Looking at 87 285

[OS2Dude]

I'm looking at a 1987 Hunter 285. (Going to see it in a few days) It will be an up-size from my current O'Day 23.

Questions:

1) Listing does not mention any electronics. Did they come with any?

2) I'd like to add NMEA 2000 (Garmin) instruments, including a wind device. How hard is it to add a cable down the mast for that? Is there a conduit or something inside so it wont interfere with the halyards? (I'd also prefer it not to BANG all the time.)

3) Is there anything I should be on the look out for? Any known issues with that year/model?

The vanity is a mess, it looks like it was done with particle board and formica and is swelling apart. I'm pretty handy with tools, does that seem like a fairly straight forward job to rebuild it with something else?

Thank you!

 

[Cmp1110]

We have an 85 I would say rudder bearings should be checked easy to fix but a common problem

 

[Warren Milberg]

I think that most of these boats came with Datamarine depth and knot meters, but the choice of electronics packages probably varies with each boat as that is mostly a commissioning choice of the original buyer. In addition to rudder bearings, I would look carefully the Foss Foam Rudder for signs of rust or water intrusion, also a common problem with these boats. I would also carefully inspect every place on the deck where hardware is through-bolted (stanchion bases, winch bases, mast footing, shrouds, cleats, etc.) with a moisture meter and check for soft spots. I also assume you would use a qualified marine surveyor who has previously surveyed an H28.5. Ask to read one or more of his previous reports. These are really nice sailing boats. Good luck.