Need advice

[Paul]

We are looking for a new boat and have found a '75 Hunter 27 with a very low hull number. The current owner has painted the hull and just about replaced everything above deck and completely refurbished the interior. The price seems resonable for all the work he has done but I know nothing about the Hunter 27. Does it have any MAJOR known problems that I need to be aware of? I plan on haveing it surveyed before I make an offer but thought I'd pick the brains of the folks that own these boats to see what I could find out.Thanks,Paul

 

[Rich18890]

I have a 1981

Mine is a good solid boat. One problem that a lot of Hunter 27's had is too small a motor. Ruenalt marine deisels are no longer made (if it has one) and you cannot find parts. I repowered with a 16 hp Vetus. Cost me about $6,000. when the job was done. Other than that it's a good boat. See the owners reviews.

 

[rose20532]

Hunter 27

If you haven't bought it yet, you might consider a Catalina 27 with an outboard well. I bought last year a '75 27 for 4K. Good structural shape, terrific bottom with never a single blister. It sails like a dream, easily cruising over 6 knots. The motor was a Merc 9.8 but very old so I replaced it. No worries about replacing an old diesel which could easily run 5K-10K. The deck is much more solid on the C27 with much better nonskid, etc. Ther are lots of C27s around for sale, which keeps the prices down. Good luck.

 

[David11054]

Same as any "good old boat"

The most common problems involve the long term effect of water getting into the hull deck sandwich and rotting the wood at the mast step, stanchions, or other deck hardware. These are the same issues found in any other boat of the period.The engine may have problems, but most of them are just ticking along, especially the one cylinder Yanmar. Its 8 horses will drive us at 5 knots when becalmed, and get us in and out of the marina in any weather. Punching head into wind and waves is more like 2 knots, so we avoid that whenever possible, or motorsail into the wind.All of these problems, and the others involving different subsystems should be found be a good surveyer and engine inspection. Build the survey into your contract, and go ahead. None of the nearly 100 reviews on this site, or many threads of discussions describe show stoppers.This is a great cruising boat for a couple. We have over 2,500 miles with Lady Lillie on Lake Erie, and she is doing fine, despite her 27 years.DavidLady Lillie