I am considering the purchase of a 1979 27' Hunter. It is equipped with a Yanmar 8 horsepower engine which seems to be in good working order now. My question is whether this engine has sufficient power for this boat and if I have problems with it are spare parts available. Thanks for any assistance you can give
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Great boat, good little engine
We love our '77 h27. If you decide to go ahead with your opportunity, be sure to get a good survey. From our experience, and the history of posts on this site, the Yanmar is a very reliable engine, and there is no problem getting servicing or parts. (See Torresson at this site for instance. There are two active mechanics in our area for the Yanmar.) The power has been fine for our two summers cruising Lake Erie. We have been up to 5.5 knots with it, but ours consumes oil at that speed. Our normal cruising speed on the "iron jenny" (with very low oil consumption) is 4.5 to 5 knots. We have made 3.5 knots going into a 15-20 knot wind, and 4 foot waves. It's plenty of power for maneuvering into port, and around the slips in a marina. Nevertheless, compared to modern boats, 8 hp is underpowered. What that really means is that it's not the engine for a cruising leg into winds over 10 knots, or if you want to stay near hull speed (6.2 knots) to buck the tide. We don't need either of those conditions, so I think it's a great engine for us. Check the owner reviews on this site for other opinions David Lady Lillie
We love our '77 h27. If you decide to go ahead with your opportunity, be sure to get a good survey. From our experience, and the history of posts on this site, the Yanmar is a very reliable engine, and there is no problem getting servicing or parts. (See Torresson at this site for instance. There are two active mechanics in our area for the Yanmar.) The power has been fine for our two summers cruising Lake Erie. We have been up to 5.5 knots with it, but ours consumes oil at that speed. Our normal cruising speed on the "iron jenny" (with very low oil consumption) is 4.5 to 5 knots. We have made 3.5 knots going into a 15-20 knot wind, and 4 foot waves. It's plenty of power for maneuvering into port, and around the slips in a marina. Nevertheless, compared to modern boats, 8 hp is underpowered. What that really means is that it's not the engine for a cruising leg into winds over 10 knots, or if you want to stay near hull speed (6.2 knots) to buck the tide. We don't need either of those conditions, so I think it's a great engine for us. Check the owner reviews on this site for other opinions David Lady Lillie
Ditto...
I have a '78 27 with a Yanmar SB8. Seems to do just fine on a lake. Can't comment on coastal waters where there maybe tidal currents to deal with. The boat as a whole is a great little boat. And the engine is bullet proof. Best place for parts is Marine Diesel Direct / Torrenson Marine. Good luck. You won't be sorry.
I have a '78 27 with a Yanmar SB8. Seems to do just fine on a lake. Can't comment on coastal waters where there maybe tidal currents to deal with. The boat as a whole is a great little boat. And the engine is bullet proof. Best place for parts is Marine Diesel Direct / Torrenson Marine. Good luck. You won't be sorry.
A little underpowered but.............
we love our H-27!! The Yanmar 8 is fine for most everything we do. However, we would not consider doing the Detroit River (at a flow rate of 4 Knots), for instance. I have had an issue with some black smoke but got the problem resolved with a local certified Yanmar mechanic at my slip with a few parts for under $250. Great value for a low maintenance engine. Getting parts took two days and Yanmar Service Reps are readily available around Lake Erie - which I assume is true with other places, too. If you enjoy the H-27 half as much as we do, you will be in "Great Winds"
Jay Kent SEAS THE SAIL
we love our H-27!! The Yanmar 8 is fine for most everything we do. However, we would not consider doing the Detroit River (at a flow rate of 4 Knots), for instance. I have had an issue with some black smoke but got the problem resolved with a local certified Yanmar mechanic at my slip with a few parts for under $250. Great value for a low maintenance engine. Getting parts took two days and Yanmar Service Reps are readily available around Lake Erie - which I assume is true with other places, too. If you enjoy the H-27 half as much as we do, you will be in "Great Winds"
Jay Kent SEAS THE SAILNot to worry
I had a H27 with that little single cylinder Yanmar and it ran fine. My friend, who I sold the boat to a friend has been off shore in the Atlantic through some inlets that have current running 5k at times and he has had no problems. This boat lived most of it's former life (prior to my ownership) in Port Orange Florida and has at least 10 crossings to the Bahamas and the people lived to tell about it(it really is about seamanship). If mine had a wheel, I would still own it. GREAT BOAT
I had a H27 with that little single cylinder Yanmar and it ran fine. My friend, who I sold the boat to a friend has been off shore in the Atlantic through some inlets that have current running 5k at times and he has had no problems. This boat lived most of it's former life (prior to my ownership) in Port Orange Florida and has at least 10 crossings to the Bahamas and the people lived to tell about it(it really is about seamanship). If mine had a wheel, I would still own it. GREAT BOAT
h 27 power
Hi Jack my 1975 h27 has the same engine. As far as I can tell it has never been rebuilt. I recently sailed down to Annapolis and back using the engine on the return trip. We did about 5kts for over 8hrs with no problems.
Hi Jack my 1975 h27 has the same engine. As far as I can tell it has never been rebuilt. I recently sailed down to Annapolis and back using the engine on the return trip. We did about 5kts for over 8hrs with no problems.
HUnter 27
Jack, I have had mine for a year and yes the 8hp leaves the boat a little under powered but it is fine for navigating docks and to get home when wind dies. Other wise the boat is a joy to sail. Mine is a 1983 and needs some work and new port hatches. I have recently been single handing and find it easy to handle .....makes me want to move up to a 28.5 or 30. Buy and have fun.
Jack, I have had mine for a year and yes the 8hp leaves the boat a little under powered but it is fine for navigating docks and to get home when wind dies. Other wise the boat is a joy to sail. Mine is a 1983 and needs some work and new port hatches. I have recently been single handing and find it easy to handle .....makes me want to move up to a 28.5 or 30. Buy and have fun.
adequate
had an 83 27' for 5 years. THe 8hp yanmar was loud (marbles in a coffee can) just adequate,great on fuel. but very reliable.You just have to be careful of severe current. You will not buck a 5kt tide.
had an 83 27' for 5 years. THe 8hp yanmar was loud (marbles in a coffee can) just adequate,great on fuel. but very reliable.You just have to be careful of severe current. You will not buck a 5kt tide.
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