considering purchase of h28.5, 1988 model

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Fred Rampey

I am considering the purchase of an 88 h28.5 and found this great web site. I appreciate all of the reviews and am impressed with the helpful tips excahnged among owners. I currently own a J24, but really want to move to a weekend cruiser that can handle 1-4 people comfortably. I sail on a mountain lake in Colorado, where the wind can be sometimes shifty and brisk (changing from 10 to 30+ very quickly). Mid-season the air can be very light. I also would like to be able to race with J24s, J22s, and Wavelength 24's and not get completely blown away. The unit I have my eye on is an 88 h28.5. It has a new Profurl RF with a new 130 genoa (make unknown, yet). It think the main is original equipment. No spinaker. some things I am wondering about? 1. the traveler looks to be in a an awkward location. Is this a problem. What is the standard for the vang and backstay - do these come stock - what is the recommended purchase. 1b. does the boat sail well with a spinaker? what are the preferred spinaker dimensions, pole size, etc? 2. the yanmar - the boat spend most of its life in fresh water, but supposedly was in salt for 6 months to a year about three years ago. Then it was brought to colorado for the last two years - do I need to worry about corrossion in the cooling path? How many hours is too many between overhauls? what are the major repairs I might have to do next spring? what should I check for? 3. the boat needs new bottom paint. How much should this discount the price? should I replace anything else while doing this - like through-holes, bladders, etc. what does a reasonable job cost? Do h28.5s have a history of blisters in the hull? 4. The asking price is $29.9K. This looks really high to me, like six or seven $K too high. The interior is great and very clean, but this model has been extinct for over 10 years. Prices on the web are ranging from 19-25K. Opinions? 5. there are only three winches - is this an adequate setup? is a fourth needed with a spinaker? 6.. what else should I be worried about? thanks in advance, Fred Rampey
 
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Stephen Ostrander

Whoa!

I own a 28.5 so I'm familiar witht the boat. I'm going to jump right to #4 because the asking price is way too much for this boat! You are right in that the going price for these boats is 17-24 so I'd walk away unless the owner will come down 10 K on the price. Now for the rest of your questions: 1) the traveler is in a good place for purchase on the boom but is a little inconvenient for crew who like to lean against the cabin bulkhead when sailing. A vang is easy to add, the boat did not come stock with a backstay adjuster but they are easy to also. I did not have a spinnaker so I can't comment on that. 2) Don't worry about the engine being in salt water for 6 months. Many boats spend their entire lives in salt water. You should expect to get 10,000 plus hours if the engine has been well cared for. 3) Bottom paint is a negotiating point, just inspect the thru-hulls, and there are no bladders. No history of blisters as far as I know. 5) extra winches are nice for spinnakers but you can add these, not a negotiating point. Email me directly for more info.
 
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Stephen Ostrander

almost forgot

email address: ostranders@sosmail.state.mi.us
 
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Fred Rampey

Thanks Stephen

thanks Stephen, I suspected that this owner want way too much. I appreciate the advise. Couldn't find you email addr on this site. Mine is frampey@uswest.net Cheers, Fred Rampey
 
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Mike Birch

Balance

Although it is not exactly the same model consider http://www.yachtsurvey.com/boatreviews/hunter28.htm in balance to all the good reviews on HOW. I did and I still bought a Hunter and I'm glad I did. Blister problems seem to be on an individual boat by boat basis and not by model. Will you be able to haul the boat out at the lake for a full professional survey? The price looks too high but supply and demand is the determining factor. How many boats of this size are for sail on the lake, how much would it cost to buy elsewhere and transport to the Lake. At 28.5 feet I expect there is no trailer with the sale and a full transporter rig would probably be required and a hoist out and in if you buy elsewhere. How many of the other 28.5's for sale nation-wide have spent their life in salt water? At 12 years old a life in salt may mean expensive maintenance sooner than a FW boat (standing rigging in particular).
 
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Eric

Yachtsurvey.com

If you read the review on the Hunter 28 then go ahead and read other reviews on this site. The surveyor in question has little goo d to say about most boats unless it is beyond the financial reach of the average buyer. Yes, you do get what you pay for, but I have yet to see any stories about a 28.5 breaking up in any weather much less reasonable weather. No, it is not an offshore boat but what are intending to use the boat for? Yes the head is small but it is serviceable. The table will seat 4-5 very comfortably and is actually a good arrangement for most of those not on extended cruises. I would prefer the aft cabin to be more open, especially in a hot climate but that is a trade off which only you can decide. You can always open it up by cutting out a section of the bulkhead above the sink but I would check to make sure it is not structural. Once you did that a louvered section could be inserted. You can also add additional opening ports to the cockpit. The boat sails well on most points of sail, with downwind being the exception, but then again I always tacked downwind even when racing daysailers. Don't be afraid to jibe. It is a legitimate facet of sailing which most people fear. The price is determined by location, availability, and condition. I would not worry about the engine but by all means have a surveyor check it out with an oil analysis if you are unsure. The 28.5 is one of the more popular Hunter boats and should run from 20-24 K dependent on the equipment and condition. I would pay more for a fresh water boat, not because of the engine but the standing rigging and sails which are also affected by salt water. Good luck in your search.
 
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Nile

Hunter 28.5

Have been sailing for years and have a friend that has a Hunter 28.5 on a lake in Colorado. My opinion of the boat is not favorable. It is much too light for Colorado winds. The gusts heel her over pretty fast. Because the boat is so light the diesel engine causes the boat to vibrate something fierce. Knocks you teeth loose. I have a family with small kids and this boat scared them to death. If you are still interested check the price, much to pricey for what you're getting. Don't get me wrong, I don't sell Catalinas or Pearsons but find them to be a much heavier and stable boat. i own a North Star and love it. Nile
 
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Marc Honey

Great Boat

I think everyone except Nile gave you pretty good advice. I've owned my '87 28.5 for 2yrs.+ and sail on a large lake in central Texas. I do not race, but I'm on the water considerably more than alot of the racers in this area. I would not lead you to believe that you'll keep up with any of the J24s, but you'll have so much more BOAT under you and comfort/convenience galore. 1- Traveler is no big issue. I single-hand alot and if I'm not particularly concerned w/speed, I leave it in the middle. Otherwise, sliding to windward really helps the boat point. Mine came with a vang and I generally only snug it down a little except when running wing and wing (which the boat will do well, contrary to opinion) 2-Can't speak about the spinaker other than to race seriously you'd want one. 3-Yanmar is bulletproof and exceptionally reliable. 5000-10,000 hrs. with care very reasonable. 4-$1200-2400 on the bottom job depending on blisters. Mine had some but hadn't had adequate care for a few years. Barrier coat (epoxy) a must. 5-I wouldn't sell mine for less than $24-25k in the condition its in...I'd say they're $3-4k high. 6- I'd consider a 150 genoa to race. This boat gets most of its power from the headsail. I have a 130 on mine and at times wish I had the other 20%! Most all Hunters are "quick" to heel but this is no "light" boat. One reef in the main and you can sail in most anything...especially with roller furling. The Hunter Nile was talking about must have had a bent shaft, miss-aligned engine, and missing or broken motor mounts to shake like that.All in all its a very comfortable boat to cruise 6-7 on when you have to, feed 4-6 comfortably and certainly sleep 4 on as needed. Hope you find what you're looking for!!!
 
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Eric

Rebuttle to Nile

I don't understand his response. I sailed my boat approximately 350 miles this summer on an inland lake which has considerably more wind than in Colorado. I single hand most of the time and have no problem in going out in a steady 25 with gusts to 30-35. Yes you do need to reef at around 15 and then start bringing in the Genoa as you see fit. I have a 150 on a roller reefeing system. This is not a light boat. It just heels quickly. The same can be said for an Alberg design which includes Tritons, Alberg 30, 35, 37 etc. It is best not to heel excessivly and reducing sail is the proper way to go. Don't worry about being Macho. You will outpoint and go faster than those with full sail. I like the traveler and sheet winches location because I do singlehand. I have an 86 without a barrier coat and never a porblem with blisters. These are unique to each individual boat as a result of the layup process, most likly humidity. Luck of the draw. If there are no blisters there probably will not be any given proper bottom paint. Try and get a Catalina 28 fo the same money. It won't be there. You might be able to find a Catalina 30 with a gas engine and 6-7 years older. A good boat but a lot more to handle. Good luck
 

Phil Herring

Alien
Mar 25, 1997
4,923
- - Bainbridge Island
I agree

You can scare the family, shake the boat with the diesel, and get knocked down in a Westsail, too. The 28.5 isn't that light and simply needs to be sailed in a way that matches its design. (read: Reef when necessary and keep the engine tuned and shaft calibrated!)
 
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Stephen Ostrander

have to respond

I owned my 28.5 for 3 years. I've sailed it in 8-10' seas with 40 kn gusts on Lake Michigan and believe me, the boat can take a hell of a lot more than the crew can. There are many of these boats on the Great Lakes, Chesapeake, Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic, Pacific. The 28.5 is a tall-rigged boat and I usually would reef at about 16-18 kn. Of course you aren't going to be competitive with racing boats but I could stay with Catalina 30s with no problem. These are good, affordable boats. Listen to the opinions of people who actually owned them.
 
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Jim McCue

28.5

I've got a 28.5 -'86 and its been in-water since I got it. No blister problems. I did go buy a new wheel (helm) 30 inch diameter- a lot easier to reach than the 24'' it came with. The main sheet & traveler is no problem. I'd check the cabling in the side stays that they are not cracking- you know the talc and fruit jiuce drip test.
 
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Jim McCue

28.5 and vibes

I've got a 28.5 -'86 and its been in-water since I got it. No blister problems. I did go buy a new wheel (helm) 30 inch diameter- a lot easier to reach than the 24'' it came with. The main sheet & traveler is no problem. I'd check the cabling in the side stays that they are not cracking- you know the talc and fruit jiuce drip test. I noticed that Niles mentions that it is too light and engine vivrates. I sail Barnegatt Bay , NJ and we get win 10-30 and I've been out solo in all. 30 is pretty brisk and you need to sheet in and reef down. The boat has always been kinda elastic the first puff to maybe 15degrees but then quickly stiffens with headway.
 
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Fred Rampey

thanks for the feedback

I really appreciate hearing from everyone about there hunter 28.5. I am still looking an may try to negotiate a deal this weekend. By the way, I forgot to mention that their asking price includes a tandem trailer. Best regards, Fred Rampey
 
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Fred Rampey

Just for the record

Just for the record - I bought the boat. Fred Rampey
 
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