Medina 20 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Medina 20 in 1979 marked a significant offering from Hunter Boats Ltd. during a period of prolific design. Under the leadership of founder Michael Polard, Hunter Boats had grown to be one of Britain's largest sailboat builders, known for their practical and robust vessels. David Thomas, who became Hunter's primary designer in 1975, conceived the Medina 20 as a fast lifting keel trailer-sailer, drawing inspiration from the success of his earlier design, the Hunter Sonata. Hunter's manufacturing ethos at the time focused on producing capable vessels that balanced racing and cruising attributes, a philosophy clearly embodied in the Medina 20. A notable optional feature for the Medina 20 was a specialized trailer system, including a four-wheeled dolly, which facilitated launching the boat without submerging the main trailer.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the Hunter Medina 20 is celebrated for its agile sailing characteristics. With a reported sail area of 194 square feet and a fractional sloop rig, the Medina 20 boasts a generous sail plan for its length, contributing to its reputation as a quick and responsive boat. Owners consistently praise its ability to sail well on all points of sail. A defining feature of the Medina 20 is its lifting keel, allowing for a variable draft from a mere 0.82 feet to 3.84 feet. This innovation significantly enhances its versatility, making it ideal for exploring shallow waters, accessing otherwise inaccessible anchorages, and facilitating easier launching and recovery for trailering. The design also lends itself well to singlehanded sailing, emphasizing its user-friendly nature.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Hunter Medina 20, while compact, is designed to maximize utility for weekend cruising and coastal adventures. Given its overall length of just under 20 feet, the cabin provides essential amenities rather than extensive living space. Typical interior configurations include a main cabin with two berths and an athwartship galley. While specific headroom figures are not commonly cited, the interior is generally described as functional, allowing for comfortable overnight stays for a small crew. Due to the boat's age, many Medina 20s on the market have undergone interior relining or refurbishment by owners, indicating a durable hull structure that encourages ongoing maintenance and personalization.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hunter Medina 20 frequently express high satisfaction with their vessels, consistently praising their sailing performance and overall value. Many consider it an excellent choice for a 20-foot trailer-sailer. Its quick and responsive nature, combined with the practicality of the lifting keel, makes it a highly enjoyable boat for coastal day sailing and short cruises.

However, prospective owners should be mindful of the boat's towing weight. While designed as a trailer-sailer, its displacement of 1,896 pounds, combined with the trailer, means the total towing weight can approach 1.5 tonnes. This necessitates a capable towing vehicle to ensure safe transport. Despite this, the Medina 20's enduring popularity and the presence of active owner communities underscore its reputation as a solid and capable small cruiser that continues to provide rewarding sailing experiences.