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Review of the Hunter 280 by Iain Dell

Year built 1985  
Location of boat Southern England  
The boat is sailed on Open ocean  
How the boat is used Multi-week coastal cruising  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2003  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Probably - though I'd like more internal storage as standard.  
Gear that's been added Auto-steering Lazyjacks Lifelines along decks  
Structural or complex improvements Re-organised reefing arrangements. Alteration of interior to create more storage. Improved ventilation for engine.  
The boat's best features 'Big-boat' feel in only 28 feet. Handling. Light, spacious feel to interior. The Missus LOVES those stern-rail seats!  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. That wretched engine cover! Foresail sheeting arrangement on coachroof Single point attachment for mainsheet  
Sailing characterisitcs Surprisingly good for such a light boat. I was caught out in very large seas and despite being knocked over to about 80 degrees she immediately came upright, shrugged the water out over the transom and simply carried on sailing as though nothing had happened. I was terrified but gained a lot of respect and trust in a boat which coped so well with my stupidity! However, sailing downwind is a pain and you must reef by 14 knots.  
Motoring characterisitcs Very good. She has a pronounced prop-walk which kicks the stern sharply to port but you can use this very advantageously when mooring alongside.  
Liveability Fine - if you don't mind living out of a soft bag. Only really suitable for a couple if sailing for more than 1 night. She has nothing that can sensibly be used as a bunk at sea so forget extended passage-making unless you can sleep sitting up.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Have met several technical-types at boat-shows in the UK (they're building them over here now as well). Have always been impressed.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Opal Marine UK - extremely helpful and knowledgable.  
Other comments She's a lot of boat for the money if you accept her limitations. I've really 'pushed the envelope' with mine in terms of distances and conditions but she's never let me down. She's capable of doing a lot, but is perhaps best suited to a couple sailing in sheltered waters for up to a week away. An ideal first boat.  

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