Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 280 by Bob Knott

Year built 1996  
Location of boat Wychmere Harbor, Harwichport, MA  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
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 96  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Great learning boat, and our first bigsailboat, but I should have bought alittle bigger. Hunter has been good for a first sailboat. Knowing alittle more now I'm not sure I'm crazy about the B  
Gear that's been added Autohelm 4000 GREAT!!!!! Must have with kids!KVH Instrumentation - so far so good.Dodger - This is a new boat so I was kind of the the experimental patient. I'lllet you know once they install it andI put the boat in in April on cold Cape Cod!Cushions in cockpit and stern seats- GREATPedestal cover and rail cushions- GREAT  
Structural or complex improvements I modified the hanging locker top toaccept a 9" color TV with VCR (DC) for the kids to watch in summer when we sleep on the boat at moorings.  
The boat's best features 1.Easy to Sail !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!2. Comparitively low price for the size.3.Easy entrance from swim platform.4. When solo sailing and with a chart spread out of the table down below the visibility is excellent!!! You can see almost 360 and let the autohelm do it's thing while you plot the next waypoint!  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. 1. No screen on fresh water system.2. Saftey chain on waste cap missing.3. Cabin roof teak strips fell off due topoor gluing.4. Big gelcoat cracks near aft cleat.5. Should come with 2nd battery system.6. Impeller faces rear of engine makingchanges difficult at best.  
Sailing characterisitcs Doesn't sail well downwind. If you letthe main out to far you'll hit theswept back spreaders ruining your sail.Tacking helps.Boat sails best when kept flat.Reef early, reef early, reef early!!!It's a large main and reefing when it'sto late is difficult when solo.  
Motoring characterisitcs Yanmar 18hpVery reliable.2700rpm = 6knots no problem  
Liveability Great for weekend campouts with our 7and 5 year olds. V berth does not havea door for privacy, nor does the aft berth for that matter but on a boat this sizehow could it?  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Hunter was great about responding to e-mail request for info. Also Jim Boharthandles the owners forum here at HOWand is more than helpful  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Sailboat buying for 1st timers is difficult. Everything is an add on.Cape Water Sport and Yacht Sales onCape Cod 1-508-432-7079 was very helpful.Dave Nolan the owner sold me my boatand everybody there is quite helpful.Matt, Kevin, Mike and Barrett in salesand especially Ken, John and Peter inservice. AWESOME Group!  
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