Would like to hear from any current or previous owners of the Hunter 28.5 to
learn of their experiences and opinions of this boat.

I owned one for quite a few years. I thought it was a good boat but I was
cramped in the boat. Sold it for a larger boat.


"Baybyter" wrote in message
...
Would like to hear from any current or previous owners of the Hunter 28.5
to
learn of their experiences and opinions of this boat.

got one for sale cheap
"Rick & Linda Bernard" wrote in message
...
I owned one for quite a few years. I thought it was a good boat but I was
cramped in the boat. Sold it for a larger boat.


"Baybyter" wrote in message
...
Would like to hear from any current or previous owners of the Hunter
28.5
to
learn of their experiences and opinions of this boat.

I owned one for quite a few years. I thought it was a good boat but I was

I have some concerns about this model and would like your opinion:

It appears the lock nut and packing nut on the stuffing box are plastic. Any
problems here?

It also appears that the stuffing box does not drain to the bilge creating the
problem of how do you drain what drips from the stuffing box while the engine
is running?

The B&R double spreader rig would seem to prevent you from sailing dead
downwind or you risk chafing your main. Does this mean you must only sail on
alternating broad reaches to get downwind?

Any thoughts about this?

Baybyter wrote:

I have some concerns about this model and would like your opinion:

It appears the lock nut and packing nut on the stuffing box are plastic. Any
problems here?


I really don't trust ANY plastic under the waterline. I'd watch that
part carefully.

It also appears that the stuffing box does not drain to the bilge creating the
problem of how do you drain what drips from the stuffing box while the engine
is running?


If you have space, put a bilge pump in, but some sort of drain should be
there, possibly a pretty small one.

The B&R double spreader rig would seem to prevent you from sailing dead
downwind or you risk chafing your main. Does this mean you must only sail on
alternating broad reaches to get downwind?


You will take a hit downwind. A cruising chute will help make up the
difference and it's a pretty light boat anyway...

Personally, I would limit the small Hunters to protected waters; they
are lightly rigged, and as evidenced by the plastic stuffing box, the
equipment is marginal in my opinion. I've seen some fail well before I
would expect such problems, so you have to stay on top of inspections
and repairs.

--
Jere Lull
Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD)
Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html
Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/

The Hunter 28.5 can be a great value if purchased at the right price. Fairly
modern design, inboard diesel, pressure water, stand up headroom and they sail
pretty well. I've seen them advertised for $15k. I would think they would
make a nice small inexpensive to operate cruiser for semi protected waters like
the Chesapeake Bay. They sailed good enough for them to be chosen for the
Liberty Cup one year.
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
Trains are a winter sport

they would
make a nice small inexpensive to operate cruiser for semi protected waters like
the Chesapeake Bay BRBR


This sort of sums up my expectations for this boat -- if I buy it. Thanks to
all of you for your insights into this model boat.