Aft Head and Open V-Berth Models

[Kper]

During our search for our next boat the Mrs has taken a liking to rear heads and the open v-berth models. We are looking in the 26'-28' range and have found the Newport 27-3 and the Hunter 285 are much to her liking.

With all the experience here can anyone think of any models that meet this floor plan that we are missing?

Thank you.

 

[Calif. Ted]

Capri 26

 

[FourPoints]

I believe the Hunter 27-2 (1989-1994) and the 26.5 are both essentially the same hull as the 28.5 you are looking at, just 1.75' shorter, Offhand I don't know of any difference in the layout except I believe there is an extra shelf space in the galley, and a little extra space in the lazarette. I doubt you would much notice the difference between them.

Opens you up to a few other variants of what is largely the same hull.

I'm not sure about the other models, but the 27-2 came with the option of an inboard diesel or a fixed mount remote shift / elec start 2 stroke outboard. The outboard actually works quite well with the addition of a 4 blade prop and has almost none of the drawbacks normally associated with an outboard (less charging output, and burns a little more fuel but that's about it), and has much lower maintenance costs than the inboard, as well as some extra space below decks that isn't otherwise taken up by the diesel engine. For an inland lake I cannot think of any reason the outboard wouldn't work quite well for you (it's working quite well for me coastally).

The only downside is that the outboard models were stripped of some features from the factory, where the diesel came stock with them (flushing head, pressurized water, shore power, etc), but it's nothing you or a previous owner couldn't add if you wanted.

 

[Kper]

From what I find in photos the Hunter 26.5 and 27.2 have no rear head. Instead they are forward uner the v-berth.

One thing I failed to mention is that something close to 6' headroom would be nice throughout the standing portion of the cabin. Does the Capri have that? I can't find any mention to actual headroom.

 

[FourPoints]

From what I find in photos the Hunter 26.5 and 27.2 have no rear head. Instead they are forward uner the v-berth.

One thing I failed to mention is that something close to 6' headroom would be nice throughout the standing portion of the cabin. Does the Capri have that? I can't find any mention to actual headroom.

maybe on some other model years, but I can assure you (I own a 27-2), the head is NOT under the V-Berth.

This is actually for the 28.5 I believe, because it has the little cushion space aft of the galley (in green) that isn't on my 27-2, otherwise everything is correct.


This is my boat, as I was starting to prep for a week in Block Island last fall (note the huge bag of blankets and pillows in the aft berth).

 

[Kper]

Thank you, I will continue to look for photos of the 27-2. There must not be many around - hard to find.

 

[Tim R.]

Check out the Pearson 28-2.

 

[woodster]

check out the hunter 29.5 about 1994 year ...

regards

woody

 

[victorhoisington]

Hunter 28 (1989-1994(?)) Same hull as the 28.5 slightly different layout, shoal wing keel (4' draft), plenty of head room.

I've also seen a Catalina 28 where they removed the separating partition between the forward v-berth (it wasn' structural) which is similar.

Good luck,

Victor

 

[Jackdaw]

Beneteau First 265. GREAT boat.

Like this.

http://austin.craigslist.org/boa/4379323454.html

 

[Les]

I've got 2 cents worth of free advice. The present Hunter 27 is a delightful boat, well behaved and very comfortable to be in. The head is aft, has a primitive shower, and on the starboard aft side is a hanging locker (cedar) and small seat and a queen sized bunk.

The main cabin has a galley (two burner stove, one electric and one butane), a sink and a cooler. For extended cruising I would up grade the cooler. Standing head room in much of the boat (but I'm 5'8" so I never notice this necessity). It looks like

Pretty boat--my favorite. I have a dodger, furnace, WinchRite, Companionway doors, and 3 blade Max prop. I couldn't ask for more.

 

[Kper]

Great suggestions and some are useful to us but I must admit to something I didn't even consider when starting the thread... our budget is <$15k.

At the moment we are looking at a Hunter 28.5 and a Newport 27-3. The Hunter is $6k above the Newport but is nicely equipped. I'd like to view a Pearson 28-2 but I can't find any available in the Midwest. There is a Precision 28 five miles from us but sadly it's almost $10k above our budget.

 

[redhead78]

If is a very large small boat you want look at the Gozzard 31, 36' if you can swing it, these are gorgeous boats, with a wide open plan. ...Red

 

[FourPoints]

Great suggestions and some are useful to us but I must admit to something I didn't even consider when starting the thread... our budget is <$15k.

At the moment we are looking at a Hunter 28.5 and a Newport 27-3. The Hunter is $6k above the Newport but is nicely equipped. I'd like to view a Pearson 28-2 but I can't find any available in the Midwest. There is a Precision 28 five miles from us but sadly it's almost $10k above our budget.

I'm almost ashamed to admit, I only paid $7k for my 1990 Hunter 27-2 in 2009, and aside from badly needing a bottom job and compound and wax, it was otherwise in almost new . sail away condition. Granted I've since spent another 4+ times that getting the boat outfitted the way I want it (that includes new sails, new electrical everything, new electronics, new head, bimini, spinnaker, etc)

point being, you can find them in that price range if you look hard (heck, I would sell you mine with all the upgrades, new sails and all for $20k, but transporting it to the Midwest would easily add another couple K and seriously blow your budget)

 

[Scott T-Bird]

Don't look past the Precision 28 if they are willing to negotiate or if it is loaded with good equipment. The performance and quality will be among the best you can find in a boat that size. The designer is well known for performance and the components are the highest quality. It will have a lead keel, as opposed to cast iron.

http://www.precisionboatworks.com/faq/documents/P-28_brochure.pdf

 

[Kper]

The P28 in our marina is at the top of our list but is also 10k above our budget and he has indicated that it is more than fairly priced. Considering it needs the bottom stripped and a barrier coat where there never was one that sadly places it even higher above our means.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

What needs to be stripped from the bottom? Why does it need a barrier coat? You will be in fresh water, right? I don't know why a freshwater boat needs bottom paint. Algae slime cleans off with a simple scrub brush underwater about 2 or 3 times per season. I don't need to start cleaning until the end of July, generally, then maybe every 2 or 3 weeks until about the middle of September when the water cools down. If I scrub near enough to the end of September, there is never anything to clean when the boat comes out in November.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

The logistics of purchasing a boat located in your marina is certainly worth something. I assume you are going to keep her in Iowa? Transporting a similar boat from another location will certainly add a significant amount, unless you have the means to do the work yourself. It looks like 94 models of Precision 28 are on the market from about $18 k to $24 k. Make sure the engine is well-maintained, it's worth a substantial amount if it is in good shape. I re-powered our Starwind 27 (a very similar hull) for close to $10 k last year with a new 2-cylindar Yanmar.

There is a 2002 model here in NJ for under $30 k. There certainly aren't a lot of them around, which would tend to make me nervous, since they aren't made anymore. (There must have been something about them that didn't sell) But I can see no downside to their distinctive quality and design.

I think you will find that the P-28 is a significant improvement from the C-25 in just about every aspect. If the guy is really interested in selling at the right price, you couldn't go wrong with this boat if it is in good shape. If you can stretch a little and he gives in a little, it sounds like a good match. $10,000 can disappear quickly in a boat that is in your initial budget but needs significant improvements. Find out what he can do to solve the bottom paint issue in your eyes.

 

[FourPoints]

$10,000 can disappear quickly in a boat that is in your initial budget but needs significant improvements. Find out what he can do to solve the bottom paint issue in your eyes.

so very true... see my previous post about what I paid vs spent on mine...

also I checked out hulls similar to mine closer to your neck of the woods and found this one.http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1992/Hunter-27-2610439/Waukegan/IL/United-States#.U06SeU1OXcs

I don't like what they did with the engine controls one bit, but the boat doesn't look to be in bad shape otherwise. Still outfitted pretty simply, and I would be inspect the hand rails on the foredeck really close for leakage / core rot (they weren't put there from the factory), but because it's outfitted so simply, it's still in the budget.

 

[verdiales]

I've got 2 cents worth of free advice. The present Hunter 27 is a delightful boat, well behaved and very comfortable to be in. The head is aft, has a primitive shower, and on the starboard aft side is a hanging locker (cedar) and small seat and a queen sized bunk.

The main cabin has a galley (two burner stove, one electric and one butane), a sink and a cooler. For extended cruising I would up grade the cooler. Standing head room in much of the boat (but I'm 5'8" so I never notice this necessity). It looks like

Pretty boat--my favorite. I have a dodger, furnace, WinchRite, Companionway doors, and 3 blade Max prop. I couldn't ask for more.

could you please tel me type of butane cylinder it needs...i have a 2005 hunter 27 with combo burners and can't find the canister?