Hunter 28.5 vs J/28
How do the Hunter 28.5 and J/28 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Hunter 28.5 
J/28 | Hunter 28.5 | J/28 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 28.4 ft8.66 m | 28.5 ft8.69 m |
| Waterline length | 23.8 ft7.24 m | 24.0 ft7.32 m |
| Beam | 10.5 ft3.20 m | 10.0 ft3.05 m |
| Draft | 5.2 ft1.58 m | 5.0 ft1.52 m |
| Displacement | 7,000 lb3,175 kg | 7,900 lb3,583 kg |
| Ballast | 3,000 lb1,361 kg | 3,000 lb1,361 kg |
| Sail area | 397 ft²36.9 m² | 413 ft²38.4 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 17.36 | 16.66 |
| Displacement / Length | 233 | 255 |
| Comfort ratio | 18.8 | 22.4 |
| Capsize screening | 2.20 | 2.01 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.5 | 6.6 |
Hunter 28.5 vs J/28: the short version
- The Hunter 28.5 and J/28 are close in length (28.4 ft8.66 m vs 28.5 ft8.69 m ).
- The J/28 is heavier, displacing about 13% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Hunter 28.5 carries the more powerful rig (17.4 vs 16.7), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The J/28 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the J/28 rates better for offshore work (2.01 vs 2.20).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.