Hunter 290

[Eric]

Has anybody seen the new 290 and can comment how it compares to the 28.5 as far as interior space? It is always hard to tell from pictures. I am curious about the claim of HUnter of the 290 being like a 33 in the banner on this site. I can't quite picture how the 290 can be that much larger than my 28.5 on the interior, but then again I have never been accused of being a great visionary. I do like the 290 and its cockpit arrangement. I am not in the part of the country where I would be able to see the 290 in person. I would never consider buying a new boat but it is always fun to dream about a future replacement.Thanks

 

[Bob Knott]

290 vs 280

The 290 replaced the 280 not the 28.5 The 290 is similar in outside design to the 280, meaning newer Hunter looks, but down below it's vastly different. I owned a 280 and it was wide open down below which made for a big 28 but little privacy. They've made the 290 much more private with bulkheads and doors.The 280 was a great boat although it wasn't a speedster by any stretch of the imagination. Haven't heard about the 290 hull and it's speed or lack thereof. Hunters have lots more room in their boats than most that's why they trumpet the 33 footer for the price of a 290. For our family and the way we used our 280 it was perfect, but after 3 years we traded up to the 380 for more room.Smooth sailingBob KnottH380

 

[Stephen Ostrander]

don't kid yourself

I'm a former 28.5 owner, and I liked the boat very much. When I bought my 33.5 I was amazed at how much more room there was. There is no way that a 290 is going to feel like a 33' boat. It may be a great boat, but its still a 29' boat. So call it marketing strategy or whatever, but I wouldn't sell your 28.5 to get a 290 thinking your getting a 33, 'cause you'll be disappointed. Better off to just by a 33'.

 

[Jay Hill]

As They Say...

..in the automobile racing world: "There's no substitute for cubic inches"I think this applies to boat interiors as well, **depending on the purpose of the boat**. If Hunter has made the interior of the 290 appear bigger than, say, the Cherubini -style 33', well, that's not hard to do. The beam on that model 33' is much narrower than all other styles (proportionately) and is, IMHO, cramped. BUT....the Cherubini has a lot of compartment space for storage like a cruising boat really should. If the Hunter 290 "feels" bigger than a 33' on the interior, you can probably bet the storage under the settees, bunks, and cabinets is much smaller. So, if you want the boat for light day or weekend sailing, it might be great, but any longer and I bet the storage/tankage will suffer.You might also compare them in "The Boats". You can see the 290 has 40 gal water cap. Although not listed for the 33', the '81 33' I use a lot has 78 gal. Fuel on 290 is 18 vs. 22 on the 33'. Beam is 7" *more* on the *smaller* boat. Things to this nature, and as usual, everything is a compromise. I'm looking forward to seeing this model at an upcoming boat show in Dallas. I'll let you know if you like.Comments anyone?

 

[Bruce Grant]

Jay, take a run up to Lewisville

Lavida has one in stock, it is a nice boat, it actually feels larger inside than the 310 sitting next to it.I am not sure if Richard is planning on taking this one to the show, he normally shows a 380 and a 420.Who knows.Regards.Bruce.Neon Moon