Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 27_75-84 by Jim Rice

Year built 1980  
Location of boat Monroe Harbor, Chicago, IL  
The boat is sailed on The Great Lakes  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1998  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yup, you betcha! We looked at a lot of boats,including some brands no one has heard of. Thisboat offered the most style and value for themoney.  
Gear that's been added 1) An Origo 2-burner UNpressurized alcohol stove--well worth the bucks.2) A combination toilet/holding tank, and a venand deck pumpout (ditto re bucks).3) Battery monitor.4) Headsail downhaul (hanked-on jib).  
Structural or complex improvements None--none needed  
The boat's best features 1) 10--count them, 10 opening hatches.2) Spacious interior with plenty of storageroom.3) Wide side decks for a 27-footer.4) Stable, reasonably easily-handled boat.5) Lotsa nice wood inside--responds well tovarnish/Cetol.6) Good, if not overbuilt construction.7) Low initial cost. No matter how bad youare at boathandling, you can furnish many hoursof amusement for your neighbors without bashingup a  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. 1) Fore and midships hatches--ones that are still in 1 piece are worth their weight in gold.Manufacturer has been sold 2 or 3 times in theintervening years. Replacement of them is anadventure in frustration--see Owners and Midsizedboat forums.2)  
Sailing characterisitcs She has to be reefed in about 15 kts. wind if youlike to sail upright--but she stops at about15 deg. heel if you don't reef. Keep in mindthe reef is easy to set and to shake out.We've done 6 kts on rare occasions--4-5 kts isabout your best average. It is a very comfortable4-5 kts.The boat handles wakes and swells well. It feelslike a larger, heavier boat. It sails as fastas a heavier boat, too.Acceleration out of a tack is a concept, not areality. But we have never been caught in stays.  
Motoring characterisitcs The Renault engine is underpowered and slow.Into a brisk headwind, with the little Frenchso-and-so putt-putting its heart out we madeabout 3 kts. Ordinarily, on 1-3 foot waves wecan power at 4-5 kts.She turns well under power, but you will neverlearn about  
Liveability VERY livable for a 27-footer. We call her ourlittle Island Packet. The V-berth is soooo comfortable, the salon berths are fine for skinny people. We have had no problem fitting a ton ofstuff on board, and overnite on the weekends withno problem. When you are docked or on a can oranchor, the opening hatches (with screens) keep the interior cool. The two of us (5'7  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Get the boat you are looking at inspected. Donot neglect this--the 250-300 is worth it. Getestimates for everything the inspector findswrong or deficient. Keep in mind when buyingthat the broker is the sellers agent. Pick adealer that you can work with for some time.Ask around a lot about others experiences, soyou know what to ask and what to look out for.lAnd always remember--your boat is out there.Don't take 2nd best and don't buy the firstboat you see.  
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