HUNTER 290
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 28.58 ft |
| LWL | 26.92 ft |
| Beam | 10.75 ft |
| Draft | 5.33 ft |
| Displacement | 7,400 lb |
| Ballast | 2,552.9 lb |
| Material | 28’ 7”8.71 m |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 32 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 11 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 29.08 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 12 ft |
| FLforestay | 11 ft |
| Mainsail | 364.4 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 176 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 299.2 sq ft |
Accommodation
| Cabins | 2 |
| Berths | 4 |
| Heads | 6 |
| Water | 39.9 L |
| Fuel | 20.1 L |
| CE category | N/A€ |
About the HUNTER 290
Wing Keel version: draft = 3.5'.
The Hunter 290 is a fractional sloop designed by the Hunter Design Team and built by Hunter Marine (USA) from 1999–2002. With a displacement of 7400.0 lb and a beam of 10.75 ft, this model represents a popular era of American production cruising yachts, though specific hull build counts are not definitively recorded in the source data.
- 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. Its fractional rig and moderate displacement make it accessible for couples or small families seeking a comfortable, manageable package for protected waters.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.21 and a comfort ratio of 17.64, the Hunter 290 is designed for coastal cruising rather than serious bluewater passagemaking. Its relatively light displacement of 7400.0 lb and fin keel configuration suggest it is best kept within sight of land and in moderate weather conditions.
- 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 entry-level cruisers. The Hunter 290 distinguishes itself with a wider beam and more modern interior layouts typical of late-90s Hunter designs.
Performance
Estimated Value
Medium ConfidenceAsking price by model year
10 listings · boat years 1985–2001 · median $29,900
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 28.58ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
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Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
20 reported issues across 9 systems for the HUNTER 290, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a HUNTER 290? 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 20 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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Used sails that fit the HUNTER 290
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