Hunter 245 vs Beneteau 25.7

[Sailing steve]

For the sailing you describe she would be ideal, albeit you would need some sort of code sail for lighter airs, which with her standard sails is probably her weak point

It's probably more important to buy a good example of a used boat rather than have your heart set on one particular boat because in the broad brush age and price range under discussion you'd easily spend a big chunk of the purchase price again on new sails or a replacement engine if you bought a wrong 'un.

As far as the Ranger 245 goes a Code 0 sail is essential in light winds and with a bit of practice it's easily hoisted and recovered even single handed and can be goosewinged when running too. Makes a huge difference.

 

[WorcesterMan]

One of the nice things about a smaller boat it's nice and easy to pop the kite up. The number of times we have been sliding along nicely under spinnaker while the big boats rattle along at the same speed under mainsail and diesel, or even just diesel

agreed: smaller spinnakers are fun whereas larger ones are daunting (or worse). I know you could have a smaller spinnaker on a larger boat but you probably wouldn't... I do like the variety of a range of sails and being able to play with them, We were lucky with our 211 which the previous owner had kitted out with an aftermarket asymmetric. The same previous owner (4 years on) is now selling his B 25.7 similarly kitted out with symmetrical and asymmetric, but he's sold the trailer that it came with making it a very expensive option!