Hunter's New 25' Trailer Sailor Designed for Fun and Performance
Families at the focus while building this easy to sail pocket cruiser.

By Mark Greenwald
Posted Sunday, May 15, 2005

 


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Alachua, FL(May 10, 2005) –The all-new Hunter 25 sets a new standard for quality and features in its class, with a surprising amount of comfort and convenience in a 25-foot trailerable.

The specially-designed sail plan and fiberglass hull is simple to sail, and its fixed shoal keel draws only two feet of water for excellent shallow-water launching and sailing capability. The pocket cruiser sleeps four adults, features a super convenient compact galley and an enclosed head with hard privacy doors.

A true trailerable, the 25 comes with an easy mast-raising system that gives sailors the freedom to take it almost anywhere. The 1,300-pound lead keel is encased in fiberglass while in the mold, which allows unencumbered, easy trailering and outstanding directional stability. A galvanized dual-axle trailer is standard equipment. The towing weight for the package is 4,650 pounds.

The 25 replaces the popular Hunter 240 and 260, long a mainstay in the company’s small boat line. While the new 25 may look similar to them from the waterline up, it incorporates 100% new tooling and features numerous improvements.

“We enhanced the contours, added even smoother deck lines, improved the ergonomics and upgraded the accommodations,” said Glenn Henderson, head of Hunter Marine’s design team. “Everything blends together into a great-looking boat that is very easy to sail.”

The extended forward V-berth sleeps two, with room for two more to sleep laterally in the berth aft of the companionway ladder. A screened aft bunk hatch, along with six other portholes, provides an exceptionally bright interior, while teak trim adds warmth and richness. A teak dining table, galley sink with 10 gallon-capacity manual water system, portable single-burner stove and portable ice chest are standard equipment. The “Luxury Package” of options includes Sunbrella® interior cloth; accordion shades; 12-volt cooler; and marine head with holding tank.

The cockpit features an open, roomy design and an open transom. An outboard engine bracket will accommodate up to a 10 HP motor. Teak stern chairs and wheel steering should be popular options. A new lever-action rudder system takes only eight pounds of force to lift and lower.

Henderson says the design team built in as much performance as possible into the brand new 25, while maintaining stability and smooth sailing under varying wind conditions. He said sea trials have shown excellent tracking and pointing performance with its large mainsail, small jib and fractional rig with struts. Roller furling, a bimini and mainsail cover are options.

“The new 25 is forgiving and very fast for its size. The hull gets up to speed quickly and it’s very well-rounded in any air,” said Henderson.

Expectations are high for sales of the new “baby cruiser.” John Peterson, director of sales and marketing for Hunter, says the 25 is a “perfect boat for the entry-level market, or for sailors who are downsizing to a boat that’s easier to care for and store.”

“We expect the 25 to do well because the 240 and 260 were so popular in its class,” he said. “The market is wide open for a value-priced, high quality introductory sailboat. We’ve had a lot of excitement in response to the boat at all our recent shows.”