Hunter Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997
Contact us
Hunter OEM Parts
General Marine Parts
 
 

Review of the Hunter 28 by Arne C. Feyling

Year built 1989  
Location of boat Cayuga Lake, Ithaca, NY  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2005  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, definitely. The boat is the biggest 28 footer I have ever seen and Hunter did a great job of utilizing the interior space. I also like the looks of the '89-'94 boats more than the newer models (more traditional), and Hunter used a lot more wood in the interior back then.  
Gear that's been added ST40 wind gauge system to go with ST40 Speed/Depth/Temp Bidata system that was already on board.  
Structural or complex improvements None.  
The boat's best features Good engine access from three sides, Nice bilge sump in the keelstub that keeps bilge water where it belongs (in the bilge). Extremely roomy for its size. Very workable galley/ice box for it's size. The best and most functional nav station I have ever seen on a 28-footer. Walk through transom. Roomy cockpit.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I don't like the molded in hatches and plan to retrofit with aluminum frame ones (Lewmar or similar). I don't like the ice box draining directly into the bilge and plan to install foot pump to pump it into the sink drain. I don't like the shower drain going into the bilge and if I'm going to really use it will probably install sump pump for overboard discharge. All the ports and fixed windows leaked when I bought the boat. Made for a lot of mildew. I may replace the plastic opening ports with more substantial through-bolted ones.  
Sailing characterisitcs Sails well with Neil Pryde main and Haarstick 155% genoa. Will close reach at hull speed (6.5 kts) in 10 kts true wind. The boat is exceptionally tender and needs first reef and roll up 1/3 of genny at 15 kts true. Second reef a must at about 22 kts true. boat is generally responsive and accelerates well, although always carries some weather helm.  
Motoring characterisitcs Plenty of power, turns in it's own length. Motors beatifully at 5.5 knots in calm water at 2300 RPM, 6.3 knots at 3000 RPM. The boat will do almost 7 knots at 3500 RPM, although with a lot of smoke and vibration and racket so why bother? The 28 does pull to port when powering quite a bit, so partially applying the wheel brake is a must.  
Liveability Perfect for daysailing and occasional overnighting for family of four (kids both under ten)  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) No experience  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any OK as dealers go.  
Other comments I do not believe you could buy a new boat that would fit the bill better for our purposes of daysailing/occasional overnighting with small children. I do wish the boat was a little stiffer.  

Contact
About
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Limited Liability
Advertise Here
Copyright 1997-2024 SB Owners, LLC
All rights reserved.

Other Sailboat Owners web sites:
CatalinaOwners.com | HunterOwners.com | MacgregorOwners.com | OdayOwners.com | SailboatOwners.com | 10,000 Boat Names |