1986 hunter 28.5 sailboat

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Hunter 28.5? good or bad

• Thread starter robert gallagher
• Start date Jul 5, 2006
• Forums for All Owners
• Destinations

robert gallagher

My 1st mate and I currently sail a 1981 Cat22 swing keel in a Texas lake. We decideded to super-size and have been looking at all of our options for the past 6 months. The money will be right by August, we are starting to consider a boat size and we will be putting our boat up for sale. We saw a Hunter 28.5 and thought this might fit the bill.I wanted to ask on this site for opinions / thoughts / reviews from other boat owners. This, I hope, will shed some light on some issues for us to consider (if there are any). Our plan is to get comfortable with a boat this size before going for something to take us to the coast, to Florida, and the Keys (10 year plan).Thanks for any insight.RObert  

Stu Jackson

Go to the top of this page, Boat Info and go to Owner's Reviews  

Hunter 29.5 Robert - Like Stu said, you can get a wealth of information from the owner reviews. We had a similiar path/plan. We started chartering a 22 Capri for a year, then made the plunge for our current h29.5. I had looked at the 28.5 and very similiar boat. Our plan is to keep her for 5-8 years (three years have already gone by) and move up to something in the 35-36 size. Eventually move onto the 41 foot size for our retirement.We like the 29.5 for the Chesapeake. The 4 ft draft works well in this area and when it is the admiral and I (plus dog) we have spend a week at a time on the hook cruising around.  

Get the Hunter 28 Much newer and nicer boat that doesn't cost much more. The 28.5 are too old to consider for purchase in my eyes.  

Warren Milberg

I personally think That the Hunter 28.5 is one of the best kept secrets in the used boat market. I have a 1986 model and love it. As indicated, there are over 50 owner reviews of this model boat on this site. I don't think you'll find many who don't like the boat. And here is a short list of likes/dislikes I recently sent to the H28.5 website: What I like best about my Hunter 28.5:- Good looks- Great sailing performance- Easy to single hand- Low purchase price (very competitive on east coast)- Fairly easy to maintain- A very reliable Yanmar diesel- Big enough for small family cruising- "Just enough" boatWhat I like least about my Hunter 28.5:- Iron keel (although not a big deal)- Foss Foam rudder- Somewhat tender (also not a biggie)- Expected low resale value- No suitable drain under engine for stuffing box- Salon table takes up too much cabin space- Difficult to access upper rear of engine  

draft I don't know what the draft is on the 28.5 but if Florida is on the horizon it should be a big deciding factor. The closer to 4 feet the better. I looked at a couple of 28.5's a few years ago but I couldn't find one in very good condition so I passed on the model. I agree with the previous posts, a lot of bang for the buck. Good luck, Jack  

Graduation to the final cruser Robert, Sounds like your head is on right.Owners review are a good idea, talking to owners, surveyors, and even boatbrokers, but on all forums there are folks that "live" there and answer all questions wherther they are qualified or not so take em with a grain of salt. Owning a Hunter qualifies one to answer this question but not all...A gradual increase of a yachts size is a tried and true method of getting your plan together to cruise.A Hunter is not a curising vessel for many reasons, but have they? Yes. They sail well, are eye-pleasers, comfortable, and roomy too. If in a bay or a close coatsal cruise it woul do fine, but if you want to get 'use' to your ultimate cruiser (a full keel yacht turns slower, and fetches differntly than a 'cocktail' yacht) why not look for one now?  

We love ours We got our 86 model 28.5 earlier this year and I love it. It is my first boat in about 10 years. My only other boat was a 14' Hobie Cat.The Hunter can be had for a great value. I like the wheel steering and inboard deisel. I mainly sail in Glveston Bay and may one day try a little near coast sailing adventure. This thing accomidates my family of 5. It has been a bit of work and I still need to fix the pressurized water system. The pump works but it has some leaks. If you can get one for around 10k I say go for it! You can see my web page here http://www.compassnet.com/mfeidler/splashpad.htm  

Had an '87model... and think it was one of the best boats Hunter ever built! Sold it and bought a 35.5 and almost wish I'd kept/moved the 28.5 instead. Absolute dream to singlehand, faster than most Catalina 30's with more useable space, feel of a 30ft.+ boat, beautiful lines, sails 6 feeds 4 and sleeps 2 better than any boat in it's class!!! I'd buy mine back and upgrade it in a minute. Oh yeah, I went 23.5, 28.5 and now 35.5...very natural progression. If you are on Cedar Creek Reservoir, this would be a GREAT boat. Ours was on Lake Travis.  

We've had ours for 14 years! I'll echo what Warren said in reply #4 above. we've had our for 14 years on Lake Michigan. We've cruised for as long as 3 weeks covering 400 miles which included crossing the lake (80 miles) twice, have gotten into some fairly heavy weather and she has taken great care of us. The 18hp Yanmar runs like a dream. We have the 4' (iron) keel. A little rust now and then but keep it painted and you'll be fine. She single-hands very easily, looks great and is easy to maintain. You could do a LOT worse and not much better! There's also a great website I've added below.  

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Hunter 28.5

The Hunter 28.5 is an American sailboat that was designed by the Hunter Design Team and was built between 1985 and 1988. The Hunter 28.5 was developed into the Hunter 28 in 1989.

The Hunter 28.5 is a small recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fiberglass, with wood trim. It is a B&R rigged sloop with a split backstay, with a raked stem, a reverse transom, an internally-mounted spade-type rudder controlled by a wheel and a fixed fin keel or shoal draft wing keel. The fin keel version displaces 7,000 lb (3,175 kg) and carries 3,000 lb (1,361 kg) of ballast, while the wing keel version displaces 7,100 lb (3,221 kg) and carries 3,100 lb (1,406 kg) of ballast. The boat has a draft of 5.18 ft (1.58 m) with the standard keel and 4.00 ft (1.22 m) with the optional shoal draft wing keel.

The boat is fitted with an inboard diesel engine. The fuel tank holds 11 U.S. gallons (42 L; 9.2 imp gal) and the fresh water tank has a capacity of 27 U.S. gallons (100 L; 22 imp gal).

The factory-supplied standard equipment included a 110% genoa, two self-tailing two-speed jib sheet winches, double lifelines, a teak and holly cabin sole, dinette table, navigation table, stainless steel sink, hot and cold pressurized water system, a two-burner stove, an icebox, an anchor and life jackets. A spinnaker was a factory option.

The design has a hull speed of 6.53 kn (12.09 km/h). The wing keel version has a PHRF racing average handicap of 180 with a high of 192 and low of 171.

Source: Wikipedia . Image Credit: Wikipedia

LOA: 28.42 ft LWL: 23.75 ft Beam: 10.50 ft Draft: 5.18 ft Displacement: 7000.00 lbs Ballast: 3000.00 lbs Hull type: Fin w/spade rudder Hull construction: FG Rigging type: B&R

Hunter 28.5 for sale in the last 12 months

Below you'll find the latest Hunter 28.5 listings for the last 12 months. We compare the listing price with boats listed in the past and the color coding indicates if the price is good (green = below the average listing price) or more on the expensive side (red = seller is asking more than the average listing price).

Hunter 28.5 listing prices over time

Listing details.

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• Hunter 28 5

Hunter 28 5 Boats for sale

1986 Hunter 28.5

Ravena, New York

Make Hunter

Category Sloop Sailboats

Posted Over 1 Month

1986 Hunter 28.5 1986 Hunter 28.5 in good condition; Harrstick aftermarket sails: main, 100% jib, 153% genoa, spinnaker, storm jib, spare main (original equipment) ; B and R mast (double spar) with new main and spinnaker halyards, Windex and VHF antenna; pressurized hot and cold water (30 gal tank); galley with two-burner alcohol stove, ice box, sink, Jabsco marine head, newly rebuilt  and 20 gal. holding tank, sink, shower, aft sleeping berth, forward v-berth, folding dining table, 6 ft headroom; Yanmar model 26M20F 2-cylinder 18 HP diesel auxiliary engine with folding propeller installed and original, spare, two bladed prop; 4 ft. shoal fin keel; knot meter, depth meter, Sony FM radio/CD player.Easy to sail single handed with all lines leading to the cockpit; stable and fast.Can be seen at Coeymans Landing Marina, Coeymans, NY by appointment.

Grasonville, Maryland

Category Cruiser Boats

1986 Hunter 28.5 A great performing family cruiser or weekend racer, large enough to go for long trips to any of the beautiful creeks and towns on the bay. Rigged to single hand if thats your desire.  Sails are in fantastic shape, running rigging and standing rigging is also in great shape. Owners upgraded everything in the last 3 years.  They never planned on selling, however they are being transferred and need to sell.  Priced many thousands below its value.  Come take a look.  This is the perfect sailboat to get the family together on. CLICK FULL SPECS FOR PICS AND DETAILS.

1985 Hunter 28.5

Oriental, North Carolina

1985 Hunter 28.5 The Hunter 28.5 was designed with maximum space and comfort above and below decks. This sleek slooped rigged boat is ready for her next adventure. With an economical and reliable Yanmar diesel engine for auxiliary power, Beguine is worth a look if you are looking in the below 30' range.Compare the Hunter 28.5 with any other boat in her class and see the difference for yourself. Price reduced!!!

St. Petersburg, Florida

1986 Hunter 28.5 The Hunter 28.5 was designed with maximum space and comfort above and below decks. 6'2' headroom Yanmar diesel Wheel steering Fast, roomy and easily handled V-berth Large open salon with center table, nav station, enclosed head and large aft cabin under the cockpit Dock available in St. Petersburg Municipal Marina

Onekama, Michigan

1985 Hunter 28.5 CLEAN, WELL TAKEN CARE OF! Windemere is a 1985 Hunter 28.5 Sloop Rig w/25hp Yanmar 2cyl, diesel. Mainsail is a radial cut Dacron with loose foot allowing rapid draft adjustment. The Jib is 110% size that allows rapid and easier tacking. Hardware is by Harken and allow easy adjustment of the main for maximum speed. The Jib sheets are controlled by self-tailing winches. A Yanmar diesel engine provides never fail power in leaving and returning to the berth. Windemere is in very good condition and has been stored inside each winter and sailed for only 6 or 7 weeks each summer since 2005.

1988 Hunter 28.5

Hammond, Indiana

1988 Hunter 28.5, Well maintained, second owner, 28.5 Hunter racing/cruiser with a new Main North sail and new UK Jib 100%. New Harkin Roller Furling. Includes 2 spinikers and 1 pole. Brand new teak and holly sole. Boat has 2 batteries and 1 charger.Many extras including new lifelines, running rigging, 25 year L.E.D. light on mast, new portable marine radio, stationary marine radio, new stereo, television with DVD player, life jackets, and many other small items included like flares, whistles, ect... $12500.00

Fall River, Massachusetts

1986 Hunter 28.5 A great performing family cruiser or weekend racer, large enough to go to the islands but small enough to single hand.  Sails are nice and crisp main and Jib, genny (main is new).  Running rigging and standing rigging is in good shape, Yanmar 2gmF20 runs good, interior is in good shape.  Great boating opportunity.   Take a look at our Video link for a candid shot of the boats condition. She is currently in the freedom boat club fleet.  The previous owners at our marina were long time customers that took good care of the boat.  We actually have two of these hunters for sale same year, same boat, same price.  We Accept Trades & Buy Select BoatsContact us to Learn More

1987 Hunter 28.5

1987 Hunter 28.5 The Hunter 28.5 was designed with maximum space and comfort above and below decks. With a custom full cockpit enclosure, and all lines led aft to the cockpit, this boat can be sailed comfortably in all weather and seasons. Featuring a economical and reliable Yanmar diesel engine for auxiliary power, this yacht is worth a look if you are looking in the below 30' range. Compare the Hunter 28.5 with any other boat in her class and see the difference for yourself.

Gilford, New Hampshire

1985 Hunter 28.5 THIS IS A LOT OF BOAT FOR THE MONEY Captains Pride has been designed with lots of space, speed, and comfort. The main salon sports a unique horse-shoe designed interior, large center dinette, and private head with shower, separate navigators’ station, and lots of storage space, top quality hardware and accessories. Yanmar diesel. Priced to sell

Melbourne, Florida

1985 Hunter 28.5,Forward V-berth and aft cabin. Alcohol stove. Bathroom/shower with sink. 27 gallon water tank with electric pump. 13HP Yanmar diesel motor has only ran 10 hrs since rebuild in 2013. Rigging fully replaced 2013. Bottom cleaned repainted and propeller replaced 2016. New gasket installed around fuel gauge. NADA guide values @ $11,105 to 12,710. WAS ASKING $10000, NOW $8OOO,,,, NEED THE SLIP FOR ANOTHER BOAT!

Oxford, Maryland

Category Sailboats

1987 Hunter 28.5 The Hunter 28.5 1987 is a good boat for the Chesapeake Bay and rivers off of the Bay.  Great for single handing or sailing with a young family.

Cambridge, Maryland

Muskegon, Michigan

1985 Hunter 28.5 The Hunter Design Group incorporated a powerful fractional B&R rig, with a modern underbody, resulting in a racer/cruiser that is easily driven. Her fin keel and spade rudder help her point well and makes her easy to handle in close quarters. Kismet is powered by a fresh water cooled Yanmar diesel. Her interior utilizes a modern open layout forward with a huge U-shaped dinette backed by the forward berth. There is no forward bulkhead to reduce the airiness of the salon. For privacy there is a separate aft stateroom. The Hunter 28.5 is a great performing sailboat with the basic amenities at an attractive price. She is ready to go and is perfect for the beginner, however, she is nimble and fast. This boat is a high performance cruiser and is both large enough for extended cruising for a family, yet small enough to single hand. Kismet is in good condition, but if you are fussy about appearance the deck non-skid could be painted to improve the overall look.

Little River, South Carolina

Hunter 28.5 Sailboat. Freshwater. Freshly renovated. Turn-key.

Chaumont, New York

Category Cruiser Motorcycles

Length 28.4

Newly renovated 1986 Hunter 28.5 Sloop. This is a wonderful yacht which has been updated and restored for years of luxurious service! She has been set up as a beautiful cruiser but still has serious Sunday racer bones! B&R rigged with a brand new CDI FF7 Ball Bearing Flexible Furler. 150% Genoa in excellent condition. Mainsail is crisp and also in excellent condition! Builder: Hunter Designer: Hunter Design Group Keel: Fin Dimensions LOA: 28 ft 4 in Beam: 10 ft 6 in LWL: 23 ft 9 in Maximum Draft: 5 ft 2 in Displacement: 7000 lbs Ballast: 3000 lbs Engine 1: Engine Brand: Yanmar Year Built: 1986 Engine Model: 2 Engine Type: Inboard Engine/Fuel Type: Diesel Propeller: 2 blade propeller Engine Power: 16 HP Cruising Speed: 6 mph Tanks Fresh Water Tanks: (30 Gallons) Fuel Tanks: (11 Gallons) Holding Tanks: (10 Gallons) Accommodations The open interior plan has a vee berth forward of the U-shaped dinette. The galley is aft to port and aft to starboard is a nav table and enclosed head compartment with hot and cold shower, marine toilet and vanity. Furthest aft is a private cabin that sleeps two. The sole is trimmed in bamboo. There are numerous storage bins and a hanging locker. Options New CDI FF7 Genoa Furler New Raymarine Depth and Knot meter. New Pioneer Stereo with speakers both in salon and cockpit. New VHF Radio New 19" flat-screen TV New cabin cushions throughout New single-burner alcohol stove DVD Player Renovation work done: All engine/drivetrain components inspected and serviced with parts replaced as needed Fuel tank drained and cleaned All filters replaced All hoses inspected and replaced as needed All bulkheads repaired or replaced as needed All through-hulls inspected and/or replaced All wiring inspected and replaced as needed All plumbing inspected and repaired/replaced as needed All fixtures inspected and repaired/replaced as needed Brand new Marine Plywood cabin sole with bamboo finish to brighten interior Brand new countertops in Galley and Head Pressurized water pump re-built and system checked Bilge pump and float switch inspected and cleaned Sail locker re-built All wood sanded, stained and varnished Hatch seals inspected and repaired as necessary Hull buffed and waxed Freshly bottom painted Also included: Various lines Fenders Life jackets Galley accoutrements including silverware Cradle This boat has normal wear and tear as would be expected. Hunter "smile" just professionally repaired with westsystem. Previous owner left hatch open over winter. Interior completely rebuilt. This boat is turn-key but has not been personalized yet. Here is your opportunity to get a boat in ready to sail condition at a fraction of what it would cost to buy new! The best part being that you don't have to live with someone else's questionable decorating prowess or dated cushions, fixtures, etc. Schedule your appointment to see her today. She will not last long!

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• Sailboat Guide

1986 Hunter 28.5

• Description

Seller's Description

Designed for cruising - rigged for racing. This boat combines Hunters solid, proven design and comfort with todays performance advantage. Get the best of both worlds with this well maintained 1986 Hunter 28.5 presented by sailors, for sailors. Summertime Dreams versatile deck and running rigging layout is perfect for both single handed cruising and full-crew racing. All lines are led into the spacious cockpit for convenient, efficient access. Two-speed self- tailing primary winches and high purchase pulley systems are engineered to make handling in all conditions a breeze. Below deck reveals an elegant cabin with ample headroom, finished woodwork, plenty of light, storage, like new cushions, hot & cold running water and a modern marine head. Actively sailed on Green Bay since 1987, Summertime Dream has consistently proven to be a race winner. This boat is competitive against boats such as the S2 7.9 and Merit 25. Fast yet surprisingly comfortable. Experience it for yourself.

Equipment: Rigging: -Harken roller furling (Genoa) -Spinnaker pole & tracked mast ring -Asymmetrical spinnaker tack line -Harken hardware -(2) Maxwell two-speed self-tailing primary winches -2 Single speed cabin top winches -Split backstay with adjuster -Boom Vang -All lines led aft

Sails: -155% Genoa; Yacht Sailmakers; CrossCut (Panels) - Fair Condition -110% Jib; Johnson Sails; CrossCut - Good condition -Main; Johnson Sails; CrossCut - Fair Condition - Asymmetrical Spinnaker; Good Condition

By Request : - 110% Jib; UK Sailmakers - Race ready - Like new condition

Electronics: -Twin battery bank; w/auto charger -AC shore power -Garmin Ultimate Sailing Bundle; NMEA 2000, wind, water, depth, GPS, & (2) GMI 10 color displays located at helm -Motorola VHF marine radio -Dual marine stereo; AM/FM/AUX/USB/SD; cabin & cockpit speakers. -Microwave -Computer/TV/Chartplotter combo

Interior: -Galley; hot& cold running water, icebox, non- pressurized alcohol stove -Jabsco marine head (2018) -Shower -Comfortable recovered cushions -Dual-size fold out table -Spacious aft-cabin -Plenty of storage

Additional Features: -Shoal draft keel -Triple axel yard trailer -Hot water heater -Fresh water only boat -Same owner since 1987

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Shoal draft/wing keel: 4’/1.21m

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