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Review of the Hunter 280 by Chuck B

Year built 1996  
Location of boat Lake Monroe. IN  
The boat is sailed on Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 1997  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? yes  
Gear that's been added Yes:knot/depth meter,bimini,inverter,2nd battery,microwave,fridge,transom shower,stereo,steering wheel brake,LCD Flat TV W/DVD,lazy jacks,window covers, main sheet traveler over cabin top.  
Structural or complex improvements no  
The boat's best features The boat is simple to operate and control while single handed. I like not having a back stay and you can sail under the main alone with no trouble do to the set-up. I love the interior but do wish the large aft cabin was enclosed. The galley is excellent, you can lean back on the engine compartment to steady yourself. The seating is great and spacious. The opening hatches are pefect for air flow and durring a rain because they open out. The Yanmar engine has "never let me down".  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I had a leaking water tank and a bad fuel guage when I obtained it. It took a while to get the place I bought it at to fix the items but they finally did. I have had several other items that had trouble over the years: replaced the water heater,the toilet,I have had to fix the helmsman seat several times (BAD DESIGN), I have had 3 or 4 gelcoat holes form but they have all been dime size. The worst thing found over the years was the plexiglass windos on the cabin starboard and port sides. The plexi is poping off and leaking and has formed a large crack in the middle of the largest windows. This all could have been avoided if Hunter would have used screws to hold them in place. I fixed them and I do know I have had the boat for 10yrs but (USE SCREWS).  
Sailing characterisitcs I described it above but I had a greater love for the boat after installing the wheel break.  
Motoring characterisitcs I described it above. She will do 6 Knots easyand maitain it as long as you like. GGGGGreat motor the Yanmar!  
Liveability Room for 4 but anything over that it's tight but a great 28 ft boat for anyone who wants a small to med. boat because it feels like a big boat. I love the walk thru transom and the swim ladder it makes it easy to shower and get in and out of the dingy or the water. I still think the aft cabin could have been enclosed with a door!!!  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any The dealer did not want to fix some items till I sent a bad review to Hunter about them. I did not have any issues after that.  
Other comments I have owned a Catalina 22 and a Hunter 26 before the 280 and I have enjoyed the 280 the most because its like having a lake cabin right on the water and you can change the view anytime you want!  

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