Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 280 by Richard Jeltema

Year built 1996  
Location of boat Swan Point (New River) NC  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1998  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes! This was my first big sailboat. I have lived on the boat for as long as 30 days and found it to be very comfortable.  
Gear that's been added Not yet  
Structural or complex improvements no  
The boat's best features The rig. I sail single handed and need a rig that is quick and easy to handle by myself.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The holding tank. There is nothing wrong with the design, only finding a place to have it pumped out. When I have the boat hauled for bottom paint I plan on installing a Macerator.  
Sailing characterisitcs She is quick and responsive on a reach, but should be tacked down wind.  
Motoring characterisitcs The 18 hp Yanmar is adequate for manuvering in port. I would not recommend the 9hp as it could not cope with some of the currents I have encountered in the ICW.  
Liveability The boat has enough beam to give it a roomy cabin. There is adequate storage for one or two people if you are creative.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) na  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any na  
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