I'm getting ready to buy a 28.5 Hunter. I would appreciate a checklist of some sort to help making a good decision. Any tips for things to look out for are most welcome.
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Jeff
Impression 28.5
Have had a 1985-86 for 3 years. What to look for : Leaks around toe rail (tighten bolts) Leak in aft birth ( could be migrating from starbaord side, fitting leak, exhaust hose leak most likely culprits) Deck cracks seem to common but not structural. Chaffed mainsail due to swept back spreaders. (patch them wheter tehy are worn or not) Four part mainsheet on early models not sufficient in higher winds. Cracked hatches around dogs (fix with epoxy putty) That is about it from what I have read and experienced. Reef early and make sure you have roller furling and you can be comfortable in most conditions. Tack downwind and avoid spreader issues and you go faster. I have a brocure the factory sent me whcih did not show a second shelf and cabinets in the main cabin as mine has. It may have been a later change to reduce costs. Of course have a surveyor check out the boat but it seems to be a pretty trouble free boat from that time period. Good luck!
Have had a 1985-86 for 3 years. What to look for : Leaks around toe rail (tighten bolts) Leak in aft birth ( could be migrating from starbaord side, fitting leak, exhaust hose leak most likely culprits) Deck cracks seem to common but not structural. Chaffed mainsail due to swept back spreaders. (patch them wheter tehy are worn or not) Four part mainsheet on early models not sufficient in higher winds. Cracked hatches around dogs (fix with epoxy putty) That is about it from what I have read and experienced. Reef early and make sure you have roller furling and you can be comfortable in most conditions. Tack downwind and avoid spreader issues and you go faster. I have a brocure the factory sent me whcih did not show a second shelf and cabinets in the main cabin as mine has. It may have been a later change to reduce costs. Of course have a surveyor check out the boat but it seems to be a pretty trouble free boat from that time period. Good luck!
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Kevin
86 28.5
I have an 86 which is bassically perfect, no leaks, no structural issues, etc. I would recommend checking out several before buying. Also get one with the yanmar diesel, which I think was introduced in 86. If you look at the archive forum on this home page you will most likely notice few "real" complaints about the 28.5. The most common is "TO REEF EARLY" not to bad when you consider the big picture.
I have an 86 which is bassically perfect, no leaks, no structural issues, etc. I would recommend checking out several before buying. Also get one with the yanmar diesel, which I think was introduced in 86. If you look at the archive forum on this home page you will most likely notice few "real" complaints about the 28.5. The most common is "TO REEF EARLY" not to bad when you consider the big picture.
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Michael Mathis
87 28.5
Andy- A couple of things to look at: - In the aft berth check for leaks from the toe rail or cockpit drain. Open the access hatch in the very back of the berth. Make sure it's dry back there. - Hot water heater in the locker check the fittings for any leaks and or corrosion. - Check the sole for any "spongey areas" especially around the bilge area. Water can get trapped uderneath the sole and cannot drain to the bilge. Remove the hatch directly behind the bilge (should be attached by 4 screws) Should be fairly dry and no signs of mildew. - Check the gate valves or hopefully they switched them out and you have seacocks or ballvalves. Those have been the only problems I've had with the boat. Love it otherwise. Mike Mathis s/v Bien Sur Annapolis, MD
Andy- A couple of things to look at: - In the aft berth check for leaks from the toe rail or cockpit drain. Open the access hatch in the very back of the berth. Make sure it's dry back there. - Hot water heater in the locker check the fittings for any leaks and or corrosion. - Check the sole for any "spongey areas" especially around the bilge area. Water can get trapped uderneath the sole and cannot drain to the bilge. Remove the hatch directly behind the bilge (should be attached by 4 screws) Should be fairly dry and no signs of mildew. - Check the gate valves or hopefully they switched them out and you have seacocks or ballvalves. Those have been the only problems I've had with the boat. Love it otherwise. Mike Mathis s/v Bien Sur Annapolis, MD
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Steve O.
good choice
all the previous posts are good advice. check the boats for sale forum on this site. I have a '86 28.5 for sale there.
all the previous posts are good advice. check the boats for sale forum on this site. I have a '86 28.5 for sale there.
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a zambella
selecting a surveyor
If you intend to use a surveyor and do not have any experience at this, let me make a suggestion based on a real bad experience. Don't trust anyone. Make them test everything, instruments, stove, waterheater,sails,engine, wiring, lights...... if they can't or won't, find someone who can before you buy. Good luck
If you intend to use a surveyor and do not have any experience at this, let me make a suggestion based on a real bad experience. Don't trust anyone. Make them test everything, instruments, stove, waterheater,sails,engine, wiring, lights...... if they can't or won't, find someone who can before you buy. Good luck
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Bob E.
Second the motion
I agree that you shouldn't take anyone's word about things working on a boat, without a demonstration. I've bought 7 boats over the years (2 new and 5 used), and I've had most of them surveyed by reputable surveyors, and interviewed several well-meaning and honest seeming owners. I've had sea trials on the used boats. Ever boat was "excellent" according to the broker. The result -- on average 50% of the electronics and 25% of the running rigging on a used boat either doesn't work at all, is worn out, or is incorrectly configured. New boats can have worse problems! I don't know the solution to this problem -- there's only so much you can see and remember when evaluating a boat. Many problems only show up after you have lived with the boat a while. Maybe the best advice is to set aside 10%-15% of the purchase price for the inevitable problems. If you can't afford that, look for a lower priced boat.
I agree that you shouldn't take anyone's word about things working on a boat, without a demonstration. I've bought 7 boats over the years (2 new and 5 used), and I've had most of them surveyed by reputable surveyors, and interviewed several well-meaning and honest seeming owners. I've had sea trials on the used boats. Ever boat was "excellent" according to the broker. The result -- on average 50% of the electronics and 25% of the running rigging on a used boat either doesn't work at all, is worn out, or is incorrectly configured. New boats can have worse problems! I don't know the solution to this problem -- there's only so much you can see and remember when evaluating a boat. Many problems only show up after you have lived with the boat a while. Maybe the best advice is to set aside 10%-15% of the purchase price for the inevitable problems. If you can't afford that, look for a lower priced boat.
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Clement Caddell
about the 28.5...
The one thing that struck me most about the 28.5's of the late 1980's was the poor non-skid qualities of the deck, especially when wet. The boat sails very well and is considered a pretty good phrf racer/cruiser for the lakes. Just don't go forward on the wet decks.
The one thing that struck me most about the 28.5's of the late 1980's was the poor non-skid qualities of the deck, especially when wet. The boat sails very well and is considered a pretty good phrf racer/cruiser for the lakes. Just don't go forward on the wet decks.
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