HUNTER 23.5
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 23.67 ft |
| LWL | 21.42 ft |
| Beam | 8.33 ft |
| Draft | 5.5 ft/ 1.5 ft min |
| Displacement | 3,000 lb |
| Ballast | 999.9 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.2 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 25.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 8.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 25.67 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 10 ft |
| FLforestay | 8.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 247 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 108.4 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 184.2 sq ft |
About the HUNTER 23.5
Displacement dry = 2,000 lbs. Thanks to Zac Martin for updates.
The Hunter 23.5 is a compact coastal cruiser designed by the Hunter Design Team and built by Hunter Marine (USA) from 1992–1997. With a displacement of 3000.0 lb and a fractional sloop rig, it offers a lightweight, performance-oriented platform for day sailing and short-range cruising.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruisers and weekend warriors who prioritize ease of handling and trailerability over heavy offshore capability. Its light displacement and fractional rig make it responsive for single-handers or couples seeking a manageable entry-level sailboat.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low displacement of 3000.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.31, the Hunter 23.5 is not designed for extended bluewater passages but is capable of protected coastal cruising and short offshore trips with proper preparation.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from this era include the Catalina 22 and O'Day 23, which share similar dimensions and roles as trailerable coastal cruisers. These models offer similar fractional sloop rigs and light displacement characteristics, making them direct competitors in the sub-25-foot market.
Performance
Estimated Value
Medium ConfidenceAsking price by model year
34 listings · boat years 1988–1998 · median $8,000
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 23.67ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
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Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
17 reported issues across 9 systems for the HUNTER 23.5, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a HUNTER 23.5? 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 17 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 23.5?
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Used sails that fit the HUNTER 23.5
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