Hunter 280 Questions

[Chuck_Buck]

Hi Folks,

Moving up from a 1977 Catalina 25 to a 1996 Hunter 280.

Really like the look of these boats, and have been impressed with the reviews.

4 Questions I am hoping the group can help me out with:
-I understand that you can't sail on a direct run with the mast/shroud set up. How close to a run can you get? I assume at least a broad reach?
-I single hand quite freequently, I am concerned with the location of the winches for the gib sheets, and having to run around the wheel to the conpanionway every time I want to tack, is this an issue to other single handed sailors, is there a better way that folks have rigged up?
-How does the boat perform in heavy winds/waves? I will be sailing out of Chicago, and see that most folks say reef and reef early. Is reffing required in anything over 15 knots? how does the boat perform in 20-25 knots?
-Anything in particular I should look out for in my search for the perfect 280?

Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Chuck Buck

 

[Clark]

Greetings Chuck. We've had a 1996 280 for three years now. I'll relate what I've learned relative to your questions.
1) The 280 and others like her does well down to about +/- 160*. Asymm spinnakers w/ a sock works very well.
2) Yep, jib sheet controls are a hassle for single handing. Just remember that most of the power is in the main so take care of it first on any course changes. Hunter did offer short genoa tracks for the forward section of the coaming w/ winches mounted near the wheel but I have not seen that setup in person. I usually jut get the Admiral to hold the wheel while I make adjustments.
3) Our sailing area (inland lake) has no waves to worry about so can't help there. IMHO, the first reef should be made at about 12 knots and a second at about 18-20. The 280 has a lot of freeboard so you'll see more slippage as the wind picks up, especially if she has a wing keel.
4) The earliest 1996's didn't have teak panels on the interior cabin walls or little cubby-cabinets at the V berth transition. Can't think of anything in particular about the 280; shoot me an email if you'd like to get into a deeper discussion.

 

[andrewt41]

280

Chuck I have a 1996 280 and definitely agree with Clark on his points. The wheel is a little tricky to get by to get to the winches but the boat is very easy to single hand. We love our 280 and I can send pictures etc. and/or discuss in further if you like. Drop me an email at parker.turney@sympatico.ca

 

[Chuck_Buck]

Great info - thanks guys!