Hunter 23 Bilge Keeler

[GrogRat]

Hi, I am going to look at a Hunter 23 Bilge keeler, are there any problems in particular to this model that I need to look out for ? e.g. do the keel attachment points cause any trouble, will I need to budget for replacing the keel bolts ?
Thanks in advance folks

 

[ghostlymoron]

I've had several bilge keelers and none have required new keel bolts. One had a keel removed to sort out a problem due to accident but the competent repairer replaced the originals.
It's not a major job to inspect/replace keel bolts on a 23' boat you can easily DIY.

 

[fastjedi]

A large proportion of Hunters built between 1994 and 1998 had hull problems due to the quality of materials used. If you're looking at a Horizon 23 it will precede these issues. If its a 232 it maybe affected. The other challenge with 23 / 232's is the outboard in the locker. It means you cant push water over the rudder when maneuvering in tight spaces ..... otherwise great boats.

 

[Gixer]

Have a chat with these guys, they will tell you all you need to know. ?
HA Home Page

 

[WLane]

I'm a Hunter owner and in the HA. I'm biased, but they're well made sturdy boats (see Murdoch McGregor and Timothy Long's exploits) and the 23, and Hunter's in general, are very popular currently. Apart from the usual stuff common to any yacht, the windows and hatches are always something to look for on that generation of Hunter's.

 

[JimC]

Quote from Murdoch Mcgregor who won Yachtsman of the Year for his solo circumnavigation last year at the age of 82 in his twin-keeled Hunter Horizon 232:

"Thank you all in HA. Like I've said so often, its my boat that takes me there.....I just point it ! Well done to my Hunter Horizon 232 Artemis for another great season. 'The best little boat in the world'

 

[WLane]

I can't speak highly enough of the HA as well. They're extremely helpful and a very friendly bunch. A massive plus for buying a Hunter

 

[Sailing steve]

Wot 'e said ^

If you have a Hunter or you're contemplating buying one HA membership is an invaluable asset.

 

[Hunterlees]

Not sure of the true value, but there is a Hunter for sale here, didn't meet reserve at auction

Sweeney Kincaid

 

[JimC]

...... The other challenge with 23 / 232's is the outboard in the locker. It means you cant push water over the rudder when maneuvering in tight spaces ....

I had a Hunter Channel 23 for 4 years. I sailed her all over the Irish Sea; NW England, N Wales, S Scotland, N Ireland and the IOM. I don't recall any particular problems with close quarters maneuvering. Certainly you had to have some way on before the rudder would bite but you could row the stern round either way with the rudder to reverse out of a berth in the direction you wanted to. Springing off was as normal. Coming in you'd have way on. Ferry gliding into a tight berth was as normal. Swinging up the OB stopped the prop drag when sailing. Some people had blanking plates to fill the aperture but I never bothered.