Calling Cherubini Hunter 27 owners!
John, I'm honored by your request, and I'll give it a shot, but the value of this site is support from the group! So I'm hoping others will chime in, too. What is your previous experience? (aside from no diesels) That would help me and others in supporting you. My biggest advice is to engage a local support team. Here is what I mean: Maintenance. The boat surveyor got me off to a good start here. I paid $200, and got an exhaustive maintenance checklist, and lots of good, specific how-to advice from our survey. If you didn't get one when you purchased the boat, you missed the chance to pay for it in price reductions from the seller. But I would get one anyway - you will probably need it to insure the boat. Take the time to call around, and check references to get a good surveyor. On our older boats, the most critical need is to detect moisture due to leaks that have induced wood rot in the deck, or grid, so you want a surveyor with good moisture measurement equipment, and capabilities. The Engine. Once the boat is in the water, find a good diesel mechanic, and have him out when you can join him at the boat to change the oil, filters, and the impellor. At the same time, he will be glad to brief you on the engine, and show you how to bleed it, and perform the above tasks on your own. Oh - ask him to bring spares of the filters and impellor for your stock. Evaluate the local sail lofts, and pick one sailmaker you like. Have them price the mainsail described on this site (cloth type and weight, battens, reef points, etc.) as part of your evaluation. Arrange for him to visit your boat once it is in the water, evaluate your sails, and develop an action plan for _your_ intended use of the boat. This service is free, in the hopes of future business. Ask the sailmaker who he would recommend as a rigger. Now (at the cost of $300 to $400) you have an expert viea of your boat, engine, and sails. More importantly, these three advisors will probably be quite willing to answer telephone questions over the coming months, as you consider their recommendations, and begin using and maintaining the boat. Another, more expensive expert we employed was an experienced sailing instuctor who took Lady Lillie out for a day's familiarization, and sailing technique review on our first week-end on the boat. He took us through safety systems and procedures, updated our sailing skills for a cruising keel boat (my experience was racing small boats, and daysailing a Rhodes 19, with a few outings on others' cruising boats.) He made a number of excellent, practical recommendations, showed us how to tune the rigging, how to heave to for lunch, reefing, or maintenance under way, how to dock her, and got both me and my wife (the Admiral) comfortable with our new boat. Again, he was then available for any questions we might have. Finally, walk around your marina, and note the other Hunter 27's, or other boats of similar size and vintage. These are the folks you want to meet, chat with, and start informative friendships (like this website). They will love to talk about their boat, and tell you lots more details of how to get along in your area. Oh - about the diesel - this is a great, extremely reliable, and economic engine. It will drive the boat 4-5 knots on still water, and ours has always started (maybe after a few tries on the first cold start in April.) But it won't drive the boat at hull speed (6.2 knots) so you will want to learn about the tidal currents in your marina and cruising area since a flood tide could bring you to a standstill in some places and times. There is a start. I'm sure others will add more. Go ahead and ask more detailed questions now, or as you get into this wonderful ownership thing. I'm not the only one who will enjoy sharing answers for you. David Lady Lillie '77 h27
