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Review of the Hunter 280 by Clark Mason

Year built 1996  
Location of boat Lake Guntersville, AL  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength less than 10 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2006  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? A qualified yes. It was the best example I could find of a fresh water 1996/7 Hunter 280.  
Gear that's been added I've added a cusrtom bimini and plan to add an asym spinnaker w/ associated hardware, cockpit cushions and a wheel brake.  
Structural or complex improvements None  
The boat's best features We really like the open, airy feeling of the interior. This was a step up for us from an early 80's tiller boat so having an open cockpit, sternrail seats, wheel, inboard diesel, a real head, H/C pressure water are all BIG pluses. The swim platform is awesome! The boat sails well in light air and having all the power in the main makes it easier to manage. For the most part, all the controls and rigging are of very good quality and the manufacturers are still in business (Lewmar, Schaefer, Edson, Z-Spar, etc.)  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The original head was a low-priced choice for Hunter. I've replaced it with a Raritan that works much better. There is a Starboard-type fitting where the wheel shaft enters the pedestal that is split and since it was custom made by Hunter, is not purchaseable anymore. The cockpit locker is very large but shallow. This series of boats had several options for mainsail control: mid-boom traveler (what I have), end boom with wheel and a tiller version. Hunter left the reinforced, raised 'spine' in the cockpit floor from the tiller version (I think) and stubs a toe on occasion.  
Sailing characterisitcs As stated above, the boat sails well in light air, points well and is easy to manage. The jib is small and takes no effort to tack or adjust, even when the wind picks up. Since most of the power is in the main, somewhat early reefing is recommended. Dead downwind is not an option for this boat but that is OK by me. The winds are fluky where we sail and an accidental gybe is not something you'd want to do with the large main.  
Motoring characterisitcs Motors fine with the 18hp Yanmar. It is a 2 cylinder and vibrates more than I'd like. I installed a folding prop so it takes a little more planning to stop forward motion but the power is there.  
Liveability We don't spend more than a night or two aboard and it seems fine for that. There is a good bit of storage when all compartments are considered but some are a pain to get to (under the rear berth and the starboard settee compartments. The table is quite large and doesn't fold down on the starboard side.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) No direct dealings with Hunter except to try and locate the wheel shaft fitting. I've owned a Hunter before and Hunter has been OK to deal with.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any This was the first boat we've bought through a broker and I'd say the experience was mixed. The biggest problem with the purchase was where the boat was located. No dealer in the area, no haulout facilities, etc. made for a stressful decommissioning.  
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