77 27 Hunter. What to look for when buying?

[Adrianjohnm]

First boat purchase and I am really interested in a 1977 Hunter 27 for $7500 that I will be looking at.

I will be getting a surveyor if I decide to purchase, however, i would like to know what I should look out for in particular?

Are there any well know trouble spots on the 1977 Hunter 27? Squishy deck? Osmosis? Window leaks? causing rotting core?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

The boat appears to be well taken care of and it was covered on cradle every winter. Necessary here in Toronto, but not everyone does it.

Thanks everyone!!

I think this will be the boat for me, but I am also looking at a Catalina 30. That one I know needs $4000 work, but it is only $10000 OBO.

 

[Seattle Scott]

Here is some light reading on the subject
http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/index.php?option=com_brevs&model=16&Itemid=170

 

[Benny]

look at the engine and the sails. Feel the shrouds for proper and balanced tension. Look at the mast support for bend; does the door to the head open and close smoothly or rub against the bend. Check the through the hull valves, if original are gate valves. At that price for a 77 I would spect fairly good conditions with working electronics.

 

[Adrianjohnm]

77 Hunter...What to watch for b4 vuyinf.

Thanks for the reply. FYI...The price for the Hunter 27 is $7500/OBO. And it has quite a bit of equipment.

* 8 hp Yanmar diesel engine (propellor stuffing box and seals replaced in 2005)
* Includes mainsail and genoa and thats it.
* 32' aluminum mast, with mast-head rig, internal halyards & wiring, with Flex-Furl genoa furler new in 2006.
* 30 amp shore-power with marine battery charger, 2 deep cycle atteries, shore power cable.
* 110v AC lighting and outlets. VHF ship-shore radio. Garmin 720 GPS, Knot meter, Depth gauge.
* CD stereo (6 disc changer), cockpit speakers, alcohol 2-burner stove, icebox, rail mounted Force 10 stainless steel BBQ
* Includes all lines, sheets, fenders, shrouds and fittings. Also, flares, life ring, heaving lines, salon cushions, cockpit cushions, sail covers and bags.

The owner seems like a real nice guy that really took care of his boat, and I don't think he is screwing me around when I spoke with him on the phone.

I am checking it out Sat. It is on it's Cradle, as he set it up for sailong this year, but never got around to doing so as he bought a house. It was covered every winter with a tarp.

look at the engine and the sails. Feel the shrouds for proper and balanced tension. Look at the mast support for bend; does the door to the head open and close smoothly or rub against the bend. Check the through the hull valves, if original are gate valves. At that price for a 77 I would spect fairly good conditions with working electronics.

 

[David F.]

Water in the Wood

Lady Lillie is our '77 h27. We've had her for 10 years. The biggest issue for any boat of this age is saturation of the wood core of the deck & cabin roof with water, and the resulting rot. Key spots to check are the mast step "sandwich" and lifeline stanchions. Both have been renewed on Lady Lillie. The survey when we bought the boat did identify the mast issue, We sailed her for two years before fixing it. The lifeline stanchions were repaired by a prior owner.

I'd also have a diesel mechanic check the engine. 32 years is enough time the the engine to get really tired. Ourrs blew a head gasket after 7 years of use. Replacing it cost a little less than you will pay for the boat!

This boat is wonderfully simple, so there are far fewer chances for something to go wrong. And when they do, replacement of pumps or components is typically low cost and easy to do.

Good luck! This model is a great cruising boat for two, and we have spent a week on her with my Dad, and two large brothers!

David
Lady Lillie

 

[fifedog]

Be sure to ask about all the aftermarket changes that may have been made to the boat. I didn't have the opportunity to meet the PO, and he added a lot of gadgets and meeters that I'm still trying to figure out. Check the battery charger in the NAV station. If it's a Dytek it may need replacing. If the ignition uses soda machine style keys with 102 on same, the keys may break. The original ports tend to be brittle, so make sure you open and close them while inspecting.
The price sounds right (got my 79 for 6500). Keep in mind, that 8hp one-lunger will only be enuff to putter away from the dock and get you out into the open, and will knock at low rpm.