I'm looking at a 1987 Hunter 28.5 and a 1989 Hunter 28. How do these boats compare to one another? I know all of the specs so I'm looking for pros and cons of each. Also cabin size I know the 28 is a few inches shorter OAL. Is this at all noticeable?
Hunter 28.5 vs Hunter 28
- Thread starter Chris14630
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1986 28.5
I've owned a 1986 28.5 deep keel version (5'-2" draft) since new, and feel it out performs many boats a couple feet larger. The shoal draft 28.5 and 28 are likely similar with slightly less pointing ability than the deep keeled 28.5.
Interiors would be about the same.
The 28 has a taller mast and fractional rig (maybe easier to handle short handed), while the 28.5 is a mast head rig and can be fitted with larger head sails for much better light air performance.
Obviously, they have the same Yanmar diesels. Unless you are interested in racing a deep keeled 28.5, I'd go with the boat in the best condition with the most added equipment. Check out www.huntertwentyeightfive.com.
I've owned a 1986 28.5 deep keel version (5'-2" draft) since new, and feel it out performs many boats a couple feet larger. The shoal draft 28.5 and 28 are likely similar with slightly less pointing ability than the deep keeled 28.5.
Interiors would be about the same.
The 28 has a taller mast and fractional rig (maybe easier to handle short handed), while the 28.5 is a mast head rig and can be fitted with larger head sails for much better light air performance.
Obviously, they have the same Yanmar diesels. Unless you are interested in racing a deep keeled 28.5, I'd go with the boat in the best condition with the most added equipment. Check out www.huntertwentyeightfive.com.
I have a shoal draft H28.5 and find it a near perfect cruiser and weekender for the fairly shallow Chesapeake Bay. Neither of these boats is a serious blue water boat nor a boat you in which you would feel very comfortable in a serious blow (+/- 25 kts) or serious waves (over 5 ft). I also would not like to own a wing keel boat like the H28 in this area where it is fairly common to run aground now and then. Below is a fairly negative review of the H28, fyi:
http://www.yachtsurvey.com/boatreviews/hunter28.htm
http://www.yachtsurvey.com/boatreviews/hunter28.htm
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