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Review of the Hunter 27_75-84 by Neil Smith

Year built 1978  
Location of boat Melbourne, FL  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2000  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Absolutely! Prior to our Hunter 27, I owned a Columbia 24 Contender. While the Contender offered a spirited ride, the Admiral and I are more interested in a comfortable, upright position than was offered with the Columbia rocket sled. We were most pleased to note that our H-27 consistently met or exceded hull speed before reaching a 15 degree heel, which was fine for us old fogies! As far as construction, there is no comparison, IMHO, as to the integrity and makeup of this Cherubini design, with the more "modern" designs. Hull is uncrushable, decks as solid as granite. Interior space is that of a vessel substantially longer, and very comfortable for overnighters and voyages of up to about 3 - 5 days. Over that, even a larger boat starts to get cramped.  
Gear that's been added I added CDI roller furling the day after I took possession, and I'm thankful I did. Makes for a much more enjoyable day on the water. Subsequently, I have added a new water system (electronic), Origo 4000 stove, numerous cabinetry enhancements, new cherry composite cabin and cockpit soles, and GPS. Have yet to install a depth sounder that's still in the box, but will do so at next haul-out.  
Structural or complex improvements The boat sat on the hard for several years prior to my acquiring her, and during that timeframe, substantial damage was done to the Renault diesel that she was originally equipped with. The diesel has been replaced with a Johnson 9.9 on a heavy duty transom mount and frankly, we couldn't be happier with it's performance. Far more manueverable than with the diesel, much more power, hull speed at 3/4 throttle, easy backing, and precise entrances to our slip. Did add a throttle control that makes motoring easier. We had considered trips to the Bahamas, but will not make that trip with outboard as the lower unit comes out of the water in heavy swells. However, 99% or our sailing is in the Intercoastal Waterway, and the Johnson is more than adequate for those sheltered waters.  
The boat's best features Without a doubt, the best features of our H-27 are it's stability and comforts below decks. It is rare that weather in our area forces us to reef, however a single reef, combined with the CDI roller furling for our 155 genoa allows us to sail comfortably in just about anything the Indian River has to dish out. (Of course, there are exceptions . . . ) Nevertheless, our H-27 points as well as any other boat of it's size and design, if not better, and most importantly to us is the feeling of relative security in this boat. After the sail, anchored in a nice cove, she is a joy to spend the night on. The combination of a good stove, barbeque, water system, coupled with very comfortable berths and thru-cabin ventilation with 4 opening ports, hatch and screened companionway, not to mention a few fans, makes for a pleasant weekend hideaway where the Admiral and I can really relax.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I was very disappointed in the hardware that came with the boat. All Schafer hardware was replaced with Harken. The faucets that came with the boat simply did not work, so I replaced them with an electric water system. The original stove died a few weeks after I took possession of the boat, so I replaced it with an Origo 4000 2-burner alcohol unit. The icebox needed to receive additional insulation, as it was only good for a short daysail. I wish that the designer had directed the discharge for the icebox to a through-hull drain rather than the bilge as if anything other than melted ice goes down the drain into the bilge, odors can result.  
Sailing characterisitcs Our H-27 is good to weather. She points well and maintains a reasonable heel angle, but when winds get to the 25 to 30 mph range, it is necessary to reef. While it's exciting to bury the rails, we find that our fastest speeds are realized when we're at or below a 15 degree heel. Downwind is less effective than I'd like, however we've never flown a spinnaker and unless we rig a preventer, wing on wing is difficult. Nevertheless, downwind runs do produce some pretty neat speeds, wave surfing if the wind is strong enough and the waves are big enough.  
Motoring characterisitcs Remember, the diesel has been replaced by an outboard. I find that I have better backing abilities than with the diesel, and that as long as there are no huge swells, where the o/b is pulled out of the water, adequate propulsion is achieved via the o/b. Were I to want to do any offshore cruising, I would definitely refit with a diesel, where the propeller is always in the water.  
Liveability Overnighters are GREAT! Plenty of room and amenities to make for terrific memories. Went on an 11 day cruise once, and realized that an H-27 does not have the liveability that a larger vessel would have. Got pretty cramped on that trip. Longest cruise where the bride and I felt comfortable and still remained civil to each other was 3-5 days. No more. Period. Bunks are ok, but I'm a pretty big feller, and found the most comfortable night's sleep was in the quarter berth. V-berths are ok if you're romantic and like snuggling. Salon setees are okay if you aren't tall. Ventilation is fine as long as there's a breeze, but don't count on Pella Turbo Fans to cool the cabin on muggy, airless Florida nights!  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Never have, yet.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Bought from prior owner.  
Other comments The H-27 is a fine boat that has it's limitations. It is not, as usually equipped, a good off-shore cruiser. It will not consistently beat some of the rocket sleds one sees in club racing. But it is a good, solid, liveable boat that is usually available within an affordable price range. Equipped with the original diesels available, the Yanmar 1GM or the Renault, it is grossly underpowered. Refits with the Yanmar 2GM power plants have been reviewed as very positive, but to put a $5000-$6000 engine into a boat that is growing whiskers, might be considered a bit of an extravagence. My own refit with the outboard does have certain limitations and trade-offs, however or my own purposes, it was an effective alternative to repowering with a diesel.  

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