I am a new owner of a hunter 28-5. I know that it seems to be a pretty rugged med-size boat. But how Ocean worthy are these vessels, really? How far out would you feel safe without pushing the potential limit's of the boat..or the crew as new-comers? I tend to push my luck....but this time I would like not to....
- Status
Don't Exceed Your Own Abilities...
James, I have owned a 28.5 for about 7 years. She has made a number of cruises to the Bahamas and Abaco from the east coast of Florida. She has ridden out some pretty good seas and storms. As long as you do not exceed your own abilities, the boat will do fine. Obviously, she was not designed as a blue-water cruiser, but with proper planning and common sense, you can feel quite comfortable and safe in her. Some suggestions: Practice reefing and or sail changing frequently in safe conditions until you can do it without hesitation. Know your engine and carry spare belts, hoses, clamps, and raw water pump impeller (Minimum). Watch the weather carefully and don't be afraid to reef early. Have a GOOD anchor that can be deployed quickly and easily. (I installed a anchor roller with a 22# Delta with 20' of chain) Ask questions and learn from others. A sailor's ego is his worst enemy. Inspect your rigging carefully and replace suspect parts. Enjoy your 28.5!! Rick Greyson s/v Parrot Eyes
James, I have owned a 28.5 for about 7 years. She has made a number of cruises to the Bahamas and Abaco from the east coast of Florida. She has ridden out some pretty good seas and storms. As long as you do not exceed your own abilities, the boat will do fine. Obviously, she was not designed as a blue-water cruiser, but with proper planning and common sense, you can feel quite comfortable and safe in her. Some suggestions: Practice reefing and or sail changing frequently in safe conditions until you can do it without hesitation. Know your engine and carry spare belts, hoses, clamps, and raw water pump impeller (Minimum). Watch the weather carefully and don't be afraid to reef early. Have a GOOD anchor that can be deployed quickly and easily. (I installed a anchor roller with a 22# Delta with 20' of chain) Ask questions and learn from others. A sailor's ego is his worst enemy. Inspect your rigging carefully and replace suspect parts. Enjoy your 28.5!! Rick Greyson s/v Parrot Eyes
Agree with Rick...
Rick makes good points. A Piper Saratoga is a perfectly good airplane *IF* it's flown by a competent pilot. Your boat is a perfectly good boat if it's sailed by a competent sailor. If you really want to go offshore, swallow the ego and take some advanced lessons if you haven't already. MC
Rick makes good points. A Piper Saratoga is a perfectly good airplane *IF* it's flown by a competent pilot. Your boat is a perfectly good boat if it's sailed by a competent sailor. If you really want to go offshore, swallow the ego and take some advanced lessons if you haven't already. MC
A COASTAL BOAT IN THE DEEP BLUE
The difference between a coastal and a blue water boat is seaworthy and seakindly designs and construction, SEAWORTHY FEATURES: bridgedeck, high sill watertigh companionway door, or locking boards, large cockpit scuppers, watertight locking lazzerettes, main cabin manual pump at the helm, safey deck jacks strong hatches, three heavy anchors w/lots of chain, nonskid decks, a sea drogue, a third reef pt. on your main, and a reefing sys. that works, horrizontal grab rails externally and internally, another manual pump down below, to mention a few things that may bring you back, but does you boat have real bulkheads, or is it one of those openair mini condo's ?? your hull may flex excessivly with the lack of true bulkheads, your boat was not designed for this heavy wave action, no stringers along the hull, but then again there have been guys with big enough balls to sail the pacific in a dugout.
The difference between a coastal and a blue water boat is seaworthy and seakindly designs and construction, SEAWORTHY FEATURES: bridgedeck, high sill watertigh companionway door, or locking boards, large cockpit scuppers, watertight locking lazzerettes, main cabin manual pump at the helm, safey deck jacks strong hatches, three heavy anchors w/lots of chain, nonskid decks, a sea drogue, a third reef pt. on your main, and a reefing sys. that works, horrizontal grab rails externally and internally, another manual pump down below, to mention a few things that may bring you back, but does you boat have real bulkheads, or is it one of those openair mini condo's ?? your hull may flex excessivly with the lack of true bulkheads, your boat was not designed for this heavy wave action, no stringers along the hull, but then again there have been guys with big enough balls to sail the pacific in a dugout.
There you go...
You've been given the best advice and the most advice you should need ... It's really more of a function of the skipper, your own level of confidence/experience/preparedness/training , and your ability to adapt all the above to the conditions presented to you. New-comers? I'd put in lots of time at sea in various conditions before I started pushing the limits. Your 28.5 is a great boat that in the right hands, and with the right crew, can take you places far beyond your own limitations. Just telling you this does not make it any easier to accomplish!!!!
You've been given the best advice and the most advice you should need ... It's really more of a function of the skipper, your own level of confidence/experience/preparedness/training , and your ability to adapt all the above to the conditions presented to you. New-comers? I'd put in lots of time at sea in various conditions before I started pushing the limits. Your 28.5 is a great boat that in the right hands, and with the right crew, can take you places far beyond your own limitations. Just telling you this does not make it any easier to accomplish!!!!
good boat
All of the replies are good advice. And yes, the 28.5 is not a bluewater boat, you would have to spend about 3-4 times as much money to get a bluewater boat. But as a former 28.5 owner, I can tell you this: the boat will take more than you can. So use common sense, and you should be OK.
All of the replies are good advice. And yes, the 28.5 is not a bluewater boat, you would have to spend about 3-4 times as much money to get a bluewater boat. But as a former 28.5 owner, I can tell you this: the boat will take more than you can. So use common sense, and you should be OK.
Oh, God
Always remember the inscription on the Fisherman's Memorial at Point Judith, RI: "Oh God, Your sea is so great and by boat is so small" ...... no matter how big your boat is !!!!
Always remember the inscription on the Fisherman's Memorial at Point Judith, RI: "Oh God, Your sea is so great and by boat is so small" ...... no matter how big your boat is !!!!
- Status