HUNTER 490 (LEE)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 16.08 ft |
| LWL | 14 ft |
| Beam | 6.59 ft |
| Draft | 3.25 ft/ 1.51 ft min |
| Displacement | 1,000 lb |
| Ballast | 300 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.0 kn |
About the HUNTER 490 (LEE)
The Hunter 490 (Lee) is a compact fractional sloop designed by Oliver Lee and built by Hunter Boats Ltd. (UK) between 1972 and 1977. With a displacement of 1000.0 lb and a LOA of 16.08 ft, this vessel represents a lightweight, trailerable daysailer rather than a heavy cruiser.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal daysailing, trailerable weekend cruising, and novice sailors seeking a manageable, low-maintenance package. Its light displacement and fractional rig make it responsive and easy to handle in protected waters.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of only 1000.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.64, this boat is not suitable for offshore or bluewater cruising. Its light construction and trailerable nature limit it strictly to coastal and inland waterways.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include other 16-foot trailerable fractional sloops from the 1970s, such as the O'Day 16 or Pearson 16, which share similar dimensions and roles. These boats are comparable due to their shared emphasis on ease of transport and simple fractional rigging.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the HUNTER 490 (LEE) yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 16.08ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
17 reported issues across 8 systems for the HUNTER 490 (LEE), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a HUNTER 490 (LEE)? 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 17 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
Which engine powers your HUNTER 490 (LEE)?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Bukh, Universal, Perkins — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the HUNTER 490 (LEE)
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