1986 J/28 vs Hunter 280 — Comparison
Hunter 280
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1986 J/28 | Hunter 280 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | J/Boats | Hunter |
| Year | 1986–1990 | 1998–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Rod Johnstone | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.66 m (28.4 ft) | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 2.82 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,948 kg (6,499 lbs) | 2,585 kg (5,699 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) | 998 kg (2,200 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 37.6 m² (405 ft²) | 34.0 m² (366 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 12 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1986 J/28 and Hunter 280 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1986 J/28 is a 1980s design by J/Boats from USA, while the Hunter 280 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1986 J/28 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The Hunter 280 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the 1986 J/28 measures 8.66m (28.4ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the Hunter 280 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.82m beam. The 1986 J/28 is 0.13m longer than the Hunter 280. The 1986 J/28 displaces approximately 14% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1986 J/28 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.59 and 37.6 m² of sail area. The Hunter 280, with an SA/D of 18.35 and 34.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1986 J/28 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1986 J/28 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.85). The Hunter 280 has a comfort ratio of 16.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.82. The ballast ratios are 46.2% for the 1986 J/28 and 38.6% for the Hunter 280, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1986 J/28 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The Hunter 280 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L water and 45L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1986 J/28 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.
For racing: The 1986 J/28 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1986 J/28 · Hunter 280