Hello everyone, I just bought my first sailboat (very excited). Because didn't have much money to invest in a boat, I decided to buy an older boat (1978 Hunter 27). I've heard to Hunter (as alot of other boat builders) had problems with bottom blistering because of the fiberglass process. Does anyone know if '78 models were hand layed fiberglass or did they use a chopper gun? Being an older boat (and I got it at a steal), there some things I know I have to do to it: Re-sew/ recover furling jib, paint bottom, clean/paint top deck, eventually replace standing riggings (hopefully not for a year or 2)..... What are the other things I should look out for with this older model? What are some known "irritations" with these older Hunters. Thanks for reading and any info. Caezar
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Hand laid
I believe that model and most Hunters were hand -laid. Go to some of the Hunter brochures you can find on line and they give you the manufacturing technjques. I am also looking at a h27 the same year as yours to puurchase right now. How much did you pay for yours?
I believe that model and most Hunters were hand -laid. Go to some of the Hunter brochures you can find on line and they give you the manufacturing technjques. I am also looking at a h27 the same year as yours to puurchase right now. How much did you pay for yours?
Great Bargain
I gave an offer of $4,300, and surprisingly enough, it was accepted. I think originally they were asking around $7,900 or more (saw a old pic with price of $9700). I think they started the listing awhile ago and winter decreased the number of interested buyers. I watched this listing for a few months and watched the price come down and knew I could make a deal (that and found out that owner of boat just divorced her husband and was stressed about paying slip fees for a boat she didn't use or want). I figured now was perfect time to make low offers, before it got warmer and more interested buyers came out.
I gave an offer of $4,300, and surprisingly enough, it was accepted. I think originally they were asking around $7,900 or more (saw a old pic with price of $9700). I think they started the listing awhile ago and winter decreased the number of interested buyers. I watched this listing for a few months and watched the price come down and knew I could make a deal (that and found out that owner of boat just divorced her husband and was stressed about paying slip fees for a boat she didn't use or want). I figured now was perfect time to make low offers, before it got warmer and more interested buyers came out.
Lower chance of blisters
For whatever reason, blisters are not as common on Hunters as on other makes of this vintage. Water damage in the deck core, ports, or bilge is more likely. A few hundred bucks for a survey will get you off to a good start on your maintenance plan. Good choice - this is a great cruising boat. David Lady Lillie
For whatever reason, blisters are not as common on Hunters as on other makes of this vintage. Water damage in the deck core, ports, or bilge is more likely. A few hundred bucks for a survey will get you off to a good start on your maintenance plan. Good choice - this is a great cruising boat. David Lady Lillie
To add to David's response
I always start these with the observation that the cherub H27 changed from year to year so someone with the same year would be your best source (we have an 82). To expand on David's list, hatches and mast compression (including a look at the post). Electrical wiring is a concern in any boat, I think (probably because I am "thick" about this subject). I understand this can reach a new level in a salt environment. I have had a few problems with deck fittings mostly due to age. These have been corrected with a drill-fill-drill-reinstall program. I suppose any boat of this age has peculiarities from previous owners. If you do not have the expertise I would echo the suggestion of a survey. Do look, however, for a surveyor that KNOWS sailboats. AND, be there during the survey and follow along, and even though you will get a written report, take notes about (and photos) of anything the surveyor discovers. Andy "Baroque"
I always start these with the observation that the cherub H27 changed from year to year so someone with the same year would be your best source (we have an 82). To expand on David's list, hatches and mast compression (including a look at the post). Electrical wiring is a concern in any boat, I think (probably because I am "thick" about this subject). I understand this can reach a new level in a salt environment. I have had a few problems with deck fittings mostly due to age. These have been corrected with a drill-fill-drill-reinstall program. I suppose any boat of this age has peculiarities from previous owners. If you do not have the expertise I would echo the suggestion of a survey. Do look, however, for a surveyor that KNOWS sailboats. AND, be there during the survey and follow along, and even though you will get a written report, take notes about (and photos) of anything the surveyor discovers. Andy "Baroque"
I had a "few" blisters
Caezar, I picked up a 1980 27' back in 2005. When I had it hauled, It had hundreds of little blisters all over the bottom (which seems to be unusual for this model/vintage). Only one was a major concern as it was at least the size of a quarter, but after replacing a thru hull I saw how thick the fiberglass was under the boat, I did not worry about it. Granted my boat was seriously neglected and sat in freshwater for 5 years with no maintenance whatsoever. I ground out all the blisters and filled with west system. After this winter's haul-out, I could not find any evidence of new blisters. Other issues with the boat mainly stem from water intrusion. The mast step was soggy, sagging of the sole around the compression post, musty carpets and cushions. I would check all the thru-hulls and the shaft log hose and the stuffing box packing. All that being said, the 27' is a fantastic boat. It's comfortable and stiff, has plenty of room, and is extremely well built. You shouldn't have any problems doing most maintenance/repairs by yourself and the folks on this forum are extremely helpful. Any of the issues that the boat has are probably about the same as any other manufacturers would have. No "irritations" just basic maintenance. After all, it's close to thirty years old... Enjoy it, treat it well, and you will be rewarded. Manny
Caezar, I picked up a 1980 27' back in 2005. When I had it hauled, It had hundreds of little blisters all over the bottom (which seems to be unusual for this model/vintage). Only one was a major concern as it was at least the size of a quarter, but after replacing a thru hull I saw how thick the fiberglass was under the boat, I did not worry about it. Granted my boat was seriously neglected and sat in freshwater for 5 years with no maintenance whatsoever. I ground out all the blisters and filled with west system. After this winter's haul-out, I could not find any evidence of new blisters. Other issues with the boat mainly stem from water intrusion. The mast step was soggy, sagging of the sole around the compression post, musty carpets and cushions. I would check all the thru-hulls and the shaft log hose and the stuffing box packing. All that being said, the 27' is a fantastic boat. It's comfortable and stiff, has plenty of room, and is extremely well built. You shouldn't have any problems doing most maintenance/repairs by yourself and the folks on this forum are extremely helpful. Any of the issues that the boat has are probably about the same as any other manufacturers would have. No "irritations" just basic maintenance. After all, it's close to thirty years old... Enjoy it, treat it well, and you will be rewarded. Manny
Great Boat!
We have a 1976 !! These boats were hand lay-ed up and the bottom of my boat is like brand new! (A bit extreme, but NO blisters, cracks, nothing!) I believe the earlier the year, the better built boat. All those other issues still apply. Great Sailing John Mc "Misty-Q" H27 1976
We have a 1976 !! These boats were hand lay-ed up and the bottom of my boat is like brand new! (A bit extreme, but NO blisters, cracks, nothing!) I believe the earlier the year, the better built boat. All those other issues still apply. Great Sailing John Mc "Misty-Q" H27 1976
Great Choice
I've had my H-27 for a long time and can tell you lots about how the boat. Easy to sail easy to fix and laods of fun. I don't think that blistering is a problem. I would check for water intrusion under the mast step and around the main cabin windows. The hatch that was the factory spec was not the best and probably needs to be replaced. I also replaced the opening ports. The Yanmar is underpowered but pretty bullet proof. Motor mounts need to be replaced every 5-10 yrs. Check cutlass bearing too. I'd make sure the fuel tank is clean inside. If you take the fuel gauge off you can get a rag and a pick up stick (rod with a hook) in it to move the rag around and pull it out. (Don't know about the Renault). Fabric liner and cushions are probably pretty shot if they haven't been replaced. Replaced mine and it came out great. Anti skid on the deck takes a beating and might need to be refinished. I used Dura Bak. If the speed and depth gauges are the orig. they might need to be replaced. Pressure Alochol stove probably needs to be replace. I have a prota potty so no head worries. Every fall I think about a bigger boat but then I get the yard storage bill and realize on the H-27 I can fix everything and KISS rules (Keep it Simple Stupi.... Get the picture). Anyway good luck and have fun. If you have quetions just e-mail Nelsonhow@netscape.net
I've had my H-27 for a long time and can tell you lots about how the boat. Easy to sail easy to fix and laods of fun. I don't think that blistering is a problem. I would check for water intrusion under the mast step and around the main cabin windows. The hatch that was the factory spec was not the best and probably needs to be replaced. I also replaced the opening ports. The Yanmar is underpowered but pretty bullet proof. Motor mounts need to be replaced every 5-10 yrs. Check cutlass bearing too. I'd make sure the fuel tank is clean inside. If you take the fuel gauge off you can get a rag and a pick up stick (rod with a hook) in it to move the rag around and pull it out. (Don't know about the Renault). Fabric liner and cushions are probably pretty shot if they haven't been replaced. Replaced mine and it came out great. Anti skid on the deck takes a beating and might need to be refinished. I used Dura Bak. If the speed and depth gauges are the orig. they might need to be replaced. Pressure Alochol stove probably needs to be replace. I have a prota potty so no head worries. Every fall I think about a bigger boat but then I get the yard storage bill and realize on the H-27 I can fix everything and KISS rules (Keep it Simple Stupi.... Get the picture). Anyway good luck and have fun. If you have quetions just e-mail Nelsonhow@netscape.net
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