Just Purchased 85 H28.5 Repairs

[Robert McClellan]

I just closed last Thursday on H28.5. On haul out found some repairs needed. the Iron keel needed refairing, but the back of the keep was a large separation. Has anyone else had this and how did you repair it. I have pictures I'll try to put on the photo site. Also, the forward hatch and small mid hatch both need dognut and seals. The mid hatch dognut was broken off completely. It seemed every toe-rail screw and lock nut were loose. How tight should they be, and should I completely take them out and use 3M 5200 or something to help seal them.Also, noticed some of the stainles rigging and nuts starting to show rust, this was a fresh water boat up until about a year ago. Any ideas on getting rid of the rust now before it gets any worse.Looking forward to sailing this boat I read most all of this groups reviews and know I will like this boat for day sails and maybe a 2 day.Look forward to being Hunter 28.5 owner, and being a part of your web site.Thanks,Robert

 

[Eric]

repair

Toe rails, just tighten down and then check for leaks. Pulling rail off is a big job that may not need to be done. Check for leaks.Rust is probably minor surface if this was a fresh water boat until last year. Mine is fresh water and has no rust. A 3-M scotchgard pad may do the trick. Get som eo fth estain used to check rigging. If all is OK then clean with stainless cleaner.Hatch dogs can be obtained from Gray/Bomar. If the fixed portion is broken, new ones can be fashioned out of epoxy putty.I have no expereice with keel issue.I would suggest that the yard check keel bolts for correct torque which you probably can get from Hunter. Worst case is dropping the keel and refastening. Then you will probbaly have to repeat this again in another 15 years.Nothing sounds too serious and the boat should give much pleasure for many years.As a general thought, boats which are 15-20 years old are going to have some issues but then again I bet you didn't pay $60,000 for the boat so go with the flow.

 

[Ernie Scott]

Need a dog, too...

Can't help you with the keel or rigging questions, but my '85 28.5 has a longstanding leak at that small midship hatch. Prior owners couldn't fix it, either (a canvas cover, velcro'd around the edges takes care of the leak and looks good). I broke the dog off trying to stop the leak and I doubt (since the dog is integral) that it can be replaced. I'd also like to know if anyone has found a solution.

 

[Doug Gould]

28.5 Keel work

I had a nasty little leak from my keel on a '86 version (but only when sailing). Unfortunately, it required keel removal (a major pain) and significant fiberglass work (rebuilding the keel mating surface) to fix damage from an undetected accident. Anyway, it was repaired and is more solid now than original.In my case, the boat had only been in salt water, so I also took the opportunity to replace ALL thru hulls with new ball valves. And added a thru hull to the sink drain in the head (its right at the water line, but no valve!).It is a fun and tough boat. I'm sure you'll enjoy sailing her.