Sailing a Hunter 28?

[JerryA]

Anyone sailing an early 90's Hunter 28? Looking at one, but I haven't seen any on the water. So I don't have any first hand knowledge of how they sail, etc.

Appreciate opinions from anyone that has sailed one.

Thanks,

JerryA

 

[Terry Cox]

H28

Hi Jerry, we bought a 1989 H28 in 1999 and sailed her for three years. Very nice beginner boat and even more. A bit tender, but very forgiving and comfy below. Ours had a large cooler that worked well for ten to twelve day cruises. Great boat for two. I would do it again.

 

[Dan D]

Hi Jerry,

We bought an 89 H 28 in 2010. I can give you some info off line- BTW, We grew up in Lorain.

DK_Din@msn.com

 

[JerryA]

DanD,
Thanks.

 

[Tally Ho]

Anyone sailing an early 90's Hunter 28? Looking at one, but I haven't seen any on the water. So I don't have any first hand knowledge of how they sail, etc. Appreciate opinions from anyone that has sailed one. Thanks, JerryA

I owned a 1996 Hunter 280...is that the boat you want info on?
Sold her recently and bought a bit bigger boat, but the 280 sailed well, had a great cockpit, B&R rig, etc. I just was underwhelmed with the cabin.

Greg

 

[JerryA]

280?

Greg,

Not the 280, but what did you think of the sailing in a 280? I love the 280 cockpit! Lots of space for folks and looks comfortable even just sitting at the dock. The 28 is the boat before the 280, but after the 28.5.

Thanks,

JerryA

 

[Tally Ho]

Greg, Not the 280, but what did you think of the sailing in a 280? I love the 280 cockpit! Lots of space for folks and looks comfortable even just sitting at the dock. The 28 is the boat before the 280, but after the 28.5. Thanks, JerryA

The 280 was my first boat, and I think she was ideal to learn on. She was small enough for me to single-hand, even as a beginner. She was "new enough" that I did not have a lot of maintenance issues to deal with , which meant more time for sailing. She was a little tender, and has a big main sail, which meant either sailing on her ear, or reef early. The jib seemed a bit small, particularly in light air (I had an A-spinnaker for really light wind. The B&R R rig was nice (no back stay to contend with) but a bit harder to sail DDW. The 2GM20 was enough to push her along at hull speed. Overall, she was fun to sail, and easy to sail.

I was looking for something a little bigger (could not keep up with all of the H-33's I sail with), and wanted something a little heavier and beamier for Lake Michigan. I also wanted a larger cabin. But she was a great day-sailer, with enough cabin amenities to spend the night on if you really wanted to.


Greg