[1][3] The Hunter 23 is a small recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fiberglass, with wood trim.

It has a fractional sloop rig, a raked stem, a reverse transom, a transom-hung rudder controlled by a tiller and a fixed wing keel or centerboard.

[1] The boat is normally fitted with a small 3 to 6 hp (2 to 4 kW) outboard motor for docking and maneuvering.

[2] The wing keel version has a PHRF racing average handicap of 237 with a high of 258 and low of 226.

[4][5] In a 2010 review Steve Henkel wrote, "Best features: Although the V-berth forward is only large enough for two children or one adult, owners may feel compensated by having the ability to convert the entire main cabin into a double bed (the full 8-foot width of the hull), by utilizing floorboards as supports and seatbacks as cushions.