Hunter Horizon 23 Information, Review, Specs

Hunter Boats, a prominent name in British yacht building since 1969, cultivated a reputation for producing practical and well-built vessels. Their strategic shift in 1984 towards prioritizing cruisers, particularly those with twin keels, laid the groundwork for models like the Horizon 23.

History and Design

The Hunter Horizon 23 was in production from 1989 to 1998. Designed by David Thomas, a pivotal figure in Hunter's design evolution since 1975, the Horizon series, including the 23, marked Hunter's continued focus on creating "solid and quick cruisers" that appealed to a growing market of sailors less interested in competitive racing. The builder's ethos during this era emphasized twin keels, a design choice providing enhanced stability and shallow-draft capabilities. The Horizon 23 predominantly featured a twin keel configuration, which allows for drying out, but a single fin keel version was also available for those preferring deeper draft performance. Towards the end of its production run, the Horizon 23 design received a slight update and was renamed the Hunter Horizon 232, though the differences were minimal, maintaining the same hull.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 22.75 feet and a waterline length of 18.16 feet, the Hunter Horizon 23 is a responsive boat that offers enjoyable sailing. Its design, attributed to David Thomas, suggests that it was intended to sail well. Owners often describe the Hunter 23 as predictable and fun to sail, responding well to wind and reaching its maximum heel around 20 degrees. The self-tacking jib, which came standard on the Horizon 23, contributes significantly to its ease of handling, making it a suitable choice for single-handed sailing. While generally well-regarded for its performance, some owners note that the self-tacking jib may provide insufficient drive upwind in very light conditions. The twin keel configuration, while offering the advantage of being able to dry out, also provides efficient sailing and hydrodynamic lift.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact size, the Hunter Horizon 23 is lauded for its surprisingly spacious and well-appointed interior, often cited as having one of the best heads compartments in a boat of its size. The typical interior arrangement is modern and efficient, maximizing the available volume for comfortable cruising. While specific details on finishes and materials might vary by individual boat and year, Hunter Boats generally prioritized practical and robust construction. The design typically includes a double cabin and ample accommodation space, providing a comfortable environment for couples or small families.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hunter Horizon 23 generally speak positively about the boat, praising its solid construction and overall reliability. Many appreciate its versatility, particularly the twin keel version, which allows for convenient drying out. The ease of handling, especially with the standard self-tacking jib, is a frequently mentioned strength, making it ideal for those who prefer straightforward sailing or single-handing. The generous interior volume for its length is also a consistent highlight.

However, like any boat, some common observations and minor issues have been noted. Some owners have experienced corrosion problems, particularly with outboard engines that might be mounted on the port side. While the self-tacking jib is praised for ease of use, a few owners have found it lacking in upwind performance in very light air, suggesting it may provide insufficient drive. Overall, the Hunter Horizon 23 maintains a loyal owner base who value its dependable performance and comfortable cruising capabilities.