Hunter 28 Information, Review, Specs

Crafted by Hunter Marine, a builder renowned for its efficiency in production and a commitment to making sailing more accessible, the Hunter 28 embodies the company's philosophy of creating user-friendly vessels. It quickly gained a reputation as a solid choice for those seeking a capable yet approachable sailboat for weekend excursions and longer coastal adventures.

History and Design

The Hunter 28 represents an evolution in Hunter Marine's popular 28-foot series, directly succeeding the Hunter 28.5, which was in production from 1985 to 1988 NOTE, 10. While the Hunter Design Team was responsible for the 28.5, naval architect Rob Mazza is credited with revamping the design to create the Hunter 28. This update, launched in 1989, aligned with Hunter Marine's broader strategy during this era, which shifted towards more comfortable cruising designs, drawing on lessons learned from the company's powerboat background and founder Warren Luhrs' focus on production line efficiencies.

A key design distinction of the Hunter 28 was its fractional sloop rig with a taller mast, a configuration often considered easier to manage for single-handed sailing compared to the masthead rig of its predecessor, the 28.5. The hull was constructed from solid fiberglass, and the deck from solid fiberglass, ensuring robust construction. The boat featured a wing keel, indicating a design choice aimed at reducing draft while maintaining respectable upwind performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 16.6, the Hunter 28 offers moderate performance, suggesting she will perform adequately in lighter winds while still being manageable as the breeze picks up. Her ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of about 0.38 indicates reasonable stability, contributing to a comfortable motion in a seaway, though it suggests a design prioritizing comfort over extreme stiffness in heavy weather. With a displacement to length ratio (D/L) of around 234, the Hunter 28 falls into the moderate displacement category, indicating a balance between a lighter, more performance-oriented vessel and a heavier, more traditional cruiser.

Owners frequently praise the Hunter 28 as a "fast boat" that can "out sail many older or larger boats" and note its ability to point "much tighter into the wind than most". While some earlier 28.5 models were reported to heel significantly in moderate winds and exhibit a strong weather helm above 15 knots, the fractional rig and wing keel of the 28 aimed to improve handling characteristics. Anecdotal evidence from owners suggests that similar Hunter models in this size range handle challenging conditions well, with one owner noting their boat managed 28 knots of wind without issues or leaks and never felt in danger of broaching or capsizing, even when slightly over-canvassed. Overall, the Hunter 28 is regarded as a boat that sails very well and is comfortable for cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Hunter 28 features a complete and well-executed fiberglass liner, which forms a significant part of its internal structure. Despite its 10.5-foot beam, some reviewers suggest the interior attempts to "cram too much into too small a space," potentially leading to a somewhat cramped feel. However, other owners highlight its efficient use of space compared to some older or alternative models. The Hunter 28 is designed with an open-plan saloon and includes a separate aft cabin and a dedicated head compartment.

The layout typically includes a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert to berths, a galley, and a private aft cabin with a "great aft berth". The head often features a shower and hot water, which is a notable amenity for a boat of this size. While some cost-cutting in interior woods has been noted in newer Hunter models compared to older ones, the overall finish generally provides a comfortable and functional living space. The interior dimensions of the Hunter 28 and 28.5 differ by approximately six inches, suggesting subtle but potentially impactful changes in the newer model's layout.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners generally hold positive views of the Hunter 28, often emphasizing its value and suitability as a cruising vessel. Many commend the boat for offering "plenty of horsepower" from its 18 hp Yanmar diesel engine and appreciate its lively sailing performance. Owners frequently describe it as a "fast boat" that handles well and is comfortable for cruising, making it an excellent choice for weekenders and coastal explorers. The generous interior room and a particularly "great aft berth" are also commonly cited strengths.

However, some recurring concerns and weaknesses have been noted. A marine surveyor's review, while not universally accepted, characterized the Hunter 28 as a "price boat" where "too much that you don't get for what you don't pay". Specific issues mentioned by owners include reports of interior bulkheads delaminating from the hull. There have also been instances of "water leaking from the keel ballast to fiberglass joint" and a "lower loose bearing problem" in the rudder, which appears to be a known issue for some owners. Despite these potential drawbacks, many owners express satisfaction with their purchase, often stating they would buy the boat again, indicating that its overall strengths outweigh its weaknesses for their sailing needs.