I'm looking at buying a 1977 Hunter 27. I've been sailing a 22' Glastron Spirit for 2 years. Anything I should look for prior to purchasing this boat? Would this be a good upgrade? My finace and I typically like day sails but would like to venture into overnight excursions. I appreciate any comments.
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I like the 27's
I've got a 78 H27 and like it. I've only started crusing this year (chesapeake bay) and just completed my first week long trip. It sails like a dream but if there's no wind the 8hp yanmar (mine, some come with the renault) won't get you where you want to go in a hurry. I was out with a friend and didn't feel cramped at all.
I've got a 78 H27 and like it. I've only started crusing this year (chesapeake bay) and just completed my first week long trip. It sails like a dream but if there's no wind the 8hp yanmar (mine, some come with the renault) won't get you where you want to go in a hurry. I was out with a friend and didn't feel cramped at all.
archives
look in the archives - a terrific amount of advice there. be careful of surveyors ad find someone honorary with plenty of experience to look at any intended purchase. have the sails checked thoroughly. ed.
look in the archives - a terrific amount of advice there. be careful of surveyors ad find someone honorary with plenty of experience to look at any intended purchase. have the sails checked thoroughly. ed.
Great little cruiser for fun overnights!
Try the V-berth on for size (together)first if either of you is over 5'8" though... and have that 1977 engine checked out as thoroughly as the boat!
Try the V-berth on for size (together)first if either of you is over 5'8" though... and have that 1977 engine checked out as thoroughly as the boat!
No Shower and not much room to cook
The 27 is s fine step up from a 22 but you may soon start to feel like you need more galley space. If you do intend to have overnights on the boat a nice warm shower will become a 'want to have' after a few trips. The 27 did not come with hot water or a shower. Adding these is expensive, and time consuming in a small head (unless you love to do that kind of stuff). You can get shower systems to use on deck etc. but how do you, and more to the point your fiance, feel about showering on deck? The Hatches and ports probably all have broken latches, will you want to open them? The sails are probably worn out. You will be surprised how badly an H27 reverses, even worse than you are used to. On the down side this is a slow boat (See: Hull speed in knots & Sail area to displacement ratio @ http://www.c-2.com/boats/model.tpl?wc=27-75-84&site=HOW&brand=Hunter) but on the up side it's virtually impossible to capsize (Capsize screen & Displacement to length ratio, same page). All the diesels this model was fitted with are rather low in power. Adequate power is nice to have in a current to get out of trouble or home fast in an emergency. Make sure you emphasis to the surveyor your concern regarding the condition of the standing rigging, possibly rusty keel bolts status and possible sagging mast step. You will also need a certified marine diesel mechanic to check the engine, the surveyor just checks that it appears to be in a safe condition. These are really big $ items to repair or replace with the cost being out of proportion to the value of the boat. Having said all that I like my '84 H27, it's not perfect but I have not seen anything that much better in that size range and a tank of diesel lasts about 36 hrs! And after all that's why it's more likely to cost closer to $8000 and eighty! Some stuff on my 27 at http://pwp.value.net/birch/ good luck.
The 27 is s fine step up from a 22 but you may soon start to feel like you need more galley space. If you do intend to have overnights on the boat a nice warm shower will become a 'want to have' after a few trips. The 27 did not come with hot water or a shower. Adding these is expensive, and time consuming in a small head (unless you love to do that kind of stuff). You can get shower systems to use on deck etc. but how do you, and more to the point your fiance, feel about showering on deck? The Hatches and ports probably all have broken latches, will you want to open them? The sails are probably worn out. You will be surprised how badly an H27 reverses, even worse than you are used to. On the down side this is a slow boat (See: Hull speed in knots & Sail area to displacement ratio @ http://www.c-2.com/boats/model.tpl?wc=27-75-84&site=HOW&brand=Hunter) but on the up side it's virtually impossible to capsize (Capsize screen & Displacement to length ratio, same page). All the diesels this model was fitted with are rather low in power. Adequate power is nice to have in a current to get out of trouble or home fast in an emergency. Make sure you emphasis to the surveyor your concern regarding the condition of the standing rigging, possibly rusty keel bolts status and possible sagging mast step. You will also need a certified marine diesel mechanic to check the engine, the surveyor just checks that it appears to be in a safe condition. These are really big $ items to repair or replace with the cost being out of proportion to the value of the boat. Having said all that I like my '84 H27, it's not perfect but I have not seen anything that much better in that size range and a tank of diesel lasts about 36 hrs! And after all that's why it's more likely to cost closer to $8000 and eighty! Some stuff on my 27 at http://pwp.value.net/birch/ good luck.
Consider a 30'
I'm buying a Hunter 30. I received much counsel before making this leap. The reason is versatility. Handling-wise they are not too far different, but below....WHOA! A full shower with hot and cold running water, a full galley, and plenty of storage are reasons to give the 30 a bit of thought over the 27. This will ensure you won't be upgrading again in three years because you've outgrown yet another boat with limited range and capacity. The 30' is a great coastal cruiser with the ability (if you have the training) to go deep water. Good luck!!!
I'm buying a Hunter 30. I received much counsel before making this leap. The reason is versatility. Handling-wise they are not too far different, but below....WHOA! A full shower with hot and cold running water, a full galley, and plenty of storage are reasons to give the 30 a bit of thought over the 27. This will ensure you won't be upgrading again in three years because you've outgrown yet another boat with limited range and capacity. The 30' is a great coastal cruiser with the ability (if you have the training) to go deep water. Good luck!!!
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