Hunter Owner Reviews

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

Review of the Hunter 280 by David Edwards

Year built 1996  
Location of boat New Bern, NC  
The boat is sailed on Rivers  
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 97  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? yes, it was a good deal on a great starter boat.  
Gear that's been added stereo and speakers in the cabin, extra battery and charger, custom cushions, Air Conditioner  
Structural or complex improvements nope  
The boat's best features easy to sail, comfortable below deck with comfort for 4 easy. Rear berth sleeps great. Ice box holds a lot of stuff and will stay cool for the whole weekend. Overhead electric panel is easy to access. Walk thru transom is great, easy access for people (and the local ducks unfortunately!)  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. head started leaking after a month or so, dealer replaced. Dealer rigged the boat wrong and it had to be rerigged. Mast leaked and dealer tried to caulk it several times before we finally called hunter and they had to replace the gasket and mast plate (the mast had to be taken down). Cracks starting to form around chain plates. Overall, we have really enjoyed the boat. The boat was purchased from a new struggling dealer for a song.  
Sailing characterisitcs reef and reef early!!! this boat is a handful when she gets a puff. The big main is very nice and stable. Downwind she tends to drift a bit but overall very easy to sail. Wheel steering is very nice but cramps the deck a bit.  
Motoring characterisitcs 18hp yanmar is a mule and will motor all day long at 5-6 knots.  
Liveability great for a 4 person weekend or a 3 person week. Sleeps very good (unless your dad snores). The big windows are great for light and a sense of "openairness" but they sure do heat up the boat and wake you up in the morning. We cover them with towels while at dock so the A/C won't work at hard and so we can sleep in some.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) After giving the dealer several opportunities to repair the mast leak, we contacted Hunter and they got the job done. They were prompt and courteous. I hope the problem doesn't return.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Like I said, we bought it from a struggling dealer and while the price was excellent, the service left something to be desired. Fortunately Hunter stand behind their product.  
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 |