Built from 1995 to 1999, this 28-footer represents Hunter Marine's approach to affordable cruising sailboats during the mid-1990s. Designed by the Hunter Design Team in collaboration with R. Mazza, the Hunter 280 offers a practical balance of interior space and sailing performance for coastal cruising and weekend adventures. The boat's fin keel with bulb and spade rudder configuration provides responsive handling while maintaining the shallow 5-foot draft that makes it accessible to more harbors and anchorages. At 6,500 pounds displacement with 2,100 pounds of ballast, the Hunter 280 strikes a reasonable balance between stability and performance, though it clearly prioritizes interior volume over pure sailing characteristics. With 428 square feet of sail area driving a 23.58-foot waterline, this boat delivers respectable performance for coastal sailing and light cruising. The B&R rig keeps things simple for easy handling, while the generous 9.63-foot beam maximizes living space below decks—a hallmark of Hunter's design philosophy. The comfort ratio of 19.81 indicates this boat favors motion comfort over pure speed, making it well-suited for relaxed coastal cruising rather than serious offshore passages. The 18-horsepower auxiliary engine provides adequate power for maneuvering in tight quarters and motoring in calm conditions.
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What is the Hunter 280's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Hunter 280 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 19.72. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Hunter 280's comfort ratio?
The Hunter 280 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 19.81. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Hunter 280 safe for offshore sailing?
The Hunter 280 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.07. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Hunter 280?
The theoretical hull speed of the Hunter 280 is 6.51 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Hunter 280 weigh?
The Hunter 280 has a displacement of 6,500.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 27.75 ft.
How much does a used Hunter 280 cost?
Based on 2 recent market listings, used Hunter 280 sailboats typically sell for between $21,499 and $25,000, with a median asking price of $23,250. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Hunter 280?
The Hunter 280 was designed by Hunter Design Team/R. Mazza, first built in 1995.