Hunter 280 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Hunter 280 was in production from 1995 to 1999, embodying Hunter Marine's design philosophy of the era: creating accessible, comfortable cruising boats. During this period, Hunter emphasized spacious interiors, robust construction, and innovative features derived in part from founder Warren Luhrs' extensive single-handed ocean racing experiences. The 280 incorporated several signature Hunter design elements, including the B&R fractional sloop rig, which utilizes swept-back spreaders and eliminates the need for a backstay, allowing for larger mainsails and simpler sail handling. Other contemporary features, such as a molded toe rail and a walk-through sugar scoop transom, were also integral to the 280's design. The boat was offered with two keel options: a deeper bulb keel with a draft of 5.0 feet, and a shoal-draft wing keel, reducing the draft to 3.5 feet, catering to sailors in various cruising grounds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hunter 280 is generally lauded for its manageable yet responsive sailing characteristics. With a reported sail area of 428.0 sq ft and a displacement of 6,500 lbs, the boat boasts a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 19.61. This relatively high ratio suggests that the Hunter 280 is well-powered for its size, capable of performing capably in lighter air conditions while still offering good speed.

Her ballast-to-displacement ratio stands at around 0.323, indicating a moderate level of stiffness and stability, suitable for a comfortable cruising experience rather than an aggressive racer. The displacement to length ratio (Disp/LWL) of approximately 221.2 places her firmly in the medium-displacement category, typical of a cruiser designed for a blend of comfort and reasonable performance.

Owners have consistently praised the 280 for handling well and being easy to sail, even in gusty conditions. It has proven capable in varying sea states, with some owners noting its impressive handling in waves ranging from 2 to 6 feet. While generally pointing well upwind, some owners note that the boat sails best when kept relatively flat and that her swept-back spreaders can limit how far the main can be eased downwind, sometimes necessitating tacking downwind for optimal performance. The optional shallow wing keel, while providing access to shallower waters, may slightly diminish upwind performance compared to the deeper bulb keel. The calculated hull speed for the Hunter 280 is 6.51 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length, the Hunter 280 is recognized for its substantial cabin room and spacious interior, often making owners feel less claustrophobic than in other boats of similar size. Hunter's design philosophy emphasized maximizing interior volume, and the 280 benefits from a layout that avoids significant bulkheads, contributing to an open and airy feel.

Typical interior arrangements likely feature a V-berth forward, a large head compartment, a central salon with settees that can often convert to berths, and a galley area. While specific details on finish materials can vary, Hunter typically utilized a combination of wood trim and fiberglass liners to create a functional yet aesthetically pleasing environment. The generous cockpit size for a 28-footer further enhances the onboard living space, particularly when at anchor or dockside. Owners also appreciate features like the large head and swim platform.

Owner's Perspectives

Hunter 280 owners frequently highlight the boat's solid construction and its comfortable motion underway, consistent with Hunter's reputation for building robust family cruisers. Its ease of sailing and generous living spaces are recurring themes, making it a popular choice for those seeking a "cabin away from home" for day sailing or weekend trips. The B&R rig's lack of a backstay is often praised for allowing for a very large bimini, enhancing cockpit comfort. The boat's maneuverability, including its ease of backing into a slip, is also a reported strength.

However, owners have noted some common areas for attention. Minor issues such as the absence of a screen on the fresh water system or missing safety chains on waste caps have been mentioned. More significant concerns can include the tendency for original cabin roof teak strips to detach or difficulties with engine maintenance due to the impeller facing the rear of the engine. Some owners also report general Hunter-specific issues like leaking ports, plumbing and pump issues, or electrical concerns. While the boat is seaworthy, its downwind sailing characteristics can be limited by the swept-back spreaders, encouraging a preference for tacking when sailing downwind.