Hi Terry,
I have a 1996 280, and am going on my 3rd season with her.
I sail her on Lake Michigan, mostly day sailing. I single-hand a lot.
My thoughts:
Pro-
- decent sailing in both light and heavier wind. I have the full-depth keel, which I think helps her point closer into the wind. I have an A-spin for her in really light air. Cockpit is good sized for a 28-footer, walk-thru transom and swim platform are great if you want to mess around odd the boat. Mine has Lazy-jacks, Jiffy-reef and batt-car on the main. Makes dealing with the large main pretty easy. Traveller and vang round out good sail trim aids. I do have auto-pilot which comes in handy when out solo. The Yanmar 2GM20 is big enough to push her at 6 kts, faster if you need to go WOT for a short period of time. The engine is under the removable steps, so you have very good access. The 280 uses a lot of the design features of current model Hunters....B&R rig, molded toe rail, chain plate attachment design, sugar scoop transom/walk-thru helms seat, etc. Open, airy cabin... Small but functional galley, decent size head. Huge aft berth.
Cons-
- B&R rig limits downwind sailing...have to tack down wind,Jib is small, anchor roller is too small (at least on my boat) for my danforth...my boat only has 2 cabin-top winches, no sheet winches...although they were an option. V-berth is too small for anyone but small kids. Only 2 opening port lights in cabin (galley and head), and 2 additional ones in rear berth, but decent ventilation from the forward hatch...no bulkheads in the cabin. She does not have a nav station.
All in all, I have enjoyed her, and have sailed her in some challenging conditions with no problems.
She is for sale, because after 2 full seasons with her, I am ready to move up to 30+ footer. But if she does not sell, I will be happy to sail her another season.
I have lots of videos on YouTube...search for WindyCityWebs....
And you can go to
www.wcwebs.net/hunter280 to see more details my H280.
Greg
