Hunter 28.5 Information, Review, Specs

The Hunter 28.5 emerged during a pivotal era for Hunter Marine, a company founded by Warren Luhrs in 1973, which was transitioning from a focus on purely racing boats to more comfortable cruising designs in the early 1980s. The Hunter Design Team, responsible for the 28.5, utilized a new structural system to maximize interior space below decks, aligning with Hunter's broader philosophy of balancing performance with comfort and ease of handling.

Produced for a relatively short run between 1985 and 1988, the 28.5 offered a significant variation in its keel design. Sailors had the choice between a deep fin keel, drawing 5.18 feet, or a shoal draft wing keel option, reducing the draft to 4 feet, catering to different cruising grounds and preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hunter 28.5's design specifications translate to a balanced and capable sailing experience. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.27, she is moderately powered, suggesting decent performance in light air conditions without being overly sensitive. Her ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.428 indicates good inherent stability and stiffness, allowing her to stand up well to a breeze and maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway. The displacement to length ratio of approximately 233.5 places the 28.5 in the category of a moderate displacement cruiser, striking a balance between the lighter, more performance-oriented boats and heavier, more traditional cruisers.

Anecdotal evidence from owners often highlights the Hunter 28.5's ability to accelerate quickly when light winds increase, providing an enjoyable and responsive feel at the helm. Owners have also expressed confidence in the boat's seaworthiness, with some reporting feeling safe even in strong winds. However, like many sailboats, maintaining a clean hull is crucial for optimal speed and responsiveness, especially when converting gusts into forward momentum. While capable for coastal passages, it's generally understood that the Hunter 28.5 was not designed as a dedicated bluewater vessel.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Hunter 28.5 is noted for being surprisingly spacious and comfortable for a boat of its length, designed to accommodate up to six people. The layout typically features a V-berth cabin forward, complete with storage, providing private sleeping quarters. A well-arranged salon, galley, and head are also standard, aiming to offer practical living space for weekend trips or extended two-week vacations. The innovative structural system employed during its design allowed the Hunter Design Team to optimize the utilization of interior volume. While specific details on finish quality or materials may vary by individual boat and owner care, the general Hunter ethos of the era prioritized comfortable interiors and user-friendly layouts.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners frequently praise the Hunter 28.5 as an excellent choice for weekend cruising and short-term vacations, with many stating they would purchase the model again. Its solid construction and comfortable motion in various conditions are often highlighted as key strengths. The deep draft version, in particular, is sometimes recommended by owners for enhanced performance.

Common discussion points among owners revolve around maintenance, such as ensuring the hull remains free of growth for optimal performance. As with any boat of its vintage, discussions on forums touch upon general upkeep like addressing potential drainage issues or upgrading stuffing boxes. While generally appreciated, some comparisons to other boats in its class have suggested that the interior layout, while spacious for its size, might be considered "a little light on" in certain aspects by some potential buyers.