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Review of the Hunter 28.5 by Erick Higgins

Year built 1987  
Location of boat Dana Point, California  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2001  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. The last owner did absolutely nothing to the boat and when I bought it it needed some TLC. The owner prior to that was a racer and the boat came with a large inventory of sails. The ammenities were quite considerable, ie, refrigeration, auto pilot, propane stove/oven, pressured H/C water, GPS, wind, depth, and knot meters. This just serves to emphasize what I've learned over the years...... NEVER, NEVER, NEVER buy a NEW boat.  
Gear that's been added Yes. Most expensive was canvas. About $2,300. in a boom tent, skirting, new dodger cover, wheel cover, winch covers, UV edging along the genoa. About $4,000. into an Avon dinghy and 6hp Mercury outboard motor. Moved the 2 propane tanks off the stern rail, boat a propane locker/tank/hose and had them installed in the starboard lazarette all to the tune of about $1,100. Replaced the manual head with an electic head...works great... for about $1,000 material and installation.  
Structural or complex improvements No.  
The boat's best features The small aft 'cabin' and the general 'livability' of the layout. Perfect for 2 people.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. It has absolutely the smallest head I've ever experienced in a boat of its size.  
Sailing characterisitcs Handles very well in all winds. Fast boat. I've not doubt that it will outrun any Catalina of a similar size.  
Motoring characterisitcs Great. Brought it to Dana Point from Channel Islands by way of Catalina Island.... motoring all the way... about 16 hours. Not one hitch. If there was a draw-back, it would have to do with the Edson throttle control. It tends to back itself off. I have to use one of those floatie-foam-key-things wedged between the throttle and binnacle to hold the throttle at a given RPM. The boat has the standard 18 hp Yanmar diesel. Hauls butt!  
Liveability Super..... for its size.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) No direct contact yet.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Charlotte Schmidt Yacht Sales in Channel Islands California. She was Great. The boat yard I was referred to at that location was a nightmare. Worthless!  
Other comments Nope, love the boat. My best friend has a Hunter 31 and feels the same way about his boat. Solid construction. Quality construction. I'd give my left ___ for a new one!  

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