Hunter Minstrel

In collaboration with the boat designer David Thomas, Hunter Boats of Rochford, Essex, launched their shoal draught cat ketch-rigged ‘Liberty’ in 1979. She was a pretty double-ender with simple open-plan accommodation and a separate head. Her lifting centreplate and kick up rudder made her an ideal yacht for those who wanted to explore estuaries and shallow creeks, and yet she was robust enough for coastal cruising. Later, Hunter Boats extended the hull to 22’ 8” and named her the Liberty 23.


By popular demand Hunter offered a gunter-rigged version with a single wooden mast which they named ‘Minstrel’. In all, 30 were built. When her plate was fully down she drew 3’ 6” and just over 1’ 2” when raised. With a beam of 7’ 3” and firm bilges, no doubt she would have inspired confidence in her helmsman when sailing on the wind. Attractive features included a spacious cockpit, usable side decks, a forward hatch on the cabin top, and a very sensible anchor well.
By description she is a 3-berth trailer sailer, and with her shallow draught she can be launched and retrieved with the minimum of fuss. Rigging the mast is simplified by the use of a small tabernacle.



Text for the Day

Galatians 5:1 ‘Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free.’



Links


Archived Information about Hunter Minstrels – nice photos

http://www.western-horizon.co.uk/archive_boat.php?boat_id=25


Java Interior Views within a Hunter Minstrel

http://www.western-horizon.co.uk/archive_yacht-virtual-tour.php?boat_id=25


Hunter Minstrel for Sale £8,750

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/trailer-sailers/hunter-minstrel-23-PAA35824


Hunter Minstrel 23 for Sale £8,750

http://britishhunter.apolloduck.com/boats.phtml?id=380


Hunter Minstrel for Sale £8,350 – Details of boat, but advert is no longer active

http://boats.oodle.co.uk/view/hunter-minstrel/2733810730/


Hunter Liberty and Minstrel Owners’ Association

http://www.hlmoa.flyer.co.uk/