Hunter Edge Page 2

Boats

By Tom Dove • Posted: Aug 17, 2009

Under power

Our test boat had the optional 75-horsepower Evinrude E-TEC outboard, which is a greener and more efficient design than the standard 50. This seems like a huge motor for a trailer-sailer, but a comparable planing-hull fishing boat would surely carry more than 200 horsepower. The 50 will be ample; Pettingill says the speed difference between 50 and 75 is only 2 or 3 knots.

The economy cruise setting is 2,000 rpm, which yields a boatspeed of 6 knots. Full throttle puts the boat on a plane at a top speed of around 15 knots if the crew is light. The boat is quite sensitive to load. Water ballast is only necessary for sailing, and the boat is about 3 knots faster with the tank empty. It takes about 7-8 minutes to dump the ballast while underway.

The Edge has excellent manners up on a plane; it banks into turns properly, tracks well, and rides smoothly. It also handles nicely at low speed, turns in one boatlength, and stops and backs down precisely. I was surprised to find the boat was not affected much by crosswinds with the board down and the tank full.

Conclusion

In addition to buyers coming from a nonsailing or powerboating background, the Edge could be a logical “downsizing” boat for an experienced sailor. It would also make a capable and simple Intracoastal Waterway cruiser.

Specifications

LOA: 28'6" (with motor)

LWL: 24'2"

Beam: 8'3"

Draft: (board up/board down): 1'7"/4'10"

Displacement: 5,540 lbs (ballast tank full)

Ballast: (1,600 lbs

Trailering Weight: 4,920 lbs

Sail area: (100% ) 333 ft2

power: 50-75 hp outboard

Fuel/Water: 6/12 gal

Electrical: 208 aH.