4 hours after buying a boat and already questions...

[Kommy000]

Well, after lurking on these forums for a while I finally took a plunge and bought a 1981 Hunter 27. I only got into sailing recently by getting a 17' Sovereign sailboat and using it to learn sailing. I finally today realized my childhood dream of getting a true sailboat. After 17 footer, this Hunter is like a luxury cruise boat to me, lol.
This is my first experience with a inboard engine or complicated electrical boat system. I'm usually a quick learner and being in home improvement field I'm thinking I can figure out things pretty quick.
Unfortunately I have to get my boat inspected by Marina ASAP so I have to get it to the main dock from the slip she is in so I have not much time to figure it out.
I was hoping someone can point me towards a manual maybe for this boat that explains locations of fuel tanks and more important the starting procedure and maybe operation of that big read rotary button...
I found some manuals on this site but they are pretty basic and then I found another 129 page manual online but it is for a different layout Hunter 27-- I think a newer model. I thought the fuel tank was right under the fuel deck plate but all I see is a huge hose going somewhere in the engine direction so I have no idea even how much fuel left in this boat. I know holding tank is under v berth and I think water tank is under that too. Anyways, again, If anybody can point me towards a nice detail manual or maybe send me a pdf file that would be awesome guys!!!

 

[Justin_NSA]

Try here on the forum under boat info
Hunter 27_75-84

 

[njlarry]

Congratulations and welcome aboard. Once you get settled a good reference book for systems and maintenance is Boatowners Mechanical and Electrical Manuel by Nigel Calder which is a great go to reference book. Using the search function here will keep you busy and out of trouble.

 

[Captn Scotty]

Congratulations on the new boat! You are going to have lots of fun playing and learning with that baby. Besides Nigel Calder's excellent books you might want to find some books by Don Casey as well to keep your new girl in tip top shape.

 

[RAD88]

Congratulations on your new boat. I have a 1977 Hunter 30' and understand your questions. You will need to get a flashlight and follow the hose from the fuel fill to the tank (probably 12 gal) which is behind the engine. There probably is a fuel gauge on top of the tank - in the future you can swap that out for a dash mounted fuel gauge.
You will need two good 12 v batteries hooked up to the red battery selector switch - to start the engine make sure the water intake valve is open - put the throttle forward 90 degs - make sure you are in neutral - turn the battery selector switch to both - turn the key for a short burst - with the water intake valve open you only have 3 tries to start the engine - if it does not start then close the intake water valve and keep trying to start again - if the engine starts and runs then imediately open the intake water valve.and reduce the throttle to an idle speed - DO NOT EVER SWITCH THE BATTERY BUTTON WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING until you have read up on the operation and kind of switch you have.
Hope this helps - POST pics and ask many questions, Rob

 

[RAD88]

What make and model is your engine?

 

[Kommy000]

It's yanmar 6hp one cylinder. I'm hoping I can find a model stamp on it somewhere but I think it's 1gm engine.
Thank you for giving me a starting procedure, just need to find the water intake valve. The manuals on this site are for different hunter 27.

 

[Kommy000]

Follow up. Was able successfully start the engine after figuring out to turn off the AC switch on electric panel. Was able to pilot it and get it inspected...woohoo!!!
Also was able to make out 1GM stamped on the engine.

 

[SFS]

Sent you a Private Message (PM). Click on the envelope icon at the top of your screen next to your log-on.

 

[SailormanDan]

Hi Kommy,
I have a also 1981 Hunter 27, the engine is a Yanmar 1GM, it puts out 7.5 hp. I have a fuel gauge down between electrical switch panel and the battery selector, with a switch to turn it on and off. You will have to turn on the "main" switch at the top of the panel to get power to it. You will have better luck reading it when the engine is off, shakes too much otherwise. I recommend both the Seloc and Clymer manuals for engine repair, if you need them. Fuel tank is actually behind the engine under the cokpit sole, limited access from the starboard settee to look at it.
I understand what you mean about how nice the bigger boat is, I stepped up from a Catalina 22 with a tiller, outboard and a porta-potty, so having the wheel steering, inboard push-button start, and a real head is a real step up.
Welcome aboard!

 

[Kommy000]

Thanks for the info. How about battery gauge? I can't find a gauge on the battery charge state anywhere and I had it right under electrical panel on my small 17 footer.
Also I need to figure out the pump or procedure cause I believe my holding tank is full. I guess I'm supposed to turn on macerator when marina pumps through the deck ? I have no idea where the switch usually for these boats or is it under the berth next to the tank?

 

[SailormanDan]

There isn't a battery gauge.
There isn't a macerator, pump out is through the deck fill on the stbd. side deck. There is an inspection port for both the holding tank (on the right) and freshwater tank (left) under the v-berth cushions.

 

[Kommy000]

Wow well that makes things easier. Do you think it will be OK after they pump for me to get a water hose and spray some water via vent hole on the side of the boat and then have them pump again. I thought that would help with keeping the tank clean. Or should I just open faucets toilet to fill it with cleaner water and then pump again?

 

[shemandr]

Someone sold you a boat with a full holding tank?!!! Their bad.
Yes, multiple rinses are good although I don't know about the vent. You can put the water in the pump out fitting - and remember why we don't drink from dock hoses. It's time to introduce you to the best source on marine sanitation around, Peggy the Head Mistress, and forum member. I would describe the clean out procedure but wouldn't do it justice. Search the threads and you will find good information on this.

 

[Roland5048]

Kommy, just pour water directly down the pumpout deck fitting and pump it out. Check the archives about keeping the head and holding tank clean. Lot's of good info here from Peggy Hall. Get her book, also. Right here in the SBO store.

 

[Justin_NSA]

Wow well that makes things easier. Do you think it will be OK after they pump for me to get a water hose and spray some water via vent hole on the side of the boat and then have them pump again. I thought that would help with keeping the tank clean. Or should I just open faucets toilet to fill it with cleaner water and then pump again?

Use the pumpout hole, not the vent to add clean water. Then pump again. It's also considerate to suck 'clean' lake water thru the hose to rinse it out for the next user.

Edit; what Roland said too.

 

[Justin_NSA]

Someone sold you a boat with a full holding tank?!!! Their bad.

yeah, that's kind of disgusting. A full load bouncing down the highway

 

[Gunni]

If the boat was shipped with waste in the tank, back-flushing the tank vent with a hose is an excellent idea. If it won't flow, you have a problem there.

 

[LeslieTroyer]

I always rince the pump out AND the vent. After a good starboard tack who knows what went up the vent line

 

[Kommy000]

Well I scheduled the first pump out, so will see how it goes.
Now I have to figure out where to get replacement hatch locking handles, I broke one off and the other one missing. I didn't see it on parts listings on this site.
Also any good ideas to clean an oil out of the bilge. Previous owner rebuilt the engine but got some oil inside the bilge. We dried it out and absorbed all the oil but I think there is still some under the ridges separating the 2 bilge compartments so it keeps on dripping little bit of oil even with me pouring fresh water into the bilge to flush it out. It keeps on creating a thin film of oil and since water sits there till its about 2 inches of it before switch engages the pump, it accumulates a darker film around the pump.
Any ideas?