New Cherubini 27 owner, looking for advice...

[ierick7]

I recently bought a '78 Hunter 27 Cherubini, that is a diamond in the rough. Its sitting in dry dock since I bought her, and in the process of restoring to a former glory with a modern twist. The previous owner ripped out all most of all the wood to clean and re-oil, but gave up to buy a rig already done.

It basically sat for years, and not really maintained other than basic cleaning. Everything is there and in great shape for the structure and bones.

As I've been cleaning her up slowly the boat is really beginning to shine. Here's where the advice comes into play before I get to far down the road so I don't put too much into her than what's worth.

1- What is the average value range from not so fair condition to almost mint condition? I've done research, but know if the NADA guide can be trusted as it says between $7k - $16k.

2- My plan involves keeping most of the Teak throughout, but update the counters and table:
a- Stainless Steel sheet over the existing after it's cleaned, and may swap out some of the face as needed for my plan (leaning more towards this option for cleaning and lower overall cost) or
b- Corian or similar, but the weight would be around 300 lbs above the water line.
c- I originally thought of granite as I can get this locally for around $14 sg ft, but this is 600 lbs.

Also, plan to update the sinks and faucets to more modern residential style fixtures, but using bath counter top sitting style vessel sinks. LED lights throughout to really update the look.

Other than for the fact of personal achievement (since I've been doing home improvement and construction since a kid), is it worth putting this much $$$ into the boat?

Since I've worked in construction and home improvement off and on since a kid, most of this will be done by me. As a graphic/web designer who also does car/boat graphics I'll be able to do the lettering and side graphics myself.

Can't wait to get her back on the water, and of course take sailing lessons soon.

Overall paint idea...

Thanks in advance.


Current, Rig before doing anything yet other than some cleaning...

(sorry they didn't show before)

 

[Picflight]

Can't see the current rig, pics did not show up.

I personally would keep it original and just update some unique areas that reflect my personality and skill level.
This would get you on the water sooner and give some exposure before you change a lot of things.

 

[JohnCTV21]

I'm am in the process of doing pretty much the same thing to my H25.

After about 10 years she is ready for some refreshing, I am keeping her basically stock, with the exception of replacing the counter tops and table top with new plywood. I will be using a light colored mohagany to contrast the darker trim. I'm also on the fence about putting the foam backed cloth on the walls again. I'm going to update the lights with led bulbs and pretty much keep the fixtures as is.

If you do a bunch of modifications, the value will be what she is worth to you. If your doing it with the intent of selling her later on, being "custom" might not be something future owners are looking for. "Book value" is based on stock configuration.

Current prices are kind of on the lower end of that range. And I have seen them ready to sail in the 3500-5000 range. My H25 is priceless to me so I don't care about book values and consider the time and money I'm investing a labor of love.

 

[Nelsonhow]

I had a 1978 H 27 and was in the same situation as you. My boat looked to be an exact copy of ours! I agree with a previous response that the value is what is means to you as the resale price of boat in in the $5,000 range regardless of what you put in. In other words it's worth whatever you can get someone to pay for it but the going rate is about 5K regardless of what the various sources say. I really liked my H-27....get it in the water and go sailing:

For my boat I did the following:

Replaced all the fabric lining on the walls with upholstery fabric and construction adhesive. (I used to old fabric that I removed as a pattern)

Re-covered all the cushions using the old foam to make the patterns

Replaced the 4 plastic ports

Replaced the trapezoid front hatch (The old hinge broke and was not repairable)

Added an anchor holder for the front rail and a Hauser (Sp?) pipe for the anchor rode and chain.

Replaced the Hatch boards with solid OAK panels

Replaced the teak hand rails on the deck with stainless (I got tired of sanding them and they got real thin after all that sanding)

Re-oiled all the teak inside and kept them clean with lemon oil each year. Smelled nice-----

Replaced the hand pump in the sink with an electric one.

Did a clutch job...

Replaced the shaft and strut after damage due to a line wrap....(a long and cold November story)

I now have an older H-30 but the H-27 was a great boat. Built like a brick SH** house and cheap to maintain ad easy to sail.

Replacing the fabric on the walls and the cushions made all the difference. Looked and smelled 1000% better.

My advice is to do that, replace the windows only if they leak or broken (if they are only cloudy try some automobile headlight cleaner), clean up and re-oil the interior teak and put it back. If you have stains on your counters try some "Bar Keepers Friend" cleansing powder, If really stained you can try Mary and Kate hull cleaner. A little on a sponge (wear cloves) will remove just about anything including your fingerprints.

Good Luck....

 

[Canyonkeeper]

Ok. I am wrapping up a 1979 Hunter 27. First it is a great boat and my fiance' and I have been enjoying her. She is a tough boat to sell though I am finding. here is what I have replaced and or rebuilt;

New:
Cushions & all fabrics
5KBTU Marine AC/Heat
120VAC Panel
Stereo
Battery Charger
Vinyl Teak Flooring
Head (Porta Potty Dometic)
Teak Entrance Hatch
BOMAR Forward Hatch

Redone:
Varnished Tiller
Rebuilt Yanmar SB* Diesel. Starts on first try!!
Bilge Pump & Float Switch.
Interior Lighting
Dockside Water hookup with kitchen faucet.
Nonskid (white)

As a former boat builder I was able to do all of this but it took some serious work. Interior shot is pre-oiled which is down now. I am asking $3750 with AC and have had very few people looking.

 

[Benny17441]

A 1978 boat is likely worth its condition and equipment. For a 1978 h27 in the southern area I would say that a range of $3 to $10 thousand would be more realistic.
From the pictures, the boat seems to be in fair shape depending on the condition of the engine, riggin and sails. The boat is a sturdy workhorse but hardly a classic to warrant a full restoration. It really depends your intended use for the boat, as a "flip" is not a an ideal model but if you intend it for your use for years to come then any improvements or expenditures would be warranted.

 

[padetorejr]

My h27, for elise, is nearly completely restored now. I got her in NJ last year and worked on her the whole way down to the Florida Keys. Her survey (for boatus ins) claims she is worth $12500. But I wouldn't take that as she has become part of my lifestyle. As a retired master mechanic I miss the hands on stuff of life and she gives me plenty of that. Most recently I've done some engine work so while the eng was out I made a new bed. Ck out the picture. Fun Fun! It's not about the money.

 

[Canyonkeeper]

I love out 27. A little tight when guests are on board but overall has treated us great. A couple things I wish... Wheel steering as the tiller takes up to much room when maneuvering. A less leaky shaft log (yes need to replace) and finally a larger head.

Time for the 37.

 

[braol]

I've had my 27 for almost 14 years now. I have the wheel steering and it is great, maybe a little tight to squeeze past, but it's a cockpit, NOT a ballroom! The wheel is great when turning a tight radius and gives it a big-boat feel...it's also more intuitive to steer for my little boy (aged 4). We have a smaller Rebel 16' for when I get the tiller itch! Best moment: 20 kts of wind and we're cracking on...just shy of taking in that first reef and the spray is flying. My little boy asks to help steer and there he is standing on the seat clutching the wheel and he shouts "I'm King of the World!!!" It was a priceless moment that I'll always remember. (I'll also remember thinking 'don't suddenly get the itch to spin the wheel and bear-off and jibe the boom right off the boat...)

 

[ggrizzard]

ierick7
Look at this post.... Go to OP's facebook page... Get some good ideas.... I Did!

http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=163441

A stainless counter top will be hot, Burning HOT!
Corian's weight shouldn't be an issue if your water tank is on the opposite side or you can compensate with low stowage of gear.