Looking to bring a Hunter 27 into my family and wanted to know the group's observations/concerns about this vessel. She's a 1978 with an asking price of $7,000. She's some water in the bilge from the water pump on the diesel. There's some delamination from the water on the teak cabin sole laminate. Appreciate some reflections. Thanks
Should I buy a Hunter 27?
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Depends
I purchased my 1980 27 in Nov 03 I have had it in the water since May 17 and have sailed it maybe 10 times. As a learning to sail boat it has been great and for the money ( I paid 8,000) it was a good deal. I will more than likely keep her two years and then move up to 32 or 35 feet for the size and comfort. But as a started boat I like it.
I purchased my 1980 27 in Nov 03 I have had it in the water since May 17 and have sailed it maybe 10 times. As a learning to sail boat it has been great and for the money ( I paid 8,000) it was a good deal. I will more than likely keep her two years and then move up to 32 or 35 feet for the size and comfort. But as a started boat I like it.
Love the boat!
How big is your family? My wife and I are in our seventh summer with our 1980 Hunter 27. It is the perfect cruiser for the two of us, small enough for me to single-hand easily, yet roomy enough for day-sailing or occasional overnighting with two to four guests.
How big is your family? My wife and I are in our seventh summer with our 1980 Hunter 27. It is the perfect cruiser for the two of us, small enough for me to single-hand easily, yet roomy enough for day-sailing or occasional overnighting with two to four guests.
Do your research
The (Cherubini) 27 is covered extensively in the archives and owner reviews. Like any model it has pros and cons relative to the kind of sailing you wish to do. It is as safe as any vessel for the weekend sailor but that is a trade off for sailing-on-the-edge racing (meaning the type A racers not the once around the island for a beer). Howsomeever, not all 27 are the same. The boat evolved through the production years and our 82 is different than your 78. Of course, every individual boat is different including add-ons by previous owners. Biggies like roller furling are a noticable item and the 50 and 100 buck stuff adds up fast. Finally, inherent faults and the maintenance, or lack of same, will show up over time. Do your homework. Buy the boat that works for your needs, skills (on and off the water), and comparative shop. Used boats may be one of the last real "free markets." Andy "Baroque"
The (Cherubini) 27 is covered extensively in the archives and owner reviews. Like any model it has pros and cons relative to the kind of sailing you wish to do. It is as safe as any vessel for the weekend sailor but that is a trade off for sailing-on-the-edge racing (meaning the type A racers not the once around the island for a beer). Howsomeever, not all 27 are the same. The boat evolved through the production years and our 82 is different than your 78. Of course, every individual boat is different including add-ons by previous owners. Biggies like roller furling are a noticable item and the 50 and 100 buck stuff adds up fast. Finally, inherent faults and the maintenance, or lack of same, will show up over time. Do your homework. Buy the boat that works for your needs, skills (on and off the water), and comparative shop. Used boats may be one of the last real "free markets." Andy "Baroque"
No,
too old. Get the 1989 or newer. I would never buy a boat without an aft cabin or swim platform!
too old. Get the 1989 or newer. I would never buy a boat without an aft cabin or swim platform!
Depends/Love it/Research
We love our '84 H27. Have a good survey done. Repeat, have a good survey done.... If the survey comes up with big issues, WALK AWAY. Don't try to negotiate a lower price. There isn't enough room with a $7000 price tag. Be sure to have the surveyor take a close look at the mast step and the compression post for rot. Other high $$ repairs include hatch & port replacement, engine.... Good luck Chuck S/V Following Sea
We love our '84 H27. Have a good survey done. Repeat, have a good survey done.... If the survey comes up with big issues, WALK AWAY. Don't try to negotiate a lower price. There isn't enough room with a $7000 price tag. Be sure to have the surveyor take a close look at the mast step and the compression post for rot. Other high $$ repairs include hatch & port replacement, engine.... Good luck Chuck S/V Following Sea
Maybe
All responses are correct. The most important thing is knowing what your buying. A full survey is the first step once you have found the boat you are interested in. My wife and I purchased a 1979 Hunter 27 two years ago for 6,000 knowing she needed work. I'm able to do alot of this my self. In addition I have replaced all sails, had the Yanmar rebuilt and many other improvements. Total additional out of pocket approx.7,000 more. We are very happy. (Weekend and an occasional week or so coastal cruising.)
All responses are correct. The most important thing is knowing what your buying. A full survey is the first step once you have found the boat you are interested in. My wife and I purchased a 1979 Hunter 27 two years ago for 6,000 knowing she needed work. I'm able to do alot of this my self. In addition I have replaced all sails, had the Yanmar rebuilt and many other improvements. Total additional out of pocket approx.7,000 more. We are very happy. (Weekend and an occasional week or so coastal cruising.)
H 27 get my vote
I have a 1978 H-27 with the shoal keel. Not a great up wind but all in all bullet prook and simple to fix. The Yanmar 8h[p is a little underpowered and raw water cooled, ut I've got to say it starts first time every time. Safe, cheap and simple...funt to sail and a lot of bang for the buck.. No core in the hull and in mine no blisters. Some plywood coring in the deck but I've not seen any delamination here. It's a great boat to learn on and fund to knowck around on as a day sailor and an occasional weekend. Have fun and go for it
I have a 1978 H-27 with the shoal keel. Not a great up wind but all in all bullet prook and simple to fix. The Yanmar 8h[p is a little underpowered and raw water cooled, ut I've got to say it starts first time every time. Safe, cheap and simple...funt to sail and a lot of bang for the buck.. No core in the hull and in mine no blisters. Some plywood coring in the deck but I've not seen any delamination here. It's a great boat to learn on and fund to knowck around on as a day sailor and an occasional weekend. Have fun and go for it
Nelsonhow,
Nelsonhow, Thanks for your response. I've noticed the strengths/limitations you mentioned and accept them as they are designed into the boat. Overall, she seems to be in good shape and has some promise. What areas of your boat have you had issues with? The diesel is underpowered enough to be a problem in a current? Or, have you had sufficient power to get her where you needed her to go? Michael
Nelsonhow, Thanks for your response. I've noticed the strengths/limitations you mentioned and accept them as they are designed into the boat. Overall, she seems to be in good shape and has some promise. What areas of your boat have you had issues with? The diesel is underpowered enough to be a problem in a current? Or, have you had sufficient power to get her where you needed her to go? Michael
Cherubini
Andy, Surely the Hunter has been known for her cruiser-ability and when I’ve raced against them, a good handicap usually took care of the difference. However, racing is not our intention, cruising is and this model vessel seems to be the ticket. The question is what are the design attributes and are they what I need. Your response was very helpful and I’m happy to see so many positive comments about this boat. Her name will probably be “ Drama Queen “ (in honor and recognition of our 13 year-old daughter) and she is fitted with a roller jib, cockpit located sheets/halyards, new sails, solid Yanmar, lots of teak below and a new tiller. Problems are minimal, mostly cleaning, but there is water in the bilge (I’m used to dry) from the water pump on the diesel weeping. Changing the pump is not a big deal – it’s the delaminating teak/holly sole from the water. Not sure how I’m going to attack that, but understand its part of getting the boat for a low price. Thanks for your time and thoughtful response. Michael
Andy, Surely the Hunter has been known for her cruiser-ability and when I’ve raced against them, a good handicap usually took care of the difference. However, racing is not our intention, cruising is and this model vessel seems to be the ticket. The question is what are the design attributes and are they what I need. Your response was very helpful and I’m happy to see so many positive comments about this boat. Her name will probably be “ Drama Queen “ (in honor and recognition of our 13 year-old daughter) and she is fitted with a roller jib, cockpit located sheets/halyards, new sails, solid Yanmar, lots of teak below and a new tiller. Problems are minimal, mostly cleaning, but there is water in the bilge (I’m used to dry) from the water pump on the diesel weeping. Changing the pump is not a big deal – it’s the delaminating teak/holly sole from the water. Not sure how I’m going to attack that, but understand its part of getting the boat for a low price. Thanks for your time and thoughtful response. Michael
No aft cabin?
Droopy, Candid response. Thanks. Is it the age alone, or the associated damage that I should be concerned about? I'm interested in your view. By the way, do the newer H's have an aft cabin? Is that a function of age? Michel
Droopy, Candid response. Thanks. Is it the age alone, or the associated damage that I should be concerned about? I'm interested in your view. By the way, do the newer H's have an aft cabin? Is that a function of age? Michel
Aft Cabin = Shallow Cockpit
I have a 1984 H27. We bought it 2 months ago. No regrets. Pleanty of room for my wife and I plus a couple of guests. If the boat was well maintained, age shouldn't be an issue. Dylan Ross S/V Siroco
I have a 1984 H27. We bought it 2 months ago. No regrets. Pleanty of room for my wife and I plus a couple of guests. If the boat was well maintained, age shouldn't be an issue. Dylan Ross S/V Siroco
Are you sure the water pump is
the only thing leaking. You can install a new water pump easy enough! There is always water in the bilge. Like they say. "it wouldn't be a Hunter if it didn't leak". How bad is the the teak cabin sole laminate? Again you can repair it too. Older boats can be big trouble! The fact that the owner let the water delaminate the teak cabin sole is not a good sign. How is the rest of the boat. Does the deck feel mushey anywhere? If it does don't buy it. How are the sails. Anyway 7000 is high from what you told me. Offer 3000 and work up to 4000... The 1989^ H27 is a much better boat. You see them around for 15,000. The 1989^ H28 is an even better boat with lots of room inside! The older H28.5 are nice too! Good Luck and Best Wished. Buy the boat that best fit you need and you can best afford.
the only thing leaking. You can install a new water pump easy enough! There is always water in the bilge. Like they say. "it wouldn't be a Hunter if it didn't leak". How bad is the the teak cabin sole laminate? Again you can repair it too. Older boats can be big trouble! The fact that the owner let the water delaminate the teak cabin sole is not a good sign. How is the rest of the boat. Does the deck feel mushey anywhere? If it does don't buy it. How are the sails. Anyway 7000 is high from what you told me. Offer 3000 and work up to 4000... The 1989^ H27 is a much better boat. You see them around for 15,000. The 1989^ H28 is an even better boat with lots of room inside! The older H28.5 are nice too! Good Luck and Best Wished. Buy the boat that best fit you need and you can best afford.
3000 for a 78 H27?
That's a wonderful thought, Droopy. Of course, getting a new one for free would be the ticket! This is my base-line question to you guys . . . what's this boat worth? Value is always determined by what someone will pay, but not knowing the Hunters very well could place me in the 'might pay too much' catetory. 15K for an 89 H27 or 28.5 is three times what I was planning on, though. Your comments now have me thinking. I've always preferred to spend little on the front end and build myself. Satisfaction and insurance on quality. However, I don't want to get ripped off.
That's a wonderful thought, Droopy. Of course, getting a new one for free would be the ticket! This is my base-line question to you guys . . . what's this boat worth? Value is always determined by what someone will pay, but not knowing the Hunters very well could place me in the 'might pay too much' catetory. 15K for an 89 H27 or 28.5 is three times what I was planning on, though. Your comments now have me thinking. I've always preferred to spend little on the front end and build myself. Satisfaction and insurance on quality. However, I don't want to get ripped off.
Price
1978 H27 is a very old boat. Old layout. May have original sail. Under power Engine(s) HP: 8. It can sit on the market for a long time at a $7000 (years). Most buyer want new / newer boats. The 3000 offer is just to get the owner in the mood to come down. I think 4000 - 6000 is very acceptable depending on condition but that is what the boat is worth to me. I would not buy one. Too old!
1978 H27 is a very old boat. Old layout. May have original sail. Under power Engine(s) HP: 8. It can sit on the market for a long time at a $7000 (years). Most buyer want new / newer boats. The 3000 offer is just to get the owner in the mood to come down. I think 4000 - 6000 is very acceptable depending on condition but that is what the boat is worth to me. I would not buy one. Too old!
If the survey is OK...
then make an offer. It doesn't have to be the asking price. Even owners who claim their price is firm may be open to negotiation with someone who appears to be serious. Use the survey and your own personal inspection to create a list of to-do's. The list will help you figure out your budget and priorities for repair / upgrade. It can also help determine the overall cost of the purchase. In addition to the obvious big ticket items, look for little things that add up quickly (a few to think about - anchor and rode, VHF antenna, electrical panel, required life vests / throwables, lines, missing shackles, old batteries, mainsail sail covers, docklines, boat hook, bent t-bolts on the shrouds, etc.). Present the list to the owner to justify the offer and start the negotiation process. But the first step in the process is the survey. To get an idea of the asking price for boats in that category, you might want to search the yachtworld.com used boat listings. There are a lot of Hunter 27s there for comparison. I've got a couple of old checklists that I found helpful in reviewing boats beyond the typical survey. They were available on the net, but I could probably dig them out if needed. (might be something of additional value to this this web site)
then make an offer. It doesn't have to be the asking price. Even owners who claim their price is firm may be open to negotiation with someone who appears to be serious. Use the survey and your own personal inspection to create a list of to-do's. The list will help you figure out your budget and priorities for repair / upgrade. It can also help determine the overall cost of the purchase. In addition to the obvious big ticket items, look for little things that add up quickly (a few to think about - anchor and rode, VHF antenna, electrical panel, required life vests / throwables, lines, missing shackles, old batteries, mainsail sail covers, docklines, boat hook, bent t-bolts on the shrouds, etc.). Present the list to the owner to justify the offer and start the negotiation process. But the first step in the process is the survey. To get an idea of the asking price for boats in that category, you might want to search the yachtworld.com used boat listings. There are a lot of Hunter 27s there for comparison. I've got a couple of old checklists that I found helpful in reviewing boats beyond the typical survey. They were available on the net, but I could probably dig them out if needed. (might be something of additional value to this this web site)
in the end
if you walk down the dock without looking back at the boat, then it isn't for you. What I like abut my 79 H27 is that it's small enough to single hand, it's quick, sleeps 5 and you can easily provision for 5 people for 2 nights without a problem. What I don't like is the underpowered 8hp diesel in a strong tide or nose into bad weather. It's painfully slow. It doesn's have a shower, H&C pressure water, insulated icebox with a refrigeration unit, ac inverter, furling main, generator, flat panel TV with DVD player, wheel steering, life boat, ditch kit and epirb... (sorry about the sarcasm!) What I have had to do since I boutgh my H27 was to fix the mast step, because, previous owner/s didn't fix the leaks from the electrical connections and it rotted out the core in the deck.. Total cost to fix the problem myself, including stepping the mast by the yard, was 600$. Insulating the icebox, 20$, ripping out the refrigeration unit from my portable electric coleman cooler to install into to the icebox; 60$ on sale from Walmart. The eltronic circuit that turns the refrigeration unit on for 20 minutes and off for 20 minutes at a time was 10$ from the local electronic specialty store. Changing the manual hand pump for water in the galley to foot power; was 40$ on a clearance sale from defender's, including the new water line from the pump to the new faucet. (washing dishes and your own hands with one hand is pretty tough you know) Next season I'll replace all the portholes and have the hull and deck refinished to a shiny, new like look without brush marks; estimated price- 500$. While it would be nice to have a bigger boat, I'm very happy with my 8.5K investment last year and my broker promised me in writing the same trade in value towards any boat I decide to get within 5 years (next 4 anyway), so I don't think I went wrong and for what I have invested into the boat to date is more for my family than anything. Hope that helps some. Serendipity
if you walk down the dock without looking back at the boat, then it isn't for you. What I like abut my 79 H27 is that it's small enough to single hand, it's quick, sleeps 5 and you can easily provision for 5 people for 2 nights without a problem. What I don't like is the underpowered 8hp diesel in a strong tide or nose into bad weather. It's painfully slow. It doesn's have a shower, H&C pressure water, insulated icebox with a refrigeration unit, ac inverter, furling main, generator, flat panel TV with DVD player, wheel steering, life boat, ditch kit and epirb... (sorry about the sarcasm!) What I have had to do since I boutgh my H27 was to fix the mast step, because, previous owner/s didn't fix the leaks from the electrical connections and it rotted out the core in the deck.. Total cost to fix the problem myself, including stepping the mast by the yard, was 600$. Insulating the icebox, 20$, ripping out the refrigeration unit from my portable electric coleman cooler to install into to the icebox; 60$ on sale from Walmart. The eltronic circuit that turns the refrigeration unit on for 20 minutes and off for 20 minutes at a time was 10$ from the local electronic specialty store. Changing the manual hand pump for water in the galley to foot power; was 40$ on a clearance sale from defender's, including the new water line from the pump to the new faucet. (washing dishes and your own hands with one hand is pretty tough you know) Next season I'll replace all the portholes and have the hull and deck refinished to a shiny, new like look without brush marks; estimated price- 500$. While it would be nice to have a bigger boat, I'm very happy with my 8.5K investment last year and my broker promised me in writing the same trade in value towards any boat I decide to get within 5 years (next 4 anyway), so I don't think I went wrong and for what I have invested into the boat to date is more for my family than anything. Hope that helps some. Serendipity
Good point on price, Droopy. Old boat
. . . considering the possible hidden costs. If I could simply sail around without spending more money on stuff. I appreciate the response. You offer a valid point. My realization is that I may need to go into the 10 grand range to get a newer boat and look around more. When did the design for the H27 change?
. . . considering the possible hidden costs. If I could simply sail around without spending more money on stuff. I appreciate the response. You offer a valid point. My realization is that I may need to go into the 10 grand range to get a newer boat and look around more. When did the design for the H27 change?
Looking for Nirvana
Jim, very detailed reply, thanks for your time. I keep hearing that the one cyl diesel is rather underpowered, but acceptable. Your list of 'things to have on a boat' would be nice and probably possible on a bigger boat. My delima is to get a 27/30 under 10 grand. Are you satisfied with the quality/design of the Hunter? I've only heard positive things. It's the water on the cabin sole that has me wondering - how much care has the owner provided and what else is possible. Michael
Jim, very detailed reply, thanks for your time. I keep hearing that the one cyl diesel is rather underpowered, but acceptable. Your list of 'things to have on a boat' would be nice and probably possible on a bigger boat. My delima is to get a 27/30 under 10 grand. Are you satisfied with the quality/design of the Hunter? I've only heard positive things. It's the water on the cabin sole that has me wondering - how much care has the owner provided and what else is possible. Michael
Great cruiser for a couple
Fresh water prices (with a most unlikely clean survey) range from 9,000 to 12,000 dollars. This is a cruising boat, not a racer (although we met a couple that does well racing a full keel model.) That's because it's really not designed to point close into the wind. That is particularly true of our shoal draft model. After cracking to 60 degrees off the true wind, though, they are actually quite fast. We are seldom passed while reaching by boats of similar size. This design offers 6 feet of clearance in the cabin, and a good, stable ride for its 27 feet LOA. It is capable of blue water sailing, and some forum membars regularly do so. The Admiral and I spend over 20 nights a summer on ours, including cruises of one to two weeks. I see the lack of complicated systems as an advantage, and most of our stops are at Lake Erie ports with good showers and other facilities. That said, we often anchor out, and she does that well. Another advantage of a smaller boat is the ease of handling the sheets and raising the main. The Admiral was unable to raise the main sail on either of the 34's we have chartered, and couldn't trim the genny after tacking on the Catalina 34. We have had Lady Lillie 4 years, and will keep her until our grandchildren need more room than she offers. If you have looked at a number of boats, and like this one, a good old boat is a great choice. By the way, the owner reviews on this site offer a great range of opinions for you. Good luck, David Lady Lillie
Fresh water prices (with a most unlikely clean survey) range from 9,000 to 12,000 dollars. This is a cruising boat, not a racer (although we met a couple that does well racing a full keel model.) That's because it's really not designed to point close into the wind. That is particularly true of our shoal draft model. After cracking to 60 degrees off the true wind, though, they are actually quite fast. We are seldom passed while reaching by boats of similar size. This design offers 6 feet of clearance in the cabin, and a good, stable ride for its 27 feet LOA. It is capable of blue water sailing, and some forum membars regularly do so. The Admiral and I spend over 20 nights a summer on ours, including cruises of one to two weeks. I see the lack of complicated systems as an advantage, and most of our stops are at Lake Erie ports with good showers and other facilities. That said, we often anchor out, and she does that well. Another advantage of a smaller boat is the ease of handling the sheets and raising the main. The Admiral was unable to raise the main sail on either of the 34's we have chartered, and couldn't trim the genny after tacking on the Catalina 34. We have had Lady Lillie 4 years, and will keep her until our grandchildren need more room than she offers. If you have looked at a number of boats, and like this one, a good old boat is a great choice. By the way, the owner reviews on this site offer a great range of opinions for you. Good luck, David Lady Lillie
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