Hunter Owner Reviews

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

Review of the Hunter 280 by Mike Smith

Year built 1996  
Location of boat Illinois, Carlyle  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1997  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes - In a minute. It's been what I expected and more.  
Gear that's been added Deep keel option, mid boom main sheet, Depth Finder, Speed log, Battery Charger  
Structural or complex improvements No... I would like to add window shades and possibly make a place for a small TV.  
The boat's best features Handles like a smaller boat. Very responsive. Great use of cabin space. Plenty of sail area. Really like the deck layout. Fairly easy to sail, but we're just getting used to it. Seems to have all around good performance characteristics.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Mainly just minor problems. Compass was dry, but was replaced by dealer/Hunter. Bilge pump was cracked and hoses where worn through around the keel bolts. Hard to shift motor at times, the cable appears to be stiff but it might just need some use to loosen it. Starting to get some hair line surface cracks around the chain plates and rub rail, I expect this is no big deal, but will keep an eye on it.  
Sailing characterisitcs Very responsive and fun to sail. In heavy air, I think others have said "Reef early"... They were right! Two people are pretty busy in my limited experience. Points good with the deep keel. Tiller option is responsive with just the right amount of weather helm. I'm Considering relocating the main sheet back from midboom traveler, so the helmsman has better sheet access.  
Motoring characterisitcs 9hp Yanmar is fine getting in and out of the harbor. Once I get a little speed, steering is responsive in forward or reverse. Hard to shift at times or work the throttle/shifter.  
Liveability Great for weekends or a few days at a time. Shower is there, but head is kind of cramped so I haven't even tried to use it.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Not yet other than the survey and a phone call asking if we were having any problems and giving us the name and number of someone to call if we do. I felt this helped me not be concerned if they will stand behind the boat, I expect they will.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Dealer was great, very knowledgable and helpful. Delivered the boat 200 miles, put it together and took us sailing. Made sure he went over everything with us in detail. Minor problems have been taken care of or I fully expect will be. Made buying the boat a pleasure.  
Other comments  

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 |