Greetings – We (Mark & Carol) used purchased a 1980 27’ Hunter and joined this website. The boat we purchased is a “MAJOR” fixer upper (has a sound hull and standing rigging – but has been neglected and stripped – but not seriously abused). While we are not new to sailing (we currently own a 22’ Columbia racing sailboat) we are new to Hunters and definitely feel this boat has potential. As experienced Hunter owners, we would appreciate any input and guidance relative to the many questions regarding the repairs needed on this boat. The first concern is obtaining new hatches (both in the v-berth and mid-hatch). We need to replace these completely. Does anyone know where we could get after market hatches for this boat at reasonable prices? Also, we need to replace the inboard engine. While we have an outdoor engine and sails that we can utilize short term, we are looking for a long term solution. Does anyone have any suggestions (make, model, sources) that you would recommend for this type/size boat to help us from reinventing the “proverbial wheel” and making bad choices? All input is greatly appreciated and we look forward to talking to all of you on various topics in the future. Fair winds to all…and happy sailing! Thanks – Mark & Carol
- Status
Mark and Carol, the hatches are no longer
manufactured. The front hatch is a trapezoidal and no standart size replacements are available. Some have sucessfully trimmed the opening to use a Bomar. I don't recall the size or model # but you should be able to find it in the archives. There is a wealth of information in the archives. On the other hand the manufacturer of the portholes is well and alive. Gray Marine of Tampa, FL is now a subsidiary of Pompanette, LLC; Google Pompanette and you will find the parts lists and they do mail order. As far as inboard engine the recommended power plant would be a Yanmar 1GM10. The h27 Cherubini is not a fancy boat by any strech but it is roomy, built like a tank and will sail fairly well. It is billed as a tall rig but that was the only rigging configuration. It came in a shallow draft of 3.3' or the standart 4.3'. It can be set up as nice coastal cruiser.
manufactured. The front hatch is a trapezoidal and no standart size replacements are available. Some have sucessfully trimmed the opening to use a Bomar. I don't recall the size or model # but you should be able to find it in the archives. There is a wealth of information in the archives. On the other hand the manufacturer of the portholes is well and alive. Gray Marine of Tampa, FL is now a subsidiary of Pompanette, LLC; Google Pompanette and you will find the parts lists and they do mail order. As far as inboard engine the recommended power plant would be a Yanmar 1GM10. The h27 Cherubini is not a fancy boat by any strech but it is roomy, built like a tank and will sail fairly well. It is billed as a tall rig but that was the only rigging configuration. It came in a shallow draft of 3.3' or the standart 4.3'. It can be set up as nice coastal cruiser.
Definitely check the archives
There should be quite a few items relating to the trapezoidal front hatch. I don't think there is a direct replacement but there should be something fairly close that can fit with a little work. If the ports need replacing go with the New Found Metals Tri-Matrix ports. They are direct drop in replacements that are much better quality than the originals and a really great price. You'll find an outboard will push the boat just fine. As far as an inboard, consider the cost of a new diesel - it will be very expensive, close to what a 1980 27' would be worth if it was in good shape. Try to look for a good inexpensive used diesel (if such a thing can be found). I am in the same boat - literally and figuratively - I would like to replace the diesel on my 27' but am currently using an outboard. The outboard definitely wrecks the nice look of the transom and can be a safety issue in rough conditions. If you do decide on spending $6k to $7k on a new diesel with installation, check out Beta Marine. They have a nice well thought out diesel that will fit in the 27' (with the smaller oil pan option). The main thing to look out for is a saturated core at the desk step. It is a very common problem with these models but fortunately it is not to hard to repair if you are handy. I did it, and other than having the mast taken down, it was inexpensive and fairly quick. Also have the rig inspected if you are unsure of the age. Another thing would be the seacocks. If they are gate valves replace them at your next haul-out. Bottom line is have fun with the boat. It is very enjoyable and once you get used to it, it sails well and is very comfortable. You will also find that it is built like a tank. Manny
There should be quite a few items relating to the trapezoidal front hatch. I don't think there is a direct replacement but there should be something fairly close that can fit with a little work. If the ports need replacing go with the New Found Metals Tri-Matrix ports. They are direct drop in replacements that are much better quality than the originals and a really great price. You'll find an outboard will push the boat just fine. As far as an inboard, consider the cost of a new diesel - it will be very expensive, close to what a 1980 27' would be worth if it was in good shape. Try to look for a good inexpensive used diesel (if such a thing can be found). I am in the same boat - literally and figuratively - I would like to replace the diesel on my 27' but am currently using an outboard. The outboard definitely wrecks the nice look of the transom and can be a safety issue in rough conditions. If you do decide on spending $6k to $7k on a new diesel with installation, check out Beta Marine. They have a nice well thought out diesel that will fit in the 27' (with the smaller oil pan option). The main thing to look out for is a saturated core at the desk step. It is a very common problem with these models but fortunately it is not to hard to repair if you are handy. I did it, and other than having the mast taken down, it was inexpensive and fairly quick. Also have the rig inspected if you are unsure of the age. Another thing would be the seacocks. If they are gate valves replace them at your next haul-out. Bottom line is have fun with the boat. It is very enjoyable and once you get used to it, it sails well and is very comfortable. You will also find that it is built like a tank. Manny
here's a source for equipment that you need.
try the Saliors Exchange in St Augustine they have hatches of all sizes and sometimes used engines as well as tons of other boating equipment. Most of the equipment is used but serviceable. Their telephone number is: 1-904-808-0667
try the Saliors Exchange in St Augustine they have hatches of all sizes and sometimes used engines as well as tons of other boating equipment. Most of the equipment is used but serviceable. Their telephone number is: 1-904-808-0667
Here is a link
with some Hatch #, if you scrol down. I went the tpapazoidal Bomar hatch route, It wasn't to bad but you do have to do some carefull grinding to enlarge the opening a little. A bead of caulk inside covers it all. Enjoy the boat, I put a 2ym15 yanmar in mine, I looked for a year for a good deal on a used or rebuilt unit, no results. One note for Benny - I have a 76 model and I believe it to be a shorter rig than the boat specs say - mast height is 33'-1" I may post that on the 27 spec page because someone may order a sail that ends up to big. Randy
with some Hatch #, if you scrol down. I went the tpapazoidal Bomar hatch route, It wasn't to bad but you do have to do some carefull grinding to enlarge the opening a little. A bead of caulk inside covers it all. Enjoy the boat, I put a 2ym15 yanmar in mine, I looked for a year for a good deal on a used or rebuilt unit, no results. One note for Benny - I have a 76 model and I believe it to be a shorter rig than the boat specs say - mast height is 33'-1" I may post that on the 27 spec page because someone may order a sail that ends up to big. Randy
We have a spare diesel
Mark and Carol, we also are new to this website and recently purchased a 1980 Hunter 27. Years ago we owned a Hunter 30 and we know how well these older boats are built and how comfortable they are, hence we bought the 27. We just purchased a replacement diesel for our Hunter, but the guy had two of them for sale and wouldn't part with one without us taking the other. SO--we are looking for someone who needs a good engine--you could drop us a line at lindgren@kansas.net if you are interested (or anyone who may be interested could for that matter). We also plan to replace the hatches--we just purchased a Bomar hatch (can't remember for which hatch though) and already have another one for the other hatch. Hopefully the install won't be too bad. I don't know where you are located, but if you are interested in the diesel or just want to compare restoration notes contact us. Gene and Colleen Lindgren S/V Ruby Slipper
Mark and Carol, we also are new to this website and recently purchased a 1980 Hunter 27. Years ago we owned a Hunter 30 and we know how well these older boats are built and how comfortable they are, hence we bought the 27. We just purchased a replacement diesel for our Hunter, but the guy had two of them for sale and wouldn't part with one without us taking the other. SO--we are looking for someone who needs a good engine--you could drop us a line at lindgren@kansas.net if you are interested (or anyone who may be interested could for that matter). We also plan to replace the hatches--we just purchased a Bomar hatch (can't remember for which hatch though) and already have another one for the other hatch. Hopefully the install won't be too bad. I don't know where you are located, but if you are interested in the diesel or just want to compare restoration notes contact us. Gene and Colleen Lindgren S/V Ruby Slipper
I replaced the hatch ancan forward you instructions
I replaced the trapazoid hatch with a square BOMAR a few years ago. It took about a day and looks really good. If you e-mmail me you e-mail I'd be happy to send them along to you. As far as a new motor, unless you get on e really cheap (as a grand or so) and you can do all the work yourself you looking at about 8K or 9K for a new motor and instillation. Check outhte resale prices I've seen old H-27's listed for 9K but never seen one sold for that much even in A-1 condition. I love my old Hunter 27 but don't think that it's workt a 8K investment. If you have the Yanbmar consider rebuiilding it,,,, Mack Boring Inc. can be a big helop. If its the Renault motor you might consider an OB off the stern. Nelsonhow@netscape.net
I replaced the trapazoid hatch with a square BOMAR a few years ago. It took about a day and looks really good. If you e-mmail me you e-mail I'd be happy to send them along to you. As far as a new motor, unless you get on e really cheap (as a grand or so) and you can do all the work yourself you looking at about 8K or 9K for a new motor and instillation. Check outhte resale prices I've seen old H-27's listed for 9K but never seen one sold for that much even in A-1 condition. I love my old Hunter 27 but don't think that it's workt a 8K investment. If you have the Yanbmar consider rebuiilding it,,,, Mack Boring Inc. can be a big helop. If its the Renault motor you might consider an OB off the stern. Nelsonhow@netscape.net
Randy, I'm aware that boats left the factory
with masts that were a couple of inches shorter or longer than advertised. Especially back in the mid 70's when the Hunter sailboat production was getting started and components were utilized as they became available. To this day Hunter Marine gives notice that all boat specifications are subject to change and that all measurements are approximate. I sure would hope that anyone purchasing sails would provide the sailmaker with actual measurements from his rig and not use any catalog specs. Other than small variances I have not found any evidence that there was more than one rig configuration for the h27 Cherubini.
with masts that were a couple of inches shorter or longer than advertised. Especially back in the mid 70's when the Hunter sailboat production was getting started and components were utilized as they became available. To this day Hunter Marine gives notice that all boat specifications are subject to change and that all measurements are approximate. I sure would hope that anyone purchasing sails would provide the sailmaker with actual measurements from his rig and not use any catalog specs. Other than small variances I have not found any evidence that there was more than one rig configuration for the h27 Cherubini.
- Status