I am considering upgrading to hunter 27 or 30. As for the year these boats were made, is one boat made significantly better than another of a different year. I notice they look somewhat different. I am considering buying a hunter 27 made in 81 or a hunter 30 made in 82. Are these good years? I realize that no model is perfect and has design flaws. Would I have any regrets to puchase a 27 over the 30. I don't want too small of a boat and I don't want to big. I now have a hunter 25...the cockpit with it's tiller and traveler make it so uncomfortable with 2 people. thanks to all the sailors who appreciate the cherubini design. Tony
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Owner reviews?
You might start reading the reviews while waiting for more input. There are over 70 for the H30 and over 90 for the H27(Related Link). My own H37C is a 1979. Many improvements were made in later years. Of all those only the bigger engine is something I covet. Learn the differences and I think you will find they are minor. Then it is a matter of finding the best boat for the money. To do that requires the expense of a survey.
You might start reading the reviews while waiting for more input. There are over 70 for the H30 and over 90 for the H27(Related Link). My own H37C is a 1979. Many improvements were made in later years. Of all those only the bigger engine is something I covet. Learn the differences and I think you will find they are minor. Then it is a matter of finding the best boat for the money. To do that requires the expense of a survey.
Minor differences
In fact, owner improvements are often more important than the gradual changes made over the production run. There were more wheels on the 27's in later years, although I prefer the tiller. David Lady Lillie
In fact, owner improvements are often more important than the gradual changes made over the production run. There were more wheels on the 27's in later years, although I prefer the tiller. David Lady Lillie
SHOWER!
I went through the same thought process before I bought my first Cherubini and the key difference to me was that the 30's all had showers and the 27's I looked at did not. Am I remembering this difference correctly? Gary
I went through the same thought process before I bought my first Cherubini and the key difference to me was that the 30's all had showers and the 27's I looked at did not. Am I remembering this difference correctly? Gary
My angle of attack
If I was in your position I would look at it this way. First, the 27 does not have the 6 foot headroom advertised except under the companion way hatch (personal problem for me). So if this is important go with the 30. There are also the added features to the 30 such as the shower Gary mentioned. If this is not important than the 27 ought to be in the mix. Second, with boats of this maturity it would, for me, really depend on the condition of the individual craft. All those things you hear about on this site are concerns. I would put on paper an objective survey of all features (there are good books for this)and pay for expertise where I did not have confidence. Big ticket items, hull, engine to propeller, mast, etc. would make it a non starter unless you really love to do that sort of work. Rigging from chainplates up is also costly if there are extensive problems. The hatches and ports, if orignal, are past the life expectency as are the sails. Roller furling, galley stuff, PFDs, dock lines, batteries, fenders, get a catalog and add up these costs. I can testify that the 27 is a good boat and I have every reason to believe that the 30 is the same (although the chain plate location bothers me). You should be able to find a dream if you are careful enough to avoid a headache. A buck's worth of being critical will save you 10 bucks in real money. Also your life may depend on it. Andy
If I was in your position I would look at it this way. First, the 27 does not have the 6 foot headroom advertised except under the companion way hatch (personal problem for me). So if this is important go with the 30. There are also the added features to the 30 such as the shower Gary mentioned. If this is not important than the 27 ought to be in the mix. Second, with boats of this maturity it would, for me, really depend on the condition of the individual craft. All those things you hear about on this site are concerns. I would put on paper an objective survey of all features (there are good books for this)and pay for expertise where I did not have confidence. Big ticket items, hull, engine to propeller, mast, etc. would make it a non starter unless you really love to do that sort of work. Rigging from chainplates up is also costly if there are extensive problems. The hatches and ports, if orignal, are past the life expectency as are the sails. Roller furling, galley stuff, PFDs, dock lines, batteries, fenders, get a catalog and add up these costs. I can testify that the 27 is a good boat and I have every reason to believe that the 30 is the same (although the chain plate location bothers me). You should be able to find a dream if you are careful enough to avoid a headache. A buck's worth of being critical will save you 10 bucks in real money. Also your life may depend on it. Andy
mine was a 76
it appeared to be a cheaper model than most ive seen in pictures here, it had a lot of formica, (walnut grain, and yellow!) it did not have a teak and holly sole, the forward hatch was just a glass clamshell cover (which i lost my first nite, not screwed down, what an idiot just ask the admeral) it had single life lines, no gauges. i also noticed they changed the navigation table/quarter birth lay out after a certain year. but you know what, what a great boat!!! i hope it is bringing its current owner as much pleasure it has brougt us!! regards, mike
it appeared to be a cheaper model than most ive seen in pictures here, it had a lot of formica, (walnut grain, and yellow!) it did not have a teak and holly sole, the forward hatch was just a glass clamshell cover (which i lost my first nite, not screwed down, what an idiot just ask the admeral) it had single life lines, no gauges. i also noticed they changed the navigation table/quarter birth lay out after a certain year. but you know what, what a great boat!!! i hope it is bringing its current owner as much pleasure it has brougt us!! regards, mike
size does matter
I think you have answered your own question. Size does matter and the 30' Hunter will handle 4 adults with no problem. 2 make a nice sailing team but it can be done with one, if the lines are set for single handling. The best way, since we are close to March-April, go to the local marinas on the weekend and look at both sizes while they are on the hard. If the owner is working on the boat, ask for a look and an opinion. I am very happy with my '79 30' Hunter. Good luck
I think you have answered your own question. Size does matter and the 30' Hunter will handle 4 adults with no problem. 2 make a nice sailing team but it can be done with one, if the lines are set for single handling. The best way, since we are close to March-April, go to the local marinas on the weekend and look at both sizes while they are on the hard. If the owner is working on the boat, ask for a look and an opinion. I am very happy with my '79 30' Hunter. Good luck
Happy with my 81' 30
I have a 81' H30. I bought the boat in December of 2000. I have been pleased with the boat and it's preformance. I have not had any major issues with the hull, rigging, or engine during my ownership. The biggest difference between the 27 and the 30 is that the 30 has a traveler and the 27 has a Port-Starboard relay run for the main sheet. Even the 30 has a main sheet that starts on the starboard side and terminates on the Port(on the cabin top models), which causes the boat to point higher on Port tack. I rerouted my mainsheet up to the mast and back to the cockpit to remove this bias (pic below). As with all boats of the Cherubini's age, there is plenty of projects to work on, but that is part of the fun (for me at least).
I have a 81' H30. I bought the boat in December of 2000. I have been pleased with the boat and it's preformance. I have not had any major issues with the hull, rigging, or engine during my ownership. The biggest difference between the 27 and the 30 is that the 30 has a traveler and the 27 has a Port-Starboard relay run for the main sheet. Even the 30 has a main sheet that starts on the starboard side and terminates on the Port(on the cabin top models), which causes the boat to point higher on Port tack. I rerouted my mainsheet up to the mast and back to the cockpit to remove this bias (pic below). As with all boats of the Cherubini's age, there is plenty of projects to work on, but that is part of the fun (for me at least).
Sorry, here is the photo link
Sorry, Here is the link to the photo of the upgraded mainsheet: http://members.cox.net/~effergy/sailboat_page/boat_pics/newMainSheet.JPG
Sorry, Here is the link to the photo of the upgraded mainsheet: http://members.cox.net/~effergy/sailboat_page/boat_pics/newMainSheet.JPG
Hunter 30
Hello Tony I have a 1981 30ft Hunter and I'm in Sue Creek near Middle River. It's my first sail boat but purchased it after a great deal of research. Spent almost a year looking, boarding, comparing over a hundred boats. You will not regreat getting a 30 ft Hunter. I was a bit fearful of what could be considered a big boat but I am so happy I did it. Wonderful to sail! Ed
Hello Tony I have a 1981 30ft Hunter and I'm in Sue Creek near Middle River. It's my first sail boat but purchased it after a great deal of research. Spent almost a year looking, boarding, comparing over a hundred boats. You will not regreat getting a 30 ft Hunter. I was a bit fearful of what could be considered a big boat but I am so happy I did it. Wonderful to sail! Ed
27 a good boat
We have an 82 H27. This is a great boat! We used to have a catalina. IMHO the hunter is designed better. I do not think you can go wrong with either the 27 or 30. We can accomodate 4 easily and comfortably in our 27 cockpit (we have wheel steering.) I did look at a 76 cherbini before we bought the 82. I do feel the small design changes to the 80's cherubinis are an improvement. As to a 27 or a 30, whatever one buys soon one wants a bit more, right? so do the math ahead of time (berthing, insurance, maintenance, etc) and buy the biggest boat you think you can afford. my two cents Chris
We have an 82 H27. This is a great boat! We used to have a catalina. IMHO the hunter is designed better. I do not think you can go wrong with either the 27 or 30. We can accomodate 4 easily and comfortably in our 27 cockpit (we have wheel steering.) I did look at a 76 cherbini before we bought the 82. I do feel the small design changes to the 80's cherubinis are an improvement. As to a 27 or a 30, whatever one buys soon one wants a bit more, right? so do the math ahead of time (berthing, insurance, maintenance, etc) and buy the biggest boat you think you can afford. my two cents Chris
My $.02
definatly a 30 over a 27. In the 30's I like both generations for diferent reasons. I like the pre 1979 boats for the long cockpit. It's realy hard to sleep in a "T" cockpit. I like the late 79 and 80 boats for the deck design with the dodger base and incorporated seahood. Half hull liner and lots of interior wood. I realy dislike the 81 and 82 models because of the hull hull liner and cheap looking fiberglass galley. Mine was a 79/80. Pat
definatly a 30 over a 27. In the 30's I like both generations for diferent reasons. I like the pre 1979 boats for the long cockpit. It's realy hard to sleep in a "T" cockpit. I like the late 79 and 80 boats for the deck design with the dodger base and incorporated seahood. Half hull liner and lots of interior wood. I realy dislike the 81 and 82 models because of the hull hull liner and cheap looking fiberglass galley. Mine was a 79/80. Pat
Ed, I am at the same marina...
I have the hunter 25...Windara. I admired your boat since the day I laid eyes on her...I questioned Joe about her; whether she was up for sale. he said afraid not. hope to see you at the dock. Tony
I have the hunter 25...Windara. I admired your boat since the day I laid eyes on her...I questioned Joe about her; whether she was up for sale. he said afraid not. hope to see you at the dock. Tony
Unbeliveable!
Hi Tony Wow! This is wild. I check out your boat every time I'm at the marina, which is usually every week. She's a beauty. We bought Therapy from Dave Hinkley who had been at the marina for over twenty years. Joe did not know she was up for sale. We have had the greatest experience with Dave. Gave us hours of sailing lessons; sails with us; helped us winterize etc. Look forward to meeting you! Ed
Hi Tony Wow! This is wild. I check out your boat every time I'm at the marina, which is usually every week. She's a beauty. We bought Therapy from Dave Hinkley who had been at the marina for over twenty years. Joe did not know she was up for sale. We have had the greatest experience with Dave. Gave us hours of sailing lessons; sails with us; helped us winterize etc. Look forward to meeting you! Ed
Why a 27?
OK, I'll bite. There is good headroom for those of use who are 5' 11' or less. The accommodations are great for two. Everything is right-sized - we spend over 20 nights on Lady Lillie, a '77 h27 every summer. We have cruised with 4 - tight, but very doable. Cost goes up rapidly with length. The lines and boat are very easy to handle. Sheet tension goes up with the cube of the sail height. Both the 30 and the 27 are great cruising boats. If you are planning to single hand, or sail as a couple, I'd take the 27. If you plan frequent cruises with four, I'd take the 30. Have a look at both, and take the one you like the best, and find one in great condition - paying an extra few thousand now will put you on the water quickly, and save on the near term upgrades. David Lady Lillie
OK, I'll bite. There is good headroom for those of use who are 5' 11' or less. The accommodations are great for two. Everything is right-sized - we spend over 20 nights on Lady Lillie, a '77 h27 every summer. We have cruised with 4 - tight, but very doable. Cost goes up rapidly with length. The lines and boat are very easy to handle. Sheet tension goes up with the cube of the sail height. Both the 30 and the 27 are great cruising boats. If you are planning to single hand, or sail as a couple, I'd take the 27. If you plan frequent cruises with four, I'd take the 30. Have a look at both, and take the one you like the best, and find one in great condition - paying an extra few thousand now will put you on the water quickly, and save on the near term upgrades. David Lady Lillie
Hey Ed...
I noticed you moved Therapy to a different slip. I never met Dave Hinkley. I bought my boat from Tom Reynalds. he was at the same marina. He upgraded to a 27 and than to a 30. I think he had a deep keel so had to move to another marina. do you have the deep keel? is Therapy a tall rig?? hope we meet soon; I have more some questions for you about the 30. I am thinking about buying a 27 or 30. I'm going to look at a 27 this weekend. talk later Tony
I noticed you moved Therapy to a different slip. I never met Dave Hinkley. I bought my boat from Tom Reynalds. he was at the same marina. He upgraded to a 27 and than to a 30. I think he had a deep keel so had to move to another marina. do you have the deep keel? is Therapy a tall rig?? hope we meet soon; I have more some questions for you about the 30. I am thinking about buying a 27 or 30. I'm going to look at a 27 this weekend. talk later Tony
specs
Hey Therapy is in another slip because the pylon broke. As soon as Joe has a new one installed, she'll go back to her old slip. She has a 4 foot draft; 10 feet 3three inch beam; 9,700 lbs displacement; 47 feet abpove the water line and 40.6 feet above deck to top of mast. We have no problem, so far, getting in and out of the slip, even at low tide. Look at the 27 but definately look at a 30. There were a few for sail in the area. Ed
Hey Therapy is in another slip because the pylon broke. As soon as Joe has a new one installed, she'll go back to her old slip. She has a 4 foot draft; 10 feet 3three inch beam; 9,700 lbs displacement; 47 feet abpove the water line and 40.6 feet above deck to top of mast. We have no problem, so far, getting in and out of the slip, even at low tide. Look at the 27 but definately look at a 30. There were a few for sail in the area. Ed
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