Hunter 28 vs Hunter 280
How do the Hunter 28 and Hunter 280 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Hunter 28 
Hunter 280 | Hunter 28 | Hunter 280 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 28.0 ft8.54 m | 27.8 ft8.46 m |
| Waterline length | 24.2 ft7.37 m | 23.6 ft7.19 m |
| Beam | 10.5 ft3.20 m | 9.6 ft2.94 m |
| Draft | 3.8 ft1.14 m | 5.0 ft1.52 m |
| Displacement | 7,400 lb3,357 kg | 6,500 lb2,948 kg |
| Ballast | 2,800 lb1,270 kg | 2,100 lb953 kg |
| Sail area | 399 ft²37.1 m² | 338 ft²31.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.81 | 15.53 |
| Displacement / Length | 234 | 221 |
| Comfort ratio | 19.7 | 19.8 |
| Capsize screening | 2.16 | 2.06 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.6 | 6.5 |
Hunter 28 vs Hunter 280: the short version
- The Hunter 28 and Hunter 280 are close in length (28.0 ft8.54 m vs 27.8 ft8.46 m ).
- The Hunter 28 is heavier, displacing about 14% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Hunter 28 carries the more powerful rig (16.8 vs 15.5), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Hunter 280 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Hunter 280 rates better for offshore work (2.06 vs 2.16).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.