We are currently in the process of selling our 2000 240 and we're shopping around for a 280 or 28.5. We're headed to New Jersey this coming weekend to see one of each. The boat has the size and layout we're longing for and the price range seems good as well. Any advice on either of these models? Anything to look out for or to avoid? I don't want to rush into a purchase but, at the same time, we're looking to launch next month. Strange typing that" "Looking to launch nexy month ... and I don't even know what boat I'm going to have." Thanks for any advice. Eric
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two different boats
This is a tough topic. I have the deep keel 28.5 and we love the boat. What I love about the boat is is that it is from the time when Hunter made boats that were from a race looking design. I love having the traveler in the cockpit. It is easy to reach when you need to. With the swim platform on the boat like the 280 you loose cabin space. so it seems like your getting a 27 or 26 foot boat. All Hunter's seem to need to reef earlier than other boats but they than are faster. I have not seen the 280 up close. But I would consider the space you get for the money. I have not found a bad thing with our 28.5 other than the swept back spreaders for racing. I do know of a 28.5 on Lake Erie for sale that is a real nice fresh water boat. For allot of reasons people will come to the great lakse to get a boat and take it to the East Cost. cliffr@bright.net if you want to get me off site. Cliff Ruckstuhl
This is a tough topic. I have the deep keel 28.5 and we love the boat. What I love about the boat is is that it is from the time when Hunter made boats that were from a race looking design. I love having the traveler in the cockpit. It is easy to reach when you need to. With the swim platform on the boat like the 280 you loose cabin space. so it seems like your getting a 27 or 26 foot boat. All Hunter's seem to need to reef earlier than other boats but they than are faster. I have not seen the 280 up close. But I would consider the space you get for the money. I have not found a bad thing with our 28.5 other than the swept back spreaders for racing. I do know of a 28.5 on Lake Erie for sale that is a real nice fresh water boat. For allot of reasons people will come to the great lakse to get a boat and take it to the East Cost. cliffr@bright.net if you want to get me off site. Cliff Ruckstuhl
I like the H28 better than the 280 or the 28.5
I got my 1992 H-28 last summer. The 280's beam is a foot smaller. There is not nav desk! Where do you put the TV? The h-28.5 is too old, does not have a swim platform, and the cabin layout is not as nice. If I were in the market, I'd go for the H-28. The 290 is a real nice boat too but a lot more cash. Good Luck... Don't but too fast, your dream boat is out there!
I got my 1992 H-28 last summer. The 280's beam is a foot smaller. There is not nav desk! Where do you put the TV? The h-28.5 is too old, does not have a swim platform, and the cabin layout is not as nice. If I were in the market, I'd go for the H-28. The 290 is a real nice boat too but a lot more cash. Good Luck... Don't but too fast, your dream boat is out there!
Check Boat Info
In short, the 28.5 is a masthead sloop, has a deep keel availability, sail area to displacement better than 28. The layout is basically the same except that in the 28, the aft berth runs across the beam and the 28.5 aft berth runs lengthwise. I would suspect the 28.5 points better but speed is about the same when you get down to it. The 280 was built in the years following the 28.5 and the 28. I know the 28.5 has more usable shelving above the setees. It is a smaller boat. Also while the sugarscoop stern on the 280 looks more modern, what do you use it for? Unless you do a lot hauling in a dingy the closed stern serves you well. The 28.5 while older is considerbly cheaper and has probably hit the bottom of its depreciation curve. Try and get aboard both boats to see which one appeals to you and fits your budget the best. Happy hunting.
In short, the 28.5 is a masthead sloop, has a deep keel availability, sail area to displacement better than 28. The layout is basically the same except that in the 28, the aft berth runs across the beam and the 28.5 aft berth runs lengthwise. I would suspect the 28.5 points better but speed is about the same when you get down to it. The 280 was built in the years following the 28.5 and the 28. I know the 28.5 has more usable shelving above the setees. It is a smaller boat. Also while the sugarscoop stern on the 280 looks more modern, what do you use it for? Unless you do a lot hauling in a dingy the closed stern serves you well. The 28.5 while older is considerbly cheaper and has probably hit the bottom of its depreciation curve. Try and get aboard both boats to see which one appeals to you and fits your budget the best. Happy hunting.
28.5, 28, and 280 are all
still losing value! They are not as poplular as the Catalina 28 which keeps its value high. A 28.5 is cheap. I would not pay over 15K for one! 25K for a hunter 28, or 35K for a 280...unless it had lots of options like AC.
still losing value! They are not as poplular as the Catalina 28 which keeps its value high. A 28.5 is cheap. I would not pay over 15K for one! 25K for a hunter 28, or 35K for a 280...unless it had lots of options like AC.
Have 280, and enjoy it
I have a 280 and still considure the purchase a good one three years later. If your looking for speed, don't look here, but if your looking for a good weekender or longer, great boat. I, my wife, two boys and the dog (100lbs) use it every weekend weather permits. It also has proven to be a good heavy weather boat too.
I have a 280 and still considure the purchase a good one three years later. If your looking for speed, don't look here, but if your looking for a good weekender or longer, great boat. I, my wife, two boys and the dog (100lbs) use it every weekend weather permits. It also has proven to be a good heavy weather boat too.
Love My 28.5!!!!!
We've owned our '88 28.5 for 7 years now. She sails like a dream! We've been all over Lake Michigan in her for up to 3 weeks! We've been on the 280 and 28 and, in my opinion, aren't as seaworthy as our older model. We also spent some time on a 28.5 base din Ft. Myers, FL. THe owner had sailed her from Ft. Lauderdale, around Florida Bay (out to Dry Tortugas) and up to Ft. Myers. She needed some work but had served her master well. We have the 4' draft model, run a 110, 150 and cruising chute and have had virtually no problems at all. The Yanmar engine starts every time and is easy to work on, requiring little more than oil changes and filters.
We've owned our '88 28.5 for 7 years now. She sails like a dream! We've been all over Lake Michigan in her for up to 3 weeks! We've been on the 280 and 28 and, in my opinion, aren't as seaworthy as our older model. We also spent some time on a 28.5 base din Ft. Myers, FL. THe owner had sailed her from Ft. Lauderdale, around Florida Bay (out to Dry Tortugas) and up to Ft. Myers. She needed some work but had served her master well. We have the 4' draft model, run a 110, 150 and cruising chute and have had virtually no problems at all. The Yanmar engine starts every time and is easy to work on, requiring little more than oil changes and filters.
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