H27 advice

[Steve Salisbury]

Advice please...looking at an '80 H27, very good condition, price seems right, but has the R8 baby diesel. I've read where some of you say, "run away"..so what is the consensus out there? Also, when I looked at it, there was a strong smell of diesel fumes below. The boat has been out of the water and closed up for a couple of weeks.

 

[David Foster]

Archives, surveys, great design

This boat is a great design for a cruising couple or small family. If you are looking at a good example, it's very high value per dollar.As with any old used boat, a really good survey is the key. When you have a question (as with the Renault diesel) get an answer you can live with. Search the archives on this site about the Renault. A diesel is a very reliable engine, but there has been enough discussion of the Renault that I would want an engine survey by a qualified diesel mechanic.If you are happy with the surveys, you've got your boat. If not, you are out of the purchase contract (at least according to the terms on mine.)DavidLady Lillie'77 h27

 

[steve weisbrod]

H27 = sweet boat

We have an '83 H27 and love it. It is a very stable and dependable design. When we were looking for a 27 footer we chose the Hunter over the Catalina for quite a few reasons but engine access was one of them. I believe I could switch out our Yanmar 7.5hp diesel in 2 hours. I have not heard many good things here about the Renault 8 but I've never owned one so I can't say from experience. Maybe you could trade it for a Yanmar 1GM (7.5HP raw water intake).Regardless, you should get a marine survey before you decide.good luck.Steve Weisbrod s/v Southern Cross

 

[Dan Bryant]

Renault is OK by me

I've owned a 1980 H27 with the much maligned R8 by Renault for the last 5 years. Some things you've heard about the engine are correct - it is under powered and (previously) tough to get parts for. My personal experience has been good, however. It's a simple little one-lung engine that is easy to work on and been very reliable. I have the full shop manual (in English, no yet)and you can get parts from Nanni Marine(Renault Marine went belly-up in the 80s and is now Nanni Marine)from Lauderdale Marine. Only thing I've needed are fuel filters and galvanic plugs. The Renault has one feature that I like - it can be easily pull started in the morning after I've drained the battery running too many lights and other gagets (no kidding - this is a GREAT feature).If the diesel smell is exhaust it could be: a hole or crack in the exhaust elbow (mine cracked and I had it welded); a hole or crack in the rubber exhaust hose (VERY likely on a 1980 boat - I had a crack in mine); a lose hose. If the smell is from diesel fuel I would just check out the fuel line and the bilge. I would not be too freaked about it; a little bit of spilt fuel stinks a lot.How much are they asking for it?

 

[Steve Salisbury]

back to Day

Thanks for your reply Dan. The boat is out of the water and has not been run for a couple of weeks, so perhaps the smell is fuel related. The asking price is $8500. Have you installed a main sheet traveler?

 

[Dan Bryant]

No traveler on mine

I have not put a traveler onto my boat, though of course it would be convenient. The "A" rig on the main sheet is pretty stupid in high winds (it pulls DOWN more than IN), but I just give the boom a yank towards the center in those conditions and its OK. I know I would smash my forehead a 100 times on the traveler bar, so that and inate cheapness have prevented the conversion.The price seems pretty good. I got mine in a sweet deal, but had to drop about $1200 and a lot of weekends to make it sailable. One thing I would replace right away if it has not been done already are any gate valves on the through-hulls. Put in ball valves; those gate valves are dangerous and prone to failure.Good Luck!