Hunter 290 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Hunter 290's production run from 1999 to 2002 saw it replace its predecessor, the Hunter 280, building upon Hunter Marine's established expertise in creating accessible and enjoyable sailing yachts. Hunter Marine, founded by Warren Luhrs, had a rich history rooted in applying production line efficiencies from powerboat manufacturing to sailboats, a vision that materialized with the first Hunter 25 in 1973. Throughout its evolution, Hunter shifted its design focus towards comfortable cruising, a philosophy evident in the Hunter 290. The company became known for spacious interiors, robust construction, and innovative features aimed at enhancing the sailing experience. The 290, designed by the Hunter Design Team, exemplifies this commitment, featuring a fractional rig designed for ease of handling. While the distinctive B&R rig and cockpit arch were signature Hunter features, some Hunter 290 models were produced without the arch, with the mainsheet traveler mounted on the cabin top, indicating a degree of customization or variation during its production.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hunter 290 is recognized for offering a commendable blend of sailing performance and confident handling, making it an excellent family cruiser. With a displacement of 7,400 lbs and a waterline length of 26.92 feet, its Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 169 suggests a relatively light boat for its size, contributing to respectable speeds. The Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 34.4% indicates moderate stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a reasonable amount of wind without excessive heeling. Owners frequently describe the Hunter 290 as a well-balanced vessel that handles responsively in various conditions, including seas up to eight feet.

While not designed as a pure racing machine, the 290 delivers good performance across different points of sail, though its downwind speed is often noted as acceptable rather than exceptional. Its fractional rig, with a total calculated sail area of 350.48 sq ft, results in a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 14.6, indicating a sail plan geared towards comfortable cruising rather than aggressive light-air performance. Owners typically find the need to reef the mainsail when winds reach 17-18 knots, though some may opt to reef around 13 knots for greater comfort. The conservative sail plan and, in many cases, an overhead traveler, contribute to a stable and safe sailing experience. The boat is also praised for being nimble and turning sharply under power.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Hunter 290 is thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort and utility within its 28.58-foot length overall and 10.75-foot beam, providing a comfortable living space that can accommodate up to six people. Owners consistently praise the boat's well-laid-out cabin and its spectacular use of space for a vessel of its size. The forward cabin typically features a V-berth with an infill, transforming it into a comfortable double berth. Compared to earlier Hunter models, the 290 generally features more wood trim below deck, heavier, metal-framed ports and hatches, and an overall improved "quality feel." The layout generally includes a comfortable salon, a functional galley, and a head, designed to facilitate long weekends aboard. Many models are also equipped with amenities like Planar warm air diesel heating and hot and cold pressurized water systems, enhancing onboard comfort.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hunter 290 frequently express satisfaction with their boats, often highlighting them as excellent family cruisers suitable for daysailing and extended weekends. The solid construction and stable platform in a seaway are commonly praised attributes. The well-conceived interior layout and efficient use of space are also consistent strong points mentioned by owners.

However, some common observations and minor issues have been noted. The design of the stern rail, which lacks right angles, can make the mounting of certain accessories like a life sling or outboard engine mount somewhat problematic. While generally well-regarded, some early boats reportedly experienced minor assembly issues or wood damage in the cabin, though these were often resolved through the dealer. For those seeking to optimize sail handling, some owners have considered adding roller bearing batten cars and tracks to make mainsail deployment and dousing easier. Despite these minor points, the collective sentiment among owners is overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing that they would purchase the boat again.