Newbie and a 1987 Hunter 28.5

Shaw_2112

Shaw_2112

.
Aug 24, 2020
29
Hunter 28.5 Portsmouth
Just bought a new to me 1987 Hunter 28.5, I've owned powerboats but this is my first sailboat. I have a little experience sailing catamarans off the beach here in the Va Beach area but I'm really a newb when it comes to sailing a large boat like this, especially in open waters. My wife and I are exploring the idea of becoming full time live aboard cruisers in our retirement and we wanted a small starter boat to find out if this will be the life for us. The boat is in very good condition and the PO took very good care of her, but she is still a 30+ year old boat and I'm interested to know what other 28.5 owners have done to upgrade and make their boats more comfortable, plus any other tips/tricks/advice you may have to impart regarding the 28.5. Our plan is initially just to learn to sail, I have the benefit of having a good friend that is an extremely experienced sailor that is willing to show me the ropes (pun intended) but I'm curious to know if it's beneficial to take more formal sailing classes? I've looked into the local ASA clubs but I've heard mixed reviews. We intend to take the next 4-5 years just to explore around the Chesapeake Bay and the Outerbanks before we eventually retire and take the next step. Looking forward to chatting with you!
 
jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
23,265
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Great water to explore in the Chesapeake. Welcome to the Forum for Sailboat Owners.

Lots to read about your boat and boating in general. While it is in our nature to "jump in" and change a new toy, I might suggest you spend a little time exploring all the nooks and crannies of your boat. Spend some time sitting on her and observing where things are, how they work and how the parts on the boat interact with each other. Only then are you better able to access if a modification that worked on another boat will be compatible and efficient on your boat.

All boats, especially mature boats, have been tinkered with and have been "upgraded" by a previous owner. Some are upgrades, while others are nightmares contributing to the decline of the boat. Perhaps upon finding the nightmares they are the place to consider.

Looking forward to hearing you impressions of your boat and maybe a picture or two.

Enjoy sailing. It is the journey that is as much fun as the arrival at a destination.
 
rgranger

rgranger

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Jan 19, 2010
12,593
Hobie 16 & Rhodes 22 Skeeter Charleston
Welcome to the addiction.

I have sailed the Chessy and OBX quite a bit. I like the seclusion of OBX better but there are fewer places to go ashore in the OBX so if you like bar hopping the Chessy is better. One thing to keep in mind if you venture into the OBX is the fact that the charts will become obsolete anytime a hurricane strikes... and hurricanes strike every year. A shoal boat is necessary to fully enjoy the OBX.
 
shemandr

shemandr

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Jan 1, 2006
7,615
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
I think the 28 size is good for what you are doing. As a former off the beach sailer you have an attachment to the shore. That will reverse as you get accustomed to having a keel. You’ll come to view shore as the danger. You’ll like having some space around you as you learn to handle your boat - it takes a lot of the stress out.
 
C

Corey16781

.
Mar 9, 2007
22
Oday 25 New London,
Having a buddy with sailing experience to show you the ropes on your new boat is a great idea. All boats are different. Unless there are issues that need to be addressed immediately, sail it for a season then make any customizations to suit your needs. We sailed our O'Day 25 for a season first, then made some changes in the spring. The best thing we ever did is cut 5" off the end of the Tiller. Made the boat much more responsive without smacking other people in the cockpit :cool:
 
jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
23,265
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Corey16781 said:
cut 5" off the end of the Tiller. Made the boat much more responsive without smacking other people in the cockpit
Click to expand
This sounds like a case of "Size Matters"... :biggrin:
 
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