sail area/displacement ratio 18.59. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by undefined, runs on undefined.

HUNTER 19 (EUROPA) 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 19 (EUROPA) and decide if it is a fit for your boating needs.

Boat Information

Boat specifications, sail boat calculation, contributions, who designed the hunter 19 (europa).

HUNTER 19 (EUROPA) was designed by Oliver Lee.

Who builds HUNTER 19 (EUROPA)?

HUNTER 19 (EUROPA) is built by Hunter Boats Ltd. (UK).

When was HUNTER 19 (EUROPA) first built?

HUNTER 19 (EUROPA) was first built in 1972.

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Hunter Sailboat Quality?

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I'm looking at purchasing a 1986 Hunter. Is this a well built boat and are there any costly items that I should consider? Any comments would be a great help.  

Intended Usage? That is a pretty broad question? Just curious what your have budgeted for a boat purchase? What your intended use of the boat would be? What is the general condition of the hunter 36? It is a 22 year old boat and I would ask what has been replaced and how recent? Personally, I an looking at multi hulls so any mono hull is out of the question.. That being said, My dad purchased a hunter 33 04' and maintains it well and it has had no problems. In fact He is leaving Tomorrow for three weeks of WA state and Canada sailing. My Aunt owns a Hunter 420 (older) and has had no problems. She will also be out sailing as well.. I have attended the annual Hunter marine get to gatherings for the past three years in the PNW and have had the oppotunity to go on many of the boats and also talk to many of the owners. Very few seem dissappointed in thier purchase. To my knowledge most purchased new or relatively new boats and have maintained them. A 22 year old boat will probably have had many owners and many systems should have been replaced after 22 years usage... If I was buying a 22 year old car, RV or home I am thinking how it was maintained might tell me if the item will be a head ache... As far as Quality, well that is a pretty subjective question... After 22 years any boat could be a piece of crap if neglected... Like wise a 20 year old sedan might meet my needs- then again if I was pulling a boat or RV, I am thinking I might desire a 4x4... Goes to usage... That hunter will not take you across the ocean. It should be pretty inexpensive and might make a fun boat sailing in protected waters... If your looking for Hunter bashers- there are no shortage of them on the net.. Many of them I have noticed get real OVER sensitive when the same is said about the boat they own, ie: The Spendy Tartan and its recent mess ups to include the company cover up... Another thread.... The same people will be quick to boat bash Hunters, Catalina and the Bene's however, lol... Hope you find the Boat that meets Your Needs in your price range... Have Fun and enjoy... Best of Luck....  

serenity4u2 said: If your looking for Hunter bashers- there are no shortage of them on the net.. Many of them I have noticed get real OVER sensitive when the same is said about the boat they own, ie: The Spendy Tartan and its recent mess ups to include the company cover up... Another thread.... The same people will be quick to boat bash Hunters, Catalina and the Bene's however , lol Click to expand...

XJ...whatever you do...get a survey and get a separate engine survey. Hunters of that era were not particularly well made and were designed to hit a price point and serve well for basic sailing needs in protected waters. As such they can be an excellent value today if they have been kept well and your need are for a boat in protected waters and weekend cruising.  

Iflyka200s said: ...If your looking for Hunter bashers- there are no shortage of them on the net... Just like Catalina bashers... Great and well reasoned post BTW... Nicely done.. Click to expand...

I've been cruising the Bahamas and FL Keys on my 1981 Hunter 30, mostly single handed, since 2000. My boat has proven perfectly adequate for my needs. That being said, any older boat should be surveyed before purchase. I would point out that the problems I have had with my boat; broken prop strut (electrolysis), water pump, alternator, exhaust hose, shifter cable, standing and running rigging, chain plates, bow pulpit, etc., were replaced because of age, not quality of construction. The only unusual repair I had was making an epoxy container to fit around the corroded metal block my mast was stepped on. I have found my Hunter 30 to be more than suitable for coastal cruising and trips to the Bahamas. I would not hesitate to purchase another Hunter product.  

I also have the 1981 Hunter 30 with a 2qm15. I am new to sailing and boats in general. I would like to talk to you about this boat when you have a chance  

I've had a 34 foot '83 Hunter for two years without any real complaint. Most of my issues have been with PO "upgrades". Like some of the other posters have said get a good survey. Like the birds say the nice thing with Hunters is they are cheap, cheap, cheap. Sailing in the Cheasapeake bay I couldn't see spending big $ on a boat. Now if you are talking long distance ocean crusing you might want to look at something else.  

My father had a late 70's hunter 33 that he bought new. It was totally neglected all of its life. It got a haul out every 4 or 5 years. And my dad does not believe in preventive anything, so nothing got touched unless it was broken. After 20 plus years of ownership he finally sold the old girl to someone more caring and I am told she is still sailing around Lake Ponchatrain. We never had any real problems even though we never took care of our boat. Used boats or like used cars (IMO), Check them out as much as you can, try to negotiate a good deal for yourself and hope for the best. Good Luck!  

As other have implied, it's all about the condition of the boat; not the nameplate on it. A derelict Morris or Alden will cause problems for you, regardless of where or how you sail, much moreso than a well-maintained Hunter or any other brand for that matter. One of the reasons most people avoid this forum is the apparent density of self-proclaimed experts who seem to enjoy bashing anything other than what they currently own and I seriously doubt any of them have sailed a Hunter extensively offshore enough to form an informed objective opinion. I've had the opportunity to cruise extensively when younger and can tell you first-hand that no one anchored in any S Pac motu spend any time talking about which brand boat is best/worst suited for cruising - they all spent all their time talking about repair and maintenance issues regardless of who made it. It should be apparent to you how seriously you should take anyone who makes generalized criticisms of anything.  

k1vsk said: I've had the opportunity to cruise extensively when younger and can tell you first-hand that no one anchored in any S Pac motu spend any time talking about which brand boat is best/worst suited for cruising - they all spent all their time talking about repair and maintenance issues regardless of who made it. Click to expand...

Mike...welcome. The 20 is a decent boat to learn on but carefully check the keel centerboard trunk for leaks and the winch for proper operation. This seems to be a real problem spot on these boats but it is not a big deal to fix. Some owner reviews here: Hunter 20 owner reviews  

camaraderie said: Mike...welcome. The 20 is a decent boat to learn on but carefully check the keel centerboard trunk for leaks and the winch for proper operation. This seems to be a real problem spot on these boats but it is not a big deal to fix. Click to expand...

I posted a review in the hunters forum for all the interested in a Hunter boat. It is too long to repeat here.  

Remember the Original Post The original post was regarding a 32 y/o boat... Hunter or any 32 y/o boat will obviously need a survey. A 32 y/o hunter will probably be a very inexpensive price... As posted in earlier post, I sail on two family owned Hunters... Both newer and also maintained well... As I posted earlier- be it a Boat, RV, Auto or even a Home... Many people buy what they "think" they can afford... Meaning they can afford the payment and not much more.... I know people who buy expensive cars and have not enough money to properly maintain them, where as some Dodge owners do the regular scheduled maintenace... A Dodge Intrepid is No BMW... Yet, I'd prefer a well maintained used Dodge over a poorly maintained BMW... As a home owner, I change my central air filters every month- I have a friend who when seeing me purchase a new filter asked how often it should be changed... He had not changed his in FIVE years- it was black... Like wise I have my AC & Heating serviced by the company that installed it every Six months.... I am amazed at how dirty the inside of my Gas furnace is after SIX months as well as the heating and the cooling element / coil... In reality a 32 y/o Hunter is a low end production boat that in ALL likely hood will have had numerous owners. A real likely hood that you will not have a 32 y/o well documented history of boat upkeep... That being said, it should be a fairly inexpensive boat and may meet coastal and sailing in protected waters... If the boat meets your needs and "real" cost (not just purchase price)- enjoy it and take care of it for the next buyer... Best of Luck.....  

Bummer What a bummer, although I have met no unhappy hunter owners on the past three or four hunter gatherings here in the PNW.... I know that 45CC is pretty spendy-mmm thinking 300K.... Thinking if I was spending that kind of money I'd look elsewhere then a hunter. At least they service it lol... Depending on your location- thinking I could do better on a water front condo in the 300K range and be content with my 37' tayana...  

serenity, it was 478,000 when all was said & done and yes, I am very, very content with my Tayana  

Wow Wow Pappy, that is very spendy and about 100K more then I would have thought... Like I said, I would have boaugt a waterfront condo on land and kept my tayana... Thinking a 30 y/o tayana 37 probably lists for around 75K- Just a Guess.... I have had family and people I know who have had great luck with thier hunters... I still would NEVER spend 475K on a hunter 45CC... I have not priced Tayana's.. I am thinking tayana's are comprable to Valients- sorry if they are not and that offends any out there... I am thinking you could have boaught a slightly used Tayana or Valient in the 45 foot range for a half a million... Or better- ditch ALL three and get the new PSC 40PH.... Just my bias and not meant to be offensive...  

Thanks for all the input. I've heard around the Yacht Club the same talk I'm hearing in this forum. How then would a Hunter compare to a Tartan, Irwin or Ericson? Mid 1980's, 30 to 35 ft. I'll be using it to sail the Great Lakes and a little dock condo-ing! Thanks again!  

Apples to Oranges Xj, You get what you pay for, in the case of Tartan's and Ericson's you pay more you get more. My 1986 Hunter 31 (previous boat) was a very nice Ches. Bay boat worth every penny I paid for it, I know simply because that is what I paid for it. Personally I could have lived on it, after I put 5k into the interior and some much needed maintenance it was a fine old boat worth exactly what I sold it for- again, I know that because that's what I got when I sold it. Now, show me two boats for the exact same price, same length, same intended usage and then we can compare red apples to yellow apples.  

Love my Vintage Hunter In part it may be because I know no other boat as well as I know my own, but I love my 77 Hunter. The PO didn't do much in his last years of ownership but at least he did no harm. While I have not faced a hurricane on her on open water in the Chesapeake she has brought me home when I have heard others mounting distress calls. When I brought her home after I bought her 2 years ago we left the quiet waters of the Putexent into the teeth of a 40 mph wind with gusts into the 60's. If we'd known what we were heading into we would have never left port, but as it was it brought us home safe. Being a green sailor, its only my 4th year on the water after a 40 plus year layoff I have done my share of stupid things, but she has always forgiven me and gotten us both home. There are no doubt stronger better boats out there but there are few as forgiving. I also would point out virtually nothing its age can go to wind like this boat does. Several times I have out run far newer longer boats when heading to wind, that with a green sailor at the helm so don't let people talk you out of an older Hunter.  

The one Hunter I would avoid is a 1975 to 1977 27 footer. On this boat Hunter made a huge design flaw. On mine the entire bottom of the boat delaminated around the keel and it nearly fell off while they were launching it! It was 6 years old at the time. The flaw was that rather than molding a keel stub on the hull which increases the thickness of the internal stringers, they molded a recess in the hull to fit the top of the keel. This recess cut into the stringers at the center and made them way too thin to support the keel stresses. The problem got fixed on the 1978 version. Gary H. Lucas  

I would be very interested in hearing about the details on why you would not purchase a Hunter. I can see why someone would navigate towards a Bristol. Yet, a Hunter is one boat that I have never tillered. On the Sailboat Data website they don't list what the ballast was/is. As these are often 1970s and 1980s boats, that makes me nervous as I have owned two late 1960s Columbias and I knew exactly what that keel was. I have zero experience on Hunters and want to learn more so I know more about what what I am looking at. Thank you.  

Well, if the Korean War can end after almost 70 years, then maybe there's hope for ending the Hunter bashing. Naaaaaaahhhh!  

As others have mentioned, condition is the most important consideration when buying a 30 year old sailboat. One very costly item is sails. I can't over-emphasize the importance of having sails with a good shape. They are the "engine" of the boat. The shape of dacron sails deteriorates long before they start to fall apart. The structure may appear to be sound (ie no rips), but the shape might be old and baggy to a skilled eye. Unless the dacron cloth is crispy and new and clean, and are less than 5-10 years old (depending on how much they have been used), they are probably due for replacement sooner or later. Shape is hard to evaluate for an untrained eye. If you want help evaluating the shape of the sail, you may want to snap a few pictures during the sea trial. Take pics looking up from under the middle of the foot and post them here and PM me and I'll take a look at the shape for you. Judy Sailmaker  

Sock puppet perhaps.  

When buying an 30+ year old boat, - a boat has been constantly upgraded and maintained is a better choice.  

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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.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

excellent article.

Darrell – excellent review. Thanks.

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

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• Sailboat Guide

Hunter 19-2

Hunter 19-2 is a 18 ′ 11 ″ / 5.8 m monohull sailboat designed by Hunter Design Team and built by Hunter Marine between 1993 and 1996.

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)

Disp. for sailing: 2000 lbs./907 kgs. Weight for trailering/launching: 1500 lbs./680 kgs.

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