HUNTER 23
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 23.25 ft |
| LWL | 19.58 ft |
| Beam | 8 ft |
| Draft | 2.25 ft |
| Displacement | 2,450 lb |
| Ballast | 799.9 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.9 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 26 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 8.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 25.67 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 9.75 ft |
| FLforestay | 8.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 245.7 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 110.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 187.9 sq ft |
About the HUNTER 23
CB version- Draft BU: 2.0'/.61m Draft BD: 4.9'/1.49m
The Hunter 23 is a compact fractional sloop designed and built by Hunter Marine in the USA from 1985 to 1992. With a displacement of 2450.0 lb and a beam of 8.0 ft, it serves as an accessible entry-level cruiser, though owners frequently report significant structural maintenance needs.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal day-sailing and protected water cruising due to its shallow 2.25 ft draft and lightweight 2450.0 lb displacement. It appeals to budget-conscious buyers seeking a manageable trailerable package, provided they are prepared for extensive DIY maintenance.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.38 and a comfort ratio of 11.47, the Hunter 23 is not designed for offshore passage-making. Its light displacement and fin keel configuration prioritize coastal performance over heavy-weather stability, making it unsuitable for bluewater cruising.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from this era include the Catalina 22 and O'Day 23, which share similar fractional sloop rigs and trailerable footprints. However, the Hunter 23's specific construction methods regarding deck cores and keel attachment present distinct maintenance challenges not always found in these competitors.
Performance
Estimated Value
Medium ConfidenceAsking price by model year
20 listings · boat years 1984–1990 · median $5,500
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 23.25ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
32 reported issues across 9 systems for the HUNTER 23, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a HUNTER 23? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 32 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your HUNTER 23?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Universal, Atomic 4 — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the HUNTER 23
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…