Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 27_75-84 by Andrew Gallup

Year built 1982  
Location of boat Huron, Ohio  
The boat is sailed on The Great Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength less than 10 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2000  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes, given the same criteria for selection, financial situation, and price/availability.  
Gear that's been added No  
Structural or complex improvements No  
The boat's best features It is stable, safe, easy to handle under sail and forgiving of mistakes. The systems are simple to understand and relatively easy to maintain. It is a fine compromise of handling, liviability, and cost.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. With respect to the boat being 19 years old, the problems are few. The ports or minimum tend to break and have minor leaks. The hatches have leaks but this can be corrected. The prop walk to port in reverse and the distance needed to correct it makes handling in confined areas a pain especially when coupled with the bow being easily moved by light air.  
Sailing characterisitcs The boat does not sail well close to the wind, quite possibly this is aggrivated by the shoal hull and an old mainsail. This aspect is not of great concern to the non-racing, relaxed crusier. Performance improves noticably as you approach a beam reach and downwind. Downwind performance is, however, affected by following seas which will kick the stern around unless great care is taken. Speed seems to improve if the boat is upright. A fifteen degree heel corrected to ten consistantly shows more speed.  
Motoring characterisitcs As mentioned previously, reverse can be a problem. This particular boat has a 1 cyl. Yanmar. In moderate conditions it pushes the boat at hull speed. In 6 foot waves you would prefer more power. The engine has been reliable.  
Liveability It is very livable for 2 adults, dog, and cat. An adapted bed combining both settees and sleeping across the cabin is very comfortable. The two burner Origo stove does all that is necessary for cooking good meals. The ice box is inconvenient but useable. The pressurized water system suffers from the "economical" faucets and might have been just as good and less noisy with foot pumps. Storage is convenient and more than sufficient for weekends or longer especially if not using the quarterberth for sleeping. Access from the cockpit to the cabin is exceptionally good with the steps being part of the engine cover. Ventilation is good, as all ports open.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) No  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Our experience with Harbor North has been without problem. This boat was placed with them as they are a Hunter dealer. They are familiar with these boats and use a 27 for instruction. They have answered every question before and after the sale and taken time to address small problems with the boat and novice sailors.  
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