So here I sit, in the final decision making phase of purchasing a 1982 Hunter 27. I've done my homework on this boat and the results have been mixed i.e. Hunter's reputation with in the sailing community as a lower quality vessel, "they sails like a cork". To the other extreme of "the best purchase I could have made". I would greatly appreciate information regarding any aspect of owning/sailing this model Hunter. I realize that this is not a simple question to ask. However this is the best opportunity to ask it. Many thanks!! P.S. Any interior picture would also come in handy.
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R. Palaia
Best thing you can do
Is take one out for a test sail. If the one you are considering is in the water, I'm sure the owner would be glad to take you out. If not, try to find someone in a nearby marina that could help. Also, maybe you can work out/split the cost to put the one you're considering in the water so you can try it. If you do test sail, do it for at least a few hours, not just a quick up and back. Roc
Is take one out for a test sail. If the one you are considering is in the water, I'm sure the owner would be glad to take you out. If not, try to find someone in a nearby marina that could help. Also, maybe you can work out/split the cost to put the one you're considering in the water so you can try it. If you do test sail, do it for at least a few hours, not just a quick up and back. Roc
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Been there
What's your intended use?
It's really impossible for anyone to give good advice about the appropriateness of a specific boat unless you first say what you're going to do with it. Beer can races? Race in a competitive fleet? Weekend, floating home? Coastal cruising? Circumnavigate? Putter around on the water? Evening rendezvous with your mistress? Backdrop for photo sessions? Live aboard? Day sailling? Every boat has its use. No boat is perfect for all uses. BTW, I know nothing about the 27, so even after you tell us what you plan, I'll remain silent.
It's really impossible for anyone to give good advice about the appropriateness of a specific boat unless you first say what you're going to do with it. Beer can races? Race in a competitive fleet? Weekend, floating home? Coastal cruising? Circumnavigate? Putter around on the water? Evening rendezvous with your mistress? Backdrop for photo sessions? Live aboard? Day sailling? Every boat has its use. No boat is perfect for all uses. BTW, I know nothing about the 27, so even after you tell us what you plan, I'll remain silent.
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R. Palaia
One more point
Anyone you ask about the impression of their boat will always say it was the best purchase (who is going to admit their boat stinks). That's why I feel you would be the most capable to decide how you like it by trying it yourself (if at all possible). Boat purchases are always contingent upon survey AND sea trial. Hope things work out. Roc
Anyone you ask about the impression of their boat will always say it was the best purchase (who is going to admit their boat stinks). That's why I feel you would be the most capable to decide how you like it by trying it yourself (if at all possible). Boat purchases are always contingent upon survey AND sea trial. Hope things work out. Roc
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Greg Stebbins
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Jack Laird
Love of my life
I've had my h27 1979 for over 16 years. Day sail mostly with a few overnights. Not the most expensive boat, great. Not the best made but tough and durable. Easy and cheep to fix when needed which isn't often. It's mine for life.
I've had my h27 1979 for over 16 years. Day sail mostly with a few overnights. Not the most expensive boat, great. Not the best made but tough and durable. Easy and cheep to fix when needed which isn't often. It's mine for life.
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Tom M.
1982 Hunter 27
Positive: good hull configuration, good anchor well and foredeck, wider side decks than most, T cockpit, Wheel, Yanmar diecel, best interior, open chromeplated bronze turnbuckles, dbl lower shrouds, split backstay, best alum toe rail w/3/8" bolts every 6", jiffy reef, highaspect rig, internal, halyarse, 8 opening ports, 2 hatches, balanced spade rudder, full cockpit coaming, builtin sea spray hood, good overall looks, try to find those things i just mentioned in a Catalina, Newport, C&C, Bristol, Watkins, etc;, You can't, Negatives: no bridge deck, no mainsheet traveler, no manual bilgepump at the helm, no seacocks( except for eng), no propane stove, except for the traveler, you will not find them on other boats also, the 1986 Tartan looks simular, except the tartan has a very large stern, and sold for more than three times the price for their 28 footer, and weighs only 200 lbs more with a 2 cyl. yan. There are many, good to say about the 1982 27' Hunter, Theonly staples, i found in in anaugihide strips at bulkhead, all the joiner is held together w/ bronze screws, I've added a traveler and a vang, and a bridgedeck etc; the Cherubini design, is an excellent design, and offers more boat regardless of price.
Positive: good hull configuration, good anchor well and foredeck, wider side decks than most, T cockpit, Wheel, Yanmar diecel, best interior, open chromeplated bronze turnbuckles, dbl lower shrouds, split backstay, best alum toe rail w/3/8" bolts every 6", jiffy reef, highaspect rig, internal, halyarse, 8 opening ports, 2 hatches, balanced spade rudder, full cockpit coaming, builtin sea spray hood, good overall looks, try to find those things i just mentioned in a Catalina, Newport, C&C, Bristol, Watkins, etc;, You can't, Negatives: no bridge deck, no mainsheet traveler, no manual bilgepump at the helm, no seacocks( except for eng), no propane stove, except for the traveler, you will not find them on other boats also, the 1986 Tartan looks simular, except the tartan has a very large stern, and sold for more than three times the price for their 28 footer, and weighs only 200 lbs more with a 2 cyl. yan. There are many, good to say about the 1982 27' Hunter, Theonly staples, i found in in anaugihide strips at bulkhead, all the joiner is held together w/ bronze screws, I've added a traveler and a vang, and a bridgedeck etc; the Cherubini design, is an excellent design, and offers more boat regardless of price.
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Tom M.
It's not tupperware
I've seen Watkins, Pearsons, O'Days, Newports, etc; with deck delamination, blisters, but I never saw a Hunter 27 with those conditions, I read Practical Sailor's review of the 27, mind Yuo they are very bias, because of lack of coorp. from w. Luhrs, and they rate it good, Yes the 27 has weatherhelm, but it can be eliminated mostly, I've added a removable innerforestay, w/ intermed. shrouds I can run two Yankee cut head and forestay sail inside the shrouds, to make mine point better, and still run a large genny, for light air. I tell you honestly, there is so much you can improve on this boat, where as for others, even if you had the money, you can't.
I've seen Watkins, Pearsons, O'Days, Newports, etc; with deck delamination, blisters, but I never saw a Hunter 27 with those conditions, I read Practical Sailor's review of the 27, mind Yuo they are very bias, because of lack of coorp. from w. Luhrs, and they rate it good, Yes the 27 has weatherhelm, but it can be eliminated mostly, I've added a removable innerforestay, w/ intermed. shrouds I can run two Yankee cut head and forestay sail inside the shrouds, to make mine point better, and still run a large genny, for light air. I tell you honestly, there is so much you can improve on this boat, where as for others, even if you had the money, you can't.
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Warren Renninger
Own 1980
I own a 1980 H27 with the 3'3" shoal keel. Only boat it's size with such shallow draft. Because of keel and rudder it has very strong weather helm. Good thing is that it will keep you out of trouble because of that. Due to stays being attached to hull and the toe rail used for foresail rigging, you can't sheet the jib in close. Combine that with no traveler and you can't sail close to the wind compared to many similar sized boats. The hull is well made but lightly braced. I would not want to face pounding waves for long in it. All berths are too short. At 5'10" I touch top and bottom. Main cabin berths are too narrow. 1978 and earlier H27s have wider berths. Look carefully at cockpit area for cracking in the gelcoat. 1982s tend to have a lot of cracking at the cockpit floor. I was told it was due to too think gel coat but I don't know. With all it's short comings, the H27 may be the best cruising boat for the money. If you need shallow draft, may be the best solid keel option. I would not pay a premium for one but I sure would look closely at one. Before I bought mine, it circled Lake Erie 5 times. Sailed all the Great Lakes except Superior, ran the Erie Canal and made the Intercoastal run at least 5 times. It still looks good. If I had more money I would look for something better built and a bigger engine. But since I need shoal draft, I probably could look forever.
I own a 1980 H27 with the 3'3" shoal keel. Only boat it's size with such shallow draft. Because of keel and rudder it has very strong weather helm. Good thing is that it will keep you out of trouble because of that. Due to stays being attached to hull and the toe rail used for foresail rigging, you can't sheet the jib in close. Combine that with no traveler and you can't sail close to the wind compared to many similar sized boats. The hull is well made but lightly braced. I would not want to face pounding waves for long in it. All berths are too short. At 5'10" I touch top and bottom. Main cabin berths are too narrow. 1978 and earlier H27s have wider berths. Look carefully at cockpit area for cracking in the gelcoat. 1982s tend to have a lot of cracking at the cockpit floor. I was told it was due to too think gel coat but I don't know. With all it's short comings, the H27 may be the best cruising boat for the money. If you need shallow draft, may be the best solid keel option. I would not pay a premium for one but I sure would look closely at one. Before I bought mine, it circled Lake Erie 5 times. Sailed all the Great Lakes except Superior, ran the Erie Canal and made the Intercoastal run at least 5 times. It still looks good. If I had more money I would look for something better built and a bigger engine. But since I need shoal draft, I probably could look forever.
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Steve Weisbrod
Great lake sailor
We really like our 1983 H27. We sail on an inland lake in ohio so pounding seas and 'out of sight of land' situations are no an issue. The boat handles well and the weather helm can be reduced by tuning the rig. The mast should be vertical with no rake or bend. The cabin is roomy for the two of us and the boat meets our guest needs.... sails 6, feeds 4, sleeps 2. What I love: 9 opening ports and two hatches = great ventilation. Walk around room on the deck. Roomy cockpit Excellant engine access. (i believe i could switch engines in 2 hours). Sails nice and points ok. Even with the original main sheet config. 3'3" draft. You gotta love that. And, best of all: Our friends who own Catallina 27s are sorry they didn't get a Hunter (no kidding) What I don't like: The bilge is too shallow. It needs a small well where water could collect around a bilge pump. The cockpit drains are too small. The anchor locker is too small (much smaller than on our '82 H25... go figure!) Only one cleat on the bow. Summary: I have not seen another 27 footer I'd rather have at twice the price.
We really like our 1983 H27. We sail on an inland lake in ohio so pounding seas and 'out of sight of land' situations are no an issue. The boat handles well and the weather helm can be reduced by tuning the rig. The mast should be vertical with no rake or bend. The cabin is roomy for the two of us and the boat meets our guest needs.... sails 6, feeds 4, sleeps 2. What I love: 9 opening ports and two hatches = great ventilation. Walk around room on the deck. Roomy cockpit Excellant engine access. (i believe i could switch engines in 2 hours). Sails nice and points ok. Even with the original main sheet config. 3'3" draft. You gotta love that. And, best of all: Our friends who own Catallina 27s are sorry they didn't get a Hunter (no kidding) What I don't like: The bilge is too shallow. It needs a small well where water could collect around a bilge pump. The cockpit drains are too small. The anchor locker is too small (much smaller than on our '82 H25... go figure!) Only one cleat on the bow. Summary: I have not seen another 27 footer I'd rather have at twice the price.
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Tom Thayer
Love Mine
I always feel safe in any weather. The boat is real stiff. The Yanmar diesel starts every time and uses very little fuel. Good size for single handling which I do most of the time. Have not seen anything close as much boat for the money.
I always feel safe in any weather. The boat is real stiff. The Yanmar diesel starts every time and uses very little fuel. Good size for single handling which I do most of the time. Have not seen anything close as much boat for the money.
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Robert Bauer
My impression
I recently upgraded to a 1996 280. Hunter has a better reputation in some markets than others... not real strong in Dallas, but very favoarable in Houston for example. Reputation seems to be better in markets with a larger population of new Hunter boats. Older Hunters (pre 1992) seem to be a little hard to resell... the boats on the market seem to have worn poorly and command lower prices than comparable boats, such as Catalina. Newer Hunter boats seem to do a lot better than Catalina. I've heard that the real killers are Hunters with water ballast, outboard rather than inboard motors, and those without a wheel. I love my 280. So does everyone near my dock... and I'm the smallest boat in the area for sure. I can send pix if you send me your e-mail address. Mine is bauer@casebauer.com. Good luck.
I recently upgraded to a 1996 280. Hunter has a better reputation in some markets than others... not real strong in Dallas, but very favoarable in Houston for example. Reputation seems to be better in markets with a larger population of new Hunter boats. Older Hunters (pre 1992) seem to be a little hard to resell... the boats on the market seem to have worn poorly and command lower prices than comparable boats, such as Catalina. Newer Hunter boats seem to do a lot better than Catalina. I've heard that the real killers are Hunters with water ballast, outboard rather than inboard motors, and those without a wheel. I love my 280. So does everyone near my dock... and I'm the smallest boat in the area for sure. I can send pix if you send me your e-mail address. Mine is bauer@casebauer.com. Good luck.
Unfair, unfair
When you start comparing the price of a used Hunter and a used Catalina for the same years, remember that the Catalina was a more expensive boat. So when someone says that the Catalina has better resale take into account the base price that each boat started with. The new Hunters and the Catalina at the Sail Expo had a difference of about 15-20k, with the Catalina being more expensive. As far as the condition of a 15 year old boat (referring to our '85 H'31) it has weathered very well. We still have the ORIGINAL interior cushions and curtains. We use our boat a lot, but we do not have a bunch of rug-rats crawling all over it either. The reputation of Catalina in the older boats was always that they were not to be taken off shore. When the boat flexed, the cabinets would pull away from the hull and floor. Most of this stuff is just plain bull shit. When a company mfg boat by the thousands there are going to be more defects than a company that mfg's a couple hundred a year. Now the question is what percentage of the boats came with defects. And are these things really defects or things that do not look and feel right to the owner. Our boat has only had the problem with the compression post which I blame on Hunter and the delivery dealer. Either Hunter did not instruct the dealers properly or the dealers did not do what they were instructed to do. We have found our Hunter to sail well, very few leaks (couple when new), fairly good systems and relatively problem free. If the boat is going to fit your life style and sailing grounds you should just buy it and enjoy it, to hell with the nay sayers.
When you start comparing the price of a used Hunter and a used Catalina for the same years, remember that the Catalina was a more expensive boat. So when someone says that the Catalina has better resale take into account the base price that each boat started with. The new Hunters and the Catalina at the Sail Expo had a difference of about 15-20k, with the Catalina being more expensive. As far as the condition of a 15 year old boat (referring to our '85 H'31) it has weathered very well. We still have the ORIGINAL interior cushions and curtains. We use our boat a lot, but we do not have a bunch of rug-rats crawling all over it either. The reputation of Catalina in the older boats was always that they were not to be taken off shore. When the boat flexed, the cabinets would pull away from the hull and floor. Most of this stuff is just plain bull shit. When a company mfg boat by the thousands there are going to be more defects than a company that mfg's a couple hundred a year. Now the question is what percentage of the boats came with defects. And are these things really defects or things that do not look and feel right to the owner. Our boat has only had the problem with the compression post which I blame on Hunter and the delivery dealer. Either Hunter did not instruct the dealers properly or the dealers did not do what they were instructed to do. We have found our Hunter to sail well, very few leaks (couple when new), fairly good systems and relatively problem free. If the boat is going to fit your life style and sailing grounds you should just buy it and enjoy it, to hell with the nay sayers.
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Steve W
the 27 was my first choice, but I could not find
one in the condition I was looking for. I looked for 2 years all over Florida and the ones that came on the market usually had the little one cylinder diesel, lots of gel coat cracking needed way too much work. I had the pleasure of many great sails on a friend's 27, thought it to be well balanced and fairly fast under sail, but way underpowered with the small diesel. My broker, a Hunter dealer, finally convinced me to spend a few more bucks and buy a 1986 Newport 28 and after 18 months of ownership, I have no regrets. I am not a fan of the Newport 27, but the Newport 28 compared to the Hunter 27 gave me a bigger "T" cockpit, amazing engine access, traveler, self tailing winches, more interior room and storage, split backstay, and nicer interior wood trim. It was a couple of thousand more, but I got more boat. However, I still think the Hunter 27, especially the 82-83 model years are a good value and you should have no trouble getting rid of it when you are ready to upgrade. Good luck and enjoy your new 27!
one in the condition I was looking for. I looked for 2 years all over Florida and the ones that came on the market usually had the little one cylinder diesel, lots of gel coat cracking needed way too much work. I had the pleasure of many great sails on a friend's 27, thought it to be well balanced and fairly fast under sail, but way underpowered with the small diesel. My broker, a Hunter dealer, finally convinced me to spend a few more bucks and buy a 1986 Newport 28 and after 18 months of ownership, I have no regrets. I am not a fan of the Newport 27, but the Newport 28 compared to the Hunter 27 gave me a bigger "T" cockpit, amazing engine access, traveler, self tailing winches, more interior room and storage, split backstay, and nicer interior wood trim. It was a couple of thousand more, but I got more boat. However, I still think the Hunter 27, especially the 82-83 model years are a good value and you should have no trouble getting rid of it when you are ready to upgrade. Good luck and enjoy your new 27!
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Neil Smith
ciao bella
I always loved Columbias and had a Contender 24 that was a real rocket ship. But funny thing is, as time goes by and one gets a little less frisky, getting your rails wet along with your sneakers, doesn't have quite the attraction that it did several years ago. I have a '78 Cherubini H-27 and it is everything and more than the casual sailor would want. She's tight and dry and stable, and there's sufficient room below for a pretty good dinner for 4-5 folks. With roller furling and a 155 genny, she is respectable, but no exotic racer. I will tell you that although racing ain't my bag, we can sail rings around the club H-27's (much newer models). There are a few down sides, but nothing really crucial. True, untuned, you will experience pretty substantial weather helm. But that's correctable. True, the bilge is real shallow, but with Ciao Bella, we're more concerned with dust bunnies in the bilge than water. True, earlier H-27s were prone to gelcoat cracking, particularly in the cockpit sole. Also, correctable. True, the electrical system (if left original) leaves something to be desired. I had to replace ALL my wiring to feel comfortably safe. But the bottom line is, for a reasonably affordable, reasonably solid and stiff "pocket cruiser" that can be easily single-handed, the H-27 is, at least in my mind, a pretty good choice. I'd be happy to send photos if you're interested, just furnish your e-mail address. Good luck! Neil Smith Ciao Bella - 1978 H-27
I always loved Columbias and had a Contender 24 that was a real rocket ship. But funny thing is, as time goes by and one gets a little less frisky, getting your rails wet along with your sneakers, doesn't have quite the attraction that it did several years ago. I have a '78 Cherubini H-27 and it is everything and more than the casual sailor would want. She's tight and dry and stable, and there's sufficient room below for a pretty good dinner for 4-5 folks. With roller furling and a 155 genny, she is respectable, but no exotic racer. I will tell you that although racing ain't my bag, we can sail rings around the club H-27's (much newer models). There are a few down sides, but nothing really crucial. True, untuned, you will experience pretty substantial weather helm. But that's correctable. True, the bilge is real shallow, but with Ciao Bella, we're more concerned with dust bunnies in the bilge than water. True, earlier H-27s were prone to gelcoat cracking, particularly in the cockpit sole. Also, correctable. True, the electrical system (if left original) leaves something to be desired. I had to replace ALL my wiring to feel comfortably safe. But the bottom line is, for a reasonably affordable, reasonably solid and stiff "pocket cruiser" that can be easily single-handed, the H-27 is, at least in my mind, a pretty good choice. I'd be happy to send photos if you're interested, just furnish your e-mail address. Good luck! Neil Smith Ciao Bella - 1978 H-27
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H. Garcia
Really Inspect the Boat/Buy Best Survey you can
I recently purchased what I call my learner boat, a 1981 Hunter 27. It is my first sailboat and aside from a 2-day sailing course, I had little experience sailing and almost none on other makes of boats. I made a conscious decision to make my first purchase a learner boat, not necessarily the boat I would keep long term so cosmetically, I bought a boat far below my asthetic standards. Here is my assessment as a new owner: You need to very carefully, inch by inch, inspect the boat. Open every cabinet, every port, everything... and look for signs of problems. After reading Sailing Magazine's cover story article on '25 things to look for when buying a used boat' (July 2000), I discovered that I probably have several of the problems listed: including, but not limited to: leaking toe-rails (a real-bedding problem that requires removing the toe-rail to re-seal all the way around the boat). Leaking port-lights (every single one) and probaby leaking stanchions. Look for obvious signs of repairs like a heavy bead of sealer around these areas as well as stained cushions in the cabin. Also look for mildew and streaks of water around in the inside of the cabin. The wet-locker and under the head sink are usually places people forget to clean so these are good areas to find signs of leaks. I also recently discovered, after being stranded by my diesel engine, that my fuel tank is full of junk and I have to have it pumped out and filtered. So dismantle the boat's primary and secondary filters and check out how clean they are. Also, alarms keep going off on the engine warning lights and I've yet to figure out what is wrong. Do yourself a favor and hire a reputable mechanic to check out the engine and don't necessarily use the surveyor recommended by the broker. Mine missed quite a few things that my lack of experience failed to pick up. Ask around in ship yards and find the most reputable guy who has no connection to brokers. It will be more expensive, but you'll truly know what you are buying. If I'd done this, I would probably not have purchased this boat, even as a learner boat. I wanted a boat to give me sailing experience, not to fix up. Although one might argue that making repairs on a boat are a vital part of sailing experience. Also, don't just buy a boat on other people's word. I sailed in a 1985 Catalina 27 recently, and despite my preference for my Hunter's interior, I liked the way that boat sailed better than mine. (Also, remember that the model Hunter you are looking at does not have a shower, something vital if you plan to overnite. All this aside, however, if my boat didn't have some of these costly and annoying repair problems, I might consider buying another Hunter of the same year and model, but I would definitely spend more time sailing other boats before I jumped in. Hunter makes some fine boats for different needs, so determine what you want to do and buy the best boat for that purpose. Good Luck with your purchase.
I recently purchased what I call my learner boat, a 1981 Hunter 27. It is my first sailboat and aside from a 2-day sailing course, I had little experience sailing and almost none on other makes of boats. I made a conscious decision to make my first purchase a learner boat, not necessarily the boat I would keep long term so cosmetically, I bought a boat far below my asthetic standards. Here is my assessment as a new owner: You need to very carefully, inch by inch, inspect the boat. Open every cabinet, every port, everything... and look for signs of problems. After reading Sailing Magazine's cover story article on '25 things to look for when buying a used boat' (July 2000), I discovered that I probably have several of the problems listed: including, but not limited to: leaking toe-rails (a real-bedding problem that requires removing the toe-rail to re-seal all the way around the boat). Leaking port-lights (every single one) and probaby leaking stanchions. Look for obvious signs of repairs like a heavy bead of sealer around these areas as well as stained cushions in the cabin. Also look for mildew and streaks of water around in the inside of the cabin. The wet-locker and under the head sink are usually places people forget to clean so these are good areas to find signs of leaks. I also recently discovered, after being stranded by my diesel engine, that my fuel tank is full of junk and I have to have it pumped out and filtered. So dismantle the boat's primary and secondary filters and check out how clean they are. Also, alarms keep going off on the engine warning lights and I've yet to figure out what is wrong. Do yourself a favor and hire a reputable mechanic to check out the engine and don't necessarily use the surveyor recommended by the broker. Mine missed quite a few things that my lack of experience failed to pick up. Ask around in ship yards and find the most reputable guy who has no connection to brokers. It will be more expensive, but you'll truly know what you are buying. If I'd done this, I would probably not have purchased this boat, even as a learner boat. I wanted a boat to give me sailing experience, not to fix up. Although one might argue that making repairs on a boat are a vital part of sailing experience. Also, don't just buy a boat on other people's word. I sailed in a 1985 Catalina 27 recently, and despite my preference for my Hunter's interior, I liked the way that boat sailed better than mine. (Also, remember that the model Hunter you are looking at does not have a shower, something vital if you plan to overnite. All this aside, however, if my boat didn't have some of these costly and annoying repair problems, I might consider buying another Hunter of the same year and model, but I would definitely spend more time sailing other boats before I jumped in. Hunter makes some fine boats for different needs, so determine what you want to do and buy the best boat for that purpose. Good Luck with your purchase.
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Ray keenan
Love it
We love it.. first boat my wife has really felt secure in.. and we have had Morgan's, Irwin etc... Heavy and not to fast but just sails great!
We love it.. first boat my wife has really felt secure in.. and we have had Morgan's, Irwin etc... Heavy and not to fast but just sails great!
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