"What a pretty boat, with that nice stern and unusual rig: what is it?"

We agree that the questionaire is right: everything about the boat is both pretty and practical. David Thomas developed the design for Hunter Boats in 1979, capitalising on his memories of the stern of a Royal Naval Montague Whaler and the best aspects of Gary Hoyt's American Freedom concept (hence the "Liberty" name) but anglicised so that conventional mast tracks could be used - and therefore a single sail instead of a wrap round - and the sail also reefed more efficiently as the complications of the wishbone and snotter are avoided.

Liberty

Minstrel

But we do enjoy not having genoa sheet winches, the easy balancing of the two masted rig, the use of the tightly sheeted mizzen to keep the boat heading into wind while the main is set or the anchor weighed. Enthusiasts set upwind blade staysails or downwind balloon types between the masts, or even forward of the main mast, so it is possible to make life as complicated as you wish

Life below decks is highly civilised because the main mast is so far forward that it does not interfere with the accommodation layout, while the offset main hatch allows a full sized heads compartment (with surprisingly good headroom) immediately to port. So the saloon allows a double or two singles, plus a very long quarter berth running back under the cockpit and a good galley.

The Minstrel and Liberty 23 hulls, keels and rudders are identical. Below decks they are also the same, except that the Minstrel has an essential mast support. This slight inconvenience is countered in some boats by using it as a table support. Likewise, despite the support, owners have found ways to organise an infill cushion, so allowing a double berth

Minstrels are normally faster up wind than Libertys, as they should be since they have single masted rigs and a little more sail area. For the same reasons they are not quite as stiff. Off the wind there is little difference, though Libertys sometimes seem to gain in stronger winds. To our surprise, a goose winged and well laden Liberty has run away from a spartan Bermudan rigged Minstrel with its spinnaker set, so nothing is certain

Altogether 84 Libertys were built: 65 22s and 19 23s (the same hull with more ballast, a slightly bigger rig and bigger, less attractive windows) and then Hunter Boats used the same hull to build 30 of the gaff rigged Minstrel class, which is equally popular; Liberty and Minstrel sailors delight in late evening discussions over the relative merits and speed of their boats.

The Association boasts 87 members, so we still have to find about 30 of the boats, to document the whole class. If you happen to know of one, anywhere, we would like to know how we can contact the owner, so that we can try to discover its history, regardless of whether the owner wishes to join us or not.

HLMOA's aim is to provide a forum of discussion and group activity centered around individuals who have a common interest in boats of the type:

• Hunter Liberty 22 & 23
• Hunter Minstrel

Some of HLMOA's activities and information:

• Planned events, get togethers and rallies around the country
• Detailed designs of owners boat modifications
• Advice on how to solve those difficult maintenance issues

To contact us please email us on contact@hlmoa.org.uk

Joining

If you would like to join the Association please complete the online form : Joining the Association

Leaving

If you would like to leave the Association please please email us on contact@hlmoa.org.uk We would request you let us know why.

Please read this statement

You should take note that this Association takes no responsibility for our Members' advertisements. Neither does it confer any guarantees regarding the items for sale. We are here only to provide a contact point and cannot provide advice on any item. Please contact the advertiser directly if you need further details.

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For Sale

Hunter Liberty 22 for Sale, 2 Outboard Motors and trailer ; cheap Emsworth (Chichester Harbour) private pontoon mooring to rent, negotiated separately.

   £4500 ono. Contact  John Brown  jb.185@outlook.com

Small Wonder is a Liberty 22 designed by David Thomas, built in 1980's. She is a Cat rigged ketch (un-stayed masts).  Comprising 3 berths, bilge keels, will float in 1 ft of water with centre plate up 3 ft draft when sailing, tiller steering, 2016 Mercury 4 stroke 6HP outboard with removable fuel tank, approx 100 hours use plus a Honda 2.5 HP 4 stroke. Copper-coated, Lazy-jacks into Stakapack covers with new zips recently added, good condition white sails plus I have added a self-furling jib sail made from an old windsurfing sail which I have found to be a big plus; all lines go back to the cockpit so single handed sailing is made easy especially with the Raytheon ST1000+ self-steering gear. There is a spray hood and large cockpit fitted tent, the sides can be removed to leave the top as a sun shade, I am 6'2'' and can easily lay out flat in the cockpit. I have made removable infill panels between the cockpit seating so a 2 man pop up tent (included) can be used for sleeping in or extra nighttime dry storage if the quarter berth is being used. New foam and upholstery in 2011. 3 berth all well over 6'2'' in length. A separate compartment with Jabsco sea toilet and hanging storage etc. Gas cartridge cooker. ample storage and cool box under seats. Standard Horizon Eclipse DSC+ radio and Garmin 450s GPS viewable from inside and out. Including solar panel, HTTP controller, 2 batteries (Numax Leisure and Exide), curtains, hook on swim ladder, various warps, fenders, anchor light, anchor and chain. A GRP tender is also available but price negotiated separately. Small Wonder is a well-maintained dry boat. I have had the pleasure of owning her for 18 years and am now discovering Europe in a motorhome, . . . alas I do not have the time to enjoy both. Contact John   jb.185@outlook.com