Thinking of buying 1996 h-280. Any input?

[Ed Sabornie]

I'm another Ed who will attest that the h280 is a great boat. My wife and I have a '97 that we bought used about 2.5 yrs. ago and sail all over the Chesapeake Bay. We added a lot of extras. You can add secondary winches on the coamings for a spinnaker. There are circular areas for the winches already molded in. Storage is more than ample for the two of us under the seats and berths. The '97 and later models have more teak above and around the settee seats than earlier models, with small shelves above. The shelves are not that big and do not add significantly to the storage space. The full bimini and cabin-top traveler (we have both with a dodger, too) are better than the very small bimini and no traveler. We sail all year, so the dodger is nice when it gets cold.If you have any other specific questions post to me at sailor_ejs@hotmail.com

[Tim McGee]

I currently own a h-23 and am wanting to upgrade to the 30 foot range. I ran across a 280 that seems to be an exceptional deal. I haven't seen much about them on here, and was wondering if anyone has any comments on them. I noticed they don't have any secondary winches. Could they be added? Also, I found a photo on another site with shelves behind the setees. They looked factory. I'm wondering if they could be added, as this boat seems to lack storage space. Any comments would be appreciated.

[Ed Fluss]

If you like...write me and Ill answer any question you may have about the 280. I had a 1996 H280 until this past summer of 2002 (upgraded to the 326).GREAT BOAT. I sailed it from NY Harbor to Block Island each summer. From Fire Island to Cape May and weekend from NY Harbor all the way up the Hudson or south to Sandy Hoook... All sorts of weather...and she just plows thru.Storage is not bad. Under the bunks and seats is plenty. I usually weekended with my girlfriend and we cooked most meals on that 2 burner stove and a propane grill from KMARTThe full bimini and midboom sheeting was a must for me and some customizing of the jiffy reefing made it almost rare to leave the cockpit to get the sails up and down.I only traded up because after the boat and I survived 9/11 I thought it life affirming to move up a step! Go figure... Edsailwriter@yahoo.com

[Pete & Crystal Shaw]

Hi Tim-We bought a used 1998 H280 last year.Sails fast and we love it.Only trouble was there was no way to empty holding tank aside from pumping out dockside. We wanted to be able to do this offshore so added a thru hull and macerator pump. Not sure what your set up is on that year.Will be a nice difference from the H23.By the way, our draft is deep fin keel,5'.Happy sailing.Pete & Crystal s/v Eastern Sky H280

[Bob Knott]

I had a 96 280 which I sold when I bought my 380. 280 is an awesome little boat. See archives for lots of old articles I wrote. Good luckBob KnottH380

[Pete]

Tim,sent a photo of our H280 but for some reason it did not come out.Bob Knott: do you know the Barber's from South Harwich? Pete

[Tim McGee]

I appreciate everyone's responses and input. It sounds like it is unanimous! The boat I'm looking at is a 96, has a dodger, forced-air diesel cabin heat, macerator (can't use on the lake), a fin keel, speed and depth instruments, a cruising spinaker and a CD player. It has the 18 hp Yanmar. I want to either work a wind instrument and autopilot into the deal, or add them afterwards, as well as the barbecue off my old boat. It will also get a $1000 truck ride from Seattle to Coeur d' Alene (Oh yeah, and a new name!). All it takes is money, right?Thanks again for your help!-Tim

[Bob Knott]

Oh Yea I know Peter, Peter Jr. and John Barber... all are crazy!!! I used to race motorcycles with Peter Jr., he's a nut case, and John well, he's alittle more settled, but not much. All in all they are they great American family. Nice folks, hard workers, and true gentlemen.If you run into them please have them e-mail me atbob@capecodweddings.comas we've recently moved from Harwich to Sandwich on Cape Cod.thanksBob KnottH380

[Sam]

I bought my first sailboat (larger than a Hobie 16 and sailboards) in August 2002. It was a used 1996 280. For the most part I have really enjoyed the boat. For the price I haven't seen anything better yet. If you buy it I would recommend immediately having a good mechanic put in a larger fuel filter. Mine clogged the second time out and I had to sail back to the dock. I was told by the surveyer before I bought the boat that the filter was totally inadequate and he was right. Look at it under the pull up panels under the stern mattress and look in the catalog. You will see that it is the smallest filter shown in the Boat US catalog (basically a gasoline engine filter). He mounted the new filter on the post under the vertical panel at the back of the stern berth. No problems since.The main has has been hard to raise the last 1-2 feet. However, I just got some sailtrack lubricant and I feel sure it will solve the problem. Everything else on the boat has worked perfectly.I don't particularly like the circular cushions around the table (too hard to edge around the table and get to the bow storage. If both sides of the table dropped down more floor space would be available. I replaced the alcohol stove with a plywood cover and a small microwave. The boat sails very well. I have easily passed similar sized friends' boats under full sail on the same tack.Overall I think the boat is a very good value. Write if you have any other questions. (wseggleston@yahoo.com

[Pete]

Hi Tim- Your pic came out great.We don't have the Dodger,but have a full bimini. Also lazy jacks for the full batten main.My wife's sister lives in Monteview Id.Has a sheep ranch.Best of luck with your new H280,know you'll enjoy it.Pete & Crystal Hobe Sound, Fl.

[Pete]

Trying this pic again!

[Tim McGee]

Sam, thanks for the info on the fuel filter. I am a heavy equipment mechanic, so it will be a "no brainer" for me to change. Pete, you might make sure your picture isn't too big. I think it has to be under 100kb? Also, they suggest that you move it up just under the C: on your file menu tree. I guess it needs to be a short path, or something.We arrived at a price agreement with the sellers, and are driving over (300 miles) Monday for a sea trial and survey. I'm sure it will check out fine, as it appears to have had meticulous care and maintenance. Aside from new dodger windows, I haven't found anything it will need.Thanks again for the input.Tim

[Jim A]

good luck! I am sure you like it!

[Pete]

Ok Tim tell us what you thought of the test sail???When I sailed my H280 for the first time I was very impressed with the speed and handling.I find it bit more tender than I thought it would be ,and that has to be due to the full batten large roach mainsail. It provides a lot of drive for sure. Lots of luck on your venture and decision there!!Pete & Crystal ~Eastern Sky~Hobe Sound Fl.E-mail svmanido@cs.com