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Sailboat Specifications

Hunter 28

Fractional Sloop · Wing Keel

Built by Hunter Marine (Usa) · First built 1989

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Hunter 28 sailboat — on the water
Photo: Ahunt / CC0
LOA 28.01 ft  ·  Beam 10.50 ft  ·  Displacement 7,400.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 398.00 ft²  ·  Fractional Sloop  ·  Wing Keel
About the Hunter 28 Sailboat

Built by Hunter Marine from 1989 to 1994, this 28-footer represents the builder's focus on accessible cruising sailboats designed for coastal and protected water sailing. The fractional sloop rig with 398 square feet of sail area provides moderate power while remaining manageable for small crews or single-handed sailing. The wing keel configuration draws just 3.75 feet, making this boat well-suited for shallow waters and trailering, while the generous 10.50-foot beam maximizes interior space and initial stability. At 7,400 pounds displacement with 2,800 pounds of ballast, the Hunter 28 offers a reasonable balance between performance and comfort for weekend cruising and extended coastal passages. Hunter's reputation for practical, value-oriented designs is evident in this model's fiberglass construction and straightforward systems. The boat's dimensions and sail-to-displacement ratio suggest moderate performance characteristics that prioritize ease of handling over racing speed. The 18-horsepower engine provides adequate auxiliary power for maneuvering in harbors and calm conditions. This model appeals to sailors seeking an affordable entry into cruising, particularly those interested in exploring shallow bays, coastal areas, and protected waters where the wing keel's reduced draft becomes a significant advantage over deeper fin keel designs.

Videos
High
The wing keel attachment on Hunter 28 models uses a relatively shallow keel stub with bolts that are prone to weeping and corrosion. The wide wing keel creates significant leverage in a grounding event, and the keel-to-hull joint should be carefully inspected for stress cracks, soft spots, or gelcoat fractures radiating from the stub.
High
The chainplate knees on this model are glassed to the inner hull liner rather than to a structural bulkhead. This tabbing can delaminate over time, causing chainplate movement under load. Inspect the interior liner around chainplate attachment points for cracking or separation.
Medium
Hunter during this era used a deck-to-hull joint bonded and screwed through an outward-turned flange covered by a rub rail. The rub rail fasteners and underlying joint frequently allow water intrusion, leading to saturated balsa core in the deck near the hull join.
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Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 28.01 ft / 8.54 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 24.17 ft / 7.37 m
Beam 10.50 ft / 3.20 m
Max Draft 3.75 ft / 1.14 m
Displacement 7,400.00 lb / 3,357 kg
Ballast 2,800.00 lb / 1,270 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 398.00 ft² / 36.98 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Wing Keel
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Builder Hunter Marine (USA)
First Built 1989
Last Built 1994
Related Sailboats S2 86 · Ericson 28 2 · Precision 28 · Aloha 85 · Hunter 28.5
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Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Yanmar
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 18
Fuel Capacity 18 gals / 68 L
Water Capacity 30 gals / 114 L
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hunter 28's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Hunter 28 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 16.82. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Hunter 28's comfort ratio?

The Hunter 28 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 19.71. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Hunter 28 safe for offshore sailing?

The Hunter 28 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.16. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Hunter 28?

The theoretical hull speed of the Hunter 28 is 6.59 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Hunter 28 weigh?

The Hunter 28 has a displacement of 7,400.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 28.01 ft.

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