Liberty 22 Information, Review, Specs

The narrative of the Hunter Liberty 22 begins with its designer, David Thomas, who became Hunter Boats' primary designer in 1975, following the company's rebranding in the early 1970s. Thomas, known for successful models like the Sonata, invested considerable thought into the Liberty 22, aiming to create an accessible pocket cruiser. Hunter Boats Ltd., founded by Michael Polard in 1969, had already established itself as a significant British builder, moving from their initial focus on agile racers like the National Squib to a broader range of cruising vessels (Builder Article).

Production of the Liberty 22 commenced in 1982 and continued until 1987. During its production run, a slightly larger variant, the Liberty 23, was also introduced, with 19 units built. While sharing the same hull, the Liberty 23 incorporated an additional 300 lbs of ballast and a slightly larger sail plan, though some owners noted the 22 felt more lively and responsive. A gaff-rigged sloop version, the Minstrel, later emerged and was built until 1993, specifically when the free-standing aluminum masts required for the original cat ketch rig became unavailable.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hunter Liberty 22's sailing characteristics are largely defined by its unconventional yet highly functional design elements: the unstayed cat ketch rig and the lifting keel. The cat ketch rig, featuring two unstayed masts, offers significant advantages for cruisers, including ease of handling, the ability to balance sails effectively without a complex foretriangle, and simplified setup and maintenance compared to more traditional rigs. This configuration contributes to the boat's reputation as a forgiving vessel that is "virtually impossible to get into trouble with".

Complementing its unique rig is a lifting keel, allowing the Liberty 22 to reduce its draft from 3.51 feet to a shallow 1.18 feet, providing exceptional access to shallow anchorages and the capability to be beached safely. This feature also offers increased longitudinal stability, particularly beneficial when the keel is partly or entirely lifted while sailing downwind. While a small boat, its design lends itself to straightforward handling, with owners reporting it to be "lively and responsive". Anecdotal evidence suggests the Liberty can sail to weather effectively even with its keel partially raised.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact length overall of just over 22 feet, the Hunter Liberty 22 aims to maximize its interior volume for comfortable cruising. The cabin layout typically offers sleeping arrangements for two to three individuals. Forward of the galley, two berths extend to over 7 feet in length, providing ample room for taller sailors, and these can often be converted into a large double berth.

The interior finish is generally straightforward and practical, with visible surfaces often lined in "Mural Mousse," a type of expanded material. While headroom is not specified in detail, the design prioritizes functional living space. Basic amenities include a galley area, suggesting provisions for a two-burner cooker, and some models may feature a separate heads compartment. A notable design aspect is that the centerboard box is primarily located under the cockpit, minimizing its intrusion into the living space below decks and contributing to a more open feel within the cabin.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hunter Liberty 22 frequently praise its ease of handling and forgiving nature, making it an ideal vessel for those transitioning to larger boats or seeking a straightforward sailing experience. The unique cat ketch rig and lifting keel are often highlighted as significant advantages, enabling access to skinny waters and simplifying sail management. The existence of an active Hunter Liberty & Minstrel Owners Association speaks to a strong and supportive community around these distinctive boats.

However, some common observations have been noted by owners. Early production models might require inspection of their masts for potential cracks or the need for sleeving. Furthermore, some owners have suggested that adding extra ballast to the Liberty 22 can be beneficial, and initial designs might have exhibited "considerable lee helm" in certain conditions. Despite these minor points, the overarching sentiment is one of appreciation for a robustly built and enjoyable small cruiser.