Regarding the '78 H27 I'm looking into. . . I've done a bit of research online/marinas and noticed that there are quite a selection of porthole/hatches on the Hunters I've seen. Question: Did this vintage (78) have all rectangular portholes? Or, are the two aft larger and shaped like trapezoids? I'm trying to determine just how much cutting and patching has taken place. Can the compression post be easily inspected? Or, would I need to remove panels? As allways, much appreciation. Michael
Hope I'm not asking too many questions. . .
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Visual inspection
A visual inspection of the compression post will provice a little insight. If either the top or the base is heavily waterstained or soft, run away. I don't have any information on the port shapes, but over the years, a lot of people replace the ports for any number of reasons.
A visual inspection of the compression post will provice a little insight. If either the top or the base is heavily waterstained or soft, run away. I don't have any information on the port shapes, but over the years, a lot of people replace the ports for any number of reasons.
Compression post problems
I've seen compression post problems that manifested themselves as improperly fitting doors that are quite misaligned when closed. I don't know if that necessarily applies to the 27 but it certainly did to a couple of larger models. I think it might apply to a 25.5 since the door jam is against the compression post. Mine's OK but the bilge and cabin roof appear to have been dry for the life of the boat.
I've seen compression post problems that manifested themselves as improperly fitting doors that are quite misaligned when closed. I don't know if that necessarily applies to the 27 but it certainly did to a couple of larger models. I think it might apply to a 25.5 since the door jam is against the compression post. Mine's OK but the bilge and cabin roof appear to have been dry for the life of the boat.
Hints
Our '77 h27 has rounded ends on the irregularly shaped windows in the main cabin. The shapes were changed at some later time, but were still "custom". Then they went to opening ports. Our fittings are the original white plastic. The project to replace the ports is described a number of times in the archives. It's pretty much the same job on any model of that vintage. The compression post is in plain sight at the starboard side of the door forward from the main cabin. It is actually two pieces of teak at right angles. It runs from the floor liner to the ceiling liner and is actually unlikely to be damaged. In any case, it is easy to inspect. The more likely problem is rotting of the wood core in the deck where it forms the mast step above the compression post. See the archives for several descriptions (including mine) of how this area is constructed, and can be repaired. The symptoms of this rot (when the rig is properly tensioned) are bulges where the ceiling liner droops around the compression post, and the associated arch of teak at the top of the forward bulkhead of the main cabin. As previously stated, another symptom of this issue is tha the sliding door sticks rather than sliding freely. While we are discussing it, rot from water penetration of the wood core of the deck is possible anywhere a fitting penetrates the deck. And if you find it, I would not run away. Just get a quote for a complete repair from a competent yard, and negotiate a corresponding reduction in the purchase price. It can be repaired (see the archives) to better than new condition, and you can do it yourself with the time and inclination. Good luck - this is a great cruising boat for a few people. We love ours, and spend 20+ nights on her every summer. David Lady Lillie
Our '77 h27 has rounded ends on the irregularly shaped windows in the main cabin. The shapes were changed at some later time, but were still "custom". Then they went to opening ports. Our fittings are the original white plastic. The project to replace the ports is described a number of times in the archives. It's pretty much the same job on any model of that vintage. The compression post is in plain sight at the starboard side of the door forward from the main cabin. It is actually two pieces of teak at right angles. It runs from the floor liner to the ceiling liner and is actually unlikely to be damaged. In any case, it is easy to inspect. The more likely problem is rotting of the wood core in the deck where it forms the mast step above the compression post. See the archives for several descriptions (including mine) of how this area is constructed, and can be repaired. The symptoms of this rot (when the rig is properly tensioned) are bulges where the ceiling liner droops around the compression post, and the associated arch of teak at the top of the forward bulkhead of the main cabin. As previously stated, another symptom of this issue is tha the sliding door sticks rather than sliding freely. While we are discussing it, rot from water penetration of the wood core of the deck is possible anywhere a fitting penetrates the deck. And if you find it, I would not run away. Just get a quote for a complete repair from a competent yard, and negotiate a corresponding reduction in the purchase price. It can be repaired (see the archives) to better than new condition, and you can do it yourself with the time and inclination. Good luck - this is a great cruising boat for a few people. We love ours, and spend 20+ nights on her every summer. David Lady Lillie
Electrical--Thru-Deck
Michael, David Foster probably knows more about the 27 H than anyone. He has given alot of good advice to a bunch of 27 owners. I am also restoring a '77-27 H and for the electrical connections at the mast and thru the deck,I am using a 4"x4" plastic (abs) box with a removable top, sealed to the deck. I come out the bottom of the box into the cabin and out the side up the mast. I too have rebuilt the engine, recaulked the keel,repaired a multitude of blisters both in the hull and on the rudder.In fact my rudder was one big blister,now it is nice and solid. I paid $1500.00 for my boat with all the gear and a 1998 Mariner outboard. I am putting alot of work and money into her but I enjoy it.It will be like a brand new boat when I'm through.Hope some of this helps let me know if I can help you. Fair Winds, Carter Leary
Michael, David Foster probably knows more about the 27 H than anyone. He has given alot of good advice to a bunch of 27 owners. I am also restoring a '77-27 H and for the electrical connections at the mast and thru the deck,I am using a 4"x4" plastic (abs) box with a removable top, sealed to the deck. I come out the bottom of the box into the cabin and out the side up the mast. I too have rebuilt the engine, recaulked the keel,repaired a multitude of blisters both in the hull and on the rudder.In fact my rudder was one big blister,now it is nice and solid. I paid $1500.00 for my boat with all the gear and a 1998 Mariner outboard. I am putting alot of work and money into her but I enjoy it.It will be like a brand new boat when I'm through.Hope some of this helps let me know if I can help you. Fair Winds, Carter Leary
Carter, you got a great boat for a great deal!
The condition of the 27 my lovely bride and I were thinking about would have also been a deal for near that. We've since abandoned that boat and are now on the lookout for a H30. And I agree about David. He certainly has good advice. All you guys have helped a lot. Many thanks. Michael
The condition of the 27 my lovely bride and I were thinking about would have also been a deal for near that. We've since abandoned that boat and are now on the lookout for a H30. And I agree about David. He certainly has good advice. All you guys have helped a lot. Many thanks. Michael
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