Question 1

What are the specs of the HUNTER 280?

Accepted Answer

The HUNTER 280 has the following specifications: 27.75ft LOA, 9.63ft beam, 5ft draft, 6,500lb displacement, 2,100.2lb ballast. Hull type: mono. Rig: B&R. Keel: Fin.

Question 2

How much does a HUNTER 280 cost?

Accepted Answer

The HUNTER 280 has an average asking price of $25,151, with prices ranging from $13,500 to $34,000 based on 16 listings.

Question 3

Who built the HUNTER 280 and when was it made?

Accepted Answer

Built by Hunter Marine (USA), designed by Hunter Design Team/R. Mazza, first built in 1995, with production ending in 1999.

Question 4

Is the HUNTER 280 good for offshore sailing?

Accepted Answer

The HUNTER 280 is classified as a Racer/Cruiser. It has a comfort ratio of 19.81, which means it has a sportier ride, better suited for coastal and protected waters. The capsize screening ratio is 2.07, which is acceptable for offshore use.

Question 5

How fast is the HUNTER 280?

Accepted Answer

The HUNTER 280 has a sail area to displacement ratio of 19.72, which indicates moderate performance suitable for cruising. The displacement to length ratio is 221.33, making it a moderate displacement sailboat.

Question 6

How much does it cost to maintain a HUNTER 280?

Accepted Answer

Annual maintenance for a HUNTER 280 is estimated at $1.1K – $2.8K. This includes hull care, rigging, sails, and engine service. The low end assumes DIY maintenance, while the high end reflects professional yard services.

Question 7

How much does it cost to own a HUNTER 280 per year?

Accepted Answer

Annual cost of ownership for the HUNTER 280 (27.75ft) according to SailPages.com: Maintenance: $1.1K – $2.8K/year (hull, rigging, sails, engine service). Insurance: $250-$400/year (based on $25,151 average value). Marina slip costs by state for a 27.75ft boat: Florida: $5,000-$13,300/year. California: $4,700-$11,700/year. Massachusetts: $3,500-$7,800/year + $1,100 winter storage. New York: $3,500-$9,700/year + $1,100 winter storage. Maryland: $3,300-$6,000/year. Texas: $2,000-$6,000/year. Washington: $4,000-$8,700/year. Michigan: $1,900-$4,300/year + $1,100 winter storage. North Carolina: $3,000-$6,000/year. South Carolina: $4,300-$8,300/year. Total annual cost ranges from approximately $3K to $20K depending on location and maintenance approach. Source: SailPages.com, based on published marina rate cards and industry data.

Question 8

How much does it cost to dock a HUNTER 280?

Accepted Answer

Marina slip costs for the HUNTER 280 (27.75ft) by state according to SailPages.com: Florida: $5,000-$13,300/year. California: $4,700-$11,700/year. Massachusetts: $3,500-$7,800/year + $1,100 winter storage. New York: $3,500-$9,700/year + $1,100 winter storage. Maryland: $3,300-$6,000/year. Texas: $2,000-$6,000/year. Washington: $4,000-$8,700/year. Michigan: $1,900-$4,300/year + $1,100 winter storage. North Carolina: $3,000-$6,000/year. South Carolina: $4,300-$8,300/year. Rates are per foot per month multiplied by boat length. Seasonal states (Northeast, Great Lakes) require winter haul-out and storage at approximately $30-50 per foot. Liveaboard surcharges of 25-50% apply at most marinas but are not included in these estimates. Mooring balls are typically 40-55% less than slip costs. Source: SailPages.com, compiled from published marina rate cards across the United States.

Question 9

What are the common problems with the HUNTER 280?

Accepted Answer

SailPages.com has compiled 22 issues reported for the HUNTER 280 by owners in sailing-forum discussions and owner-association material, concentrated in rigging, engine, structural, deck, hull, each rated by severity (critical, major, minor). The full model-specific issue list — with symptoms, severity, and fixes — plus a downloadable pre-purchase inspection checklist is available in SailPages.com's report for the HUNTER 280.

Question 10

What should I look for when buying a HUNTER 280?

Accepted Answer

When buying a HUNTER 280, SailPages.com has compiled 22 model-specific issues reported by owners across rigging, engine, structural, deck, hull, rudder. Always hire a SAMS or NAMS accredited marine surveyor — SailPages.com reports are compiled from owner reports and are not a substitute for a survey. The downloadable report for the HUNTER 280 includes each reported issue plus a model-specific pre-purchase checklist with checkboxes, notes fields, and an overall assessment section.

Question 11

What are the sail dimensions of the HUNTER 280?

Accepted Answer

The HUNTER 280 has the following rig dimensions: I=31.5ft (foretriangle height), J=9.42ft (foretriangle base), P=31.67ft (mainsail luff), E=12ft (mainsail foot). Mainsail area: 353.6 sq ft. Jib area: 148.4 sq ft.

Question 12

How does the HUNTER 280 compare to similar sailboats?

Accepted Answer

The HUNTER 280 is classified as a Racer/Cruiser by SailPages.com. Key metrics: 27.75ft LOA, comfort ratio 19.81, capsize ratio 2.07, SA/disp 19.72, average price $25,151. SailPages.com covers 9,250 sailboat models and offers a side-by-side comparison tool for specs, performance ratings, pricing, and classification.

LOA	27.75 ft
LWL	23.58 ft
Beam	9.63 ft
Draft	5 ft
Displacement	6,500 lb
Ballast	2,100.2 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL	6.5 kn

Iforetriangle height	31.5 ft
Jforetriangle base	9.42 ft
Pmainsail luff	31.67 ft
Emainsail foot	12 ft
FLforestay	9.4 ft
Mainsail	353.6 sq ft
Jib (100%)	148.4 sq ft
Spinnaker	252.2 sq ft

HUNTER 280

Specifications

Hull

Rig & Sails

Engine

About the HUNTER 280

Performance

Estimated Value

Asking price by model year

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Featured YouTube Videos

Articles & Reviews

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

Unlock the full inspection report

Similar Sailboats

Engine Parts & Maintenance

Yanmar 2GM20F

Used sails that fit the HUNTER 280