Hunter 28.5 vs Hunter 290
How do the Hunter 28.5 and Hunter 290 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Hunter 28.5 
Hunter 290 | Hunter 28.5 | Hunter 290 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 28.4 ft8.66 m | 28.6 ft8.71 m |
| Waterline length | 23.8 ft7.24 m | 26.9 ft8.21 m |
| Beam | 10.5 ft3.20 m | 10.8 ft3.28 m |
| Draft | 5.2 ft1.58 m | 5.3 ft1.62 m |
| Displacement | 7,000 lb3,175 kg | 7,400 lb3,357 kg |
| Ballast | 3,000 lb1,361 kg | 2,550 lb1,157 kg |
| Sail area | 397 ft²36.9 m² | 350 ft²32.5 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.36 | 14.75 |
| Displacement / Length | 233 | 169 |
| Comfort ratio | 18.8 | 17.6 |
| Capsize screening | 2.20 | 2.21 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.5 | 7.0 |
Hunter 28.5 vs Hunter 290: the short version
- The Hunter 28.5 and Hunter 290 are close in length (28.4 ft8.66 m vs 28.6 ft8.71 m ).
- On sail area/displacement the Hunter 28.5 carries the more powerful rig (17.4 vs 14.7), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Hunter 28.5 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Hunter 28.5 rates better for offshore work (2.20 vs 2.21).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.