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1,415data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this HUNTER 28 buyer’s report
HUNTER 28

HUNTER 28

$21,293 avg$12,900 – $29,900 (7 listings)1989–1994
$1.1K – $3.0K est. annual maintenance
Coastal CruisermonoFractional SloopFin

Specifications

Hull

LOA28.01 ft
LWL24.17 ft
Beam10.5 ft
Draft3.75 ft
Displacement7,400 lb
Ballast2,800.2 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL6.6 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height35 ft
Jforetriangle base10.5 ft
Pmainsail luff37.5 ft
Emainsail foot11.5 ft
FLforestay10.5 ft
Mainsail416.6 sq ft
Jib (100%)183.8 sq ft
Spinnaker312.4 sq ft

About the HUNTER 28

Thanks to Phil Galbiati for providing information on this boat. Update of the HUNTER 28.5 (1985-1988).

Sailpages Buyer's Take

The Hunter 28 is a fractional sloop designed by an unknown designer and built by Hunter Marine (USA) from 1989–1994. With a displacement of 7400.0 lb and a beam of 10.5 ft, this vessel represents a popular era of American production cruising yachts, though the exact number of hulls built is not specified in the authoritative data.

Best for:
This boat is best suited for coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize interior volume and ease of handling over high-performance racing or heavy offshore passage-making.
Bluewater capability:
With a capsize ratio of 2.16 and a comfort ratio of 19.71, the Hunter 28 is generally considered suitable for protected coastal waters rather than extended bluewater voyaging due to its moderate displacement and fin keel design.
Comparables:
Comparable boats from this era include the Beneteau First 28 and the O'Day 28, which share similar fractional sloop rigs and target the same market of accessible, family-oriented coastal cruising.

Performance

Comfort19.7
Capsize2.16
SA/Disp16.8
Disp/Len234
Bal/Disp37.8

Estimated Value

Low Confidence
Based on 6 listings
Low
$12,387
Estimated Value
$13,503
High
$16,360
Boats sell for ~0% below asking price (based on 2 actual sales) · Inflation-adjusted to 2026 USD

Asking price by model year

9 listings · boat years 19851992 · median $21,000

$0$10k$20k$30k$40kmedian $21,000198519901990 28 · $21,000 · AR, US1985 Hunter 28 · $18,000 · New York, US1989 Hunter 28 · $17,850 · Missouri, US1992 Hunter 28 · $12,900 · New Jersey, US1990 Hunter 28 · $24,500 · Wisconsin, US1991 Hunter hunter 28 · $19,900 · Florida, US1991 Hunter 28 · $29,900 · Oregon, US1991 hunter hunter 28 · $21,900 · Florida, US1991 Hunter hunter 28 · $24,900 · ORAsking price (USD)Boat model year

Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Based on 28.01ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$1.1K – $3.0K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Articles & Reviews

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

24 reported issues across 9 systems for the HUNTER 28, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

6 critical9 major9 minor
Engine5Deck4Structural4Rudder3Rigging3Hull2Keel1Electrical1Plumbing1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a HUNTER 28? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.

  • All 24 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
  • Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
  • Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep

One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep

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Engine Parts & Maintenance

The engines most commonly fitted to this model. “All parts” opens the engine's full catalogue; each part links to a matching listing on Amazon or eBay matched to its part number.

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Used sails that fit the HUNTER 28

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