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Review of the Hunter 28 by Matthew Jenkins

Year built 1990  
Location of boat Deale, MD  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength less than 10 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in Clip  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. It is a great 28 footer. However, we (of course) would like a 33 footer now. I would recommend this boat to anyone.  
Gear that's been added Binnacle guard, cockpit table, GPS, cosmetic touch-ups. The boat already had an autohelm, bimmini, and roller furler when we bought it.  
Structural or complex improvements  
The boat's best features Quite comfortable for two to 4 people. V-birth plenty large for two 6' plus people to sleep comfortably. Interior has a lot of teak / wood for a boat of this size and price. Probably the roomiest 28 footer around. It feels like a bigger boat. Slotted toe rails great when rafting up - Get a big carabeaner and use them for spring lines, etc. The walk-through transom is a great feature.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The head holding tank overflow is under the walk-through transom seat, so overflows into the cockpit when full. The hood 810 continuous line roller furler that is common on these boats stinks (bad). Once it dies (which it will), upgrade to a single line. Hood recognizes the problems with the 810, has discontinued it, and gives an upgrade discount to a single line system.The spinnaker pole ring on the front of the mast often catches the jib sheet when you tack - very annoying - half the time you must run forward to free it. (I plan to add plastic wedges to each side so the line will always slide over it.)Wish the cockpit was a few inches longer so a 6' person could lay out. However, it is just a 28 footer and is very comfortable overall.No major complaints.  
Sailing characterisitcs Sails well in light wind. Good in between 5 and 15 knots of wind (my opinion). With the oversized main it runs well. Not a speed demon, but keeps up with or out performs normal 28 - 32 footers. Very good for bay sailing. Not something you would want to pound the heck out of. Fun to sail, fairly easy to single-hand.  
Motoring characterisitcs Well powered. The Yanmar 2gm is reliable and easy to work on.  
Liveability My wife and I have spent up to a week living on it with only one dock stop for ice and water. We anchor out many weekends. The aft cabin gets hot in the summer. We use it mainly for storage and sleep in the V-birth comfortably. We find the interior very attractive and comfortable - nice blend of older teak-filled style and modern conveniences. The silverware holder is very cool - Surprised we have never seen this on another boat model.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) They were very knowledgeble and helpful with a wide range of questions. Very pleasant dealing with them.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Rich Johnson of Clipper Bay Yachts was great to deal with. Straight forward, friendly, professional.  
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