HUNTER 28.5
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 28.42 ft |
| LWL | 23.75 ft |
| Beam | 10.5 ft |
| Draft | 5.18 ft |
| Displacement | 7,000 lb |
| Ballast | 3,000.2 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.5 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 37.33 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 12.08 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 31.75 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 10.83 ft |
| FLforestay | 12.1 ft |
| Mainsail | 411.2 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 225.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 383.3 sq ft |
Engine
| Yanmar | 2GM20F18 hpSee all 35 parts → |
| Yanmar | 2GM15 hpSee all 65 parts → |
| Yanmar | 2GM2018 hpSee all 31 parts → |
About the HUNTER 28.5
Shoal draft/wing keel: 4'/1.21m
The Hunter 28.5 is a popular coastal cruiser designed by Hunter Design and built by Hunter Marine (USA) from 1985 to 1988. With a displacement of 7000.0 lb and a beam of 10.5 ft, it offers a comfortable interior for its size, though owners frequently report significant maintenance challenges regarding the deck core and rudder systems.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize interior volume and ease of handling over heavy offshore performance. It is less ideal for single-handers due to the reported frequency of rudder and steering maintenance issues.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.2 and a comfort ratio of 18.77, the Hunter 28.5 is designed for protected waters rather than extended bluewater passages. Its fin keel and moderate displacement suggest it is not optimized for heavy weather offshore cruising.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from this era include the Catalina 27 and O'Day 27, which share similar beam widths and cabin layouts. The Hunter 28.5 distinguishes itself with a slightly longer LOA of 28.42 ft and a more modern B&R rig configuration compared to earlier masthead designs.
Performance
Estimated Value
High ConfidenceAsking price by model year
59 listings · boat years 1984–1992 · median $12,500
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 28.42ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
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Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
30 reported issues across 11 systems for the HUNTER 28.5, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a HUNTER 28.5? 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 30 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
Similar Sailboats
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 
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matched to its part number.
Yanmar 2GM20F
All parts →Yanmar 2GM
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Used sails that fit the HUNTER 28.5
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…