Hunter 28.5, 31 and 34

[jamiebowden]

I'm looking at purchasing a hunter - 28.5, 31 or 34 and wish to compare all 3.Does anyone know what the sailing differences are between the 80's models of the 28.5, 31 and 34?Are they all very similar, other than lengths of water lines and sizes?How do you think these boat would perform in a racing situation (beer can races)? Are any issues specific to these boats ? Compression posts? Rudders?ThanksJamie

 

[Warren Milberg]

I own and sail a H28.5

and love it. This model boat also has very good PHRF race record. In comparing a 28.5, a 31, and a 34 footer, I think a lot depends on how you will use this boat. While my 28.5 is an easy boat to single hand, and is adequate for a small family to cruise on for a weekend or perhaps longer, the H34 has much more interior volume and space that would make cruising more comfortable. I guess the 31 is somewhere between the other two. There would probably also be a significant price differential between these boats. Finally, there are about 54, 8, and 90 owner reviews on this site of the H28.5, H31, and H34, respectively. I suggest you browse these first person reviews to get an idea of the pro's and con's of these 3 model boats.

 

[jamiebowden]

Great.I've heard the 28.5 is a great racer, I'm wondering if the 31 and 34 are equally as good racers (deep draft).I'm leaning more towards the 31 footer as an in between. Is the 34 that much bigger than 31 - i know 3 feet length and about a foot in beam, but the layouts are almost identical.

 

[Doug13108]

I only know the H34

We owned an H34 for several years; we are cruisers, not racers. But while we were fitting out our boat, we got suckered into a couple of yachtclub races (cruiser class non-spinaker). Apparently, H34s are notoriously fast light wind performers but are not punished too much by their rating. It must be true because both races were 12-15 kt winds and we won them both. This is a tribute to the boat and the conditions because my wife and I are lousy at sail trim and it was just the two of us against mostly 4 man crews on mostly larger boats. And yes, it was the deep draft version.

 

[Rod]

which to buy

I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the 3 great performance boats I owned a 31 for 15 years and raced all around and have a pile of flags & trophies from it. One of my Crew used to own a 28.5 and was one of my biggest thorns in the butt. The 34 well it’s just another great Boat. If you want amenities and want to race against production built boats, these are a great group to look at. If you want a J boat that they are not. I currently own a 45 and it’s a great racer also. Unfortunately the new ones are just not set up for racing but are great condo’s.