Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 27_75-84 by Jim Gardner

Year built 1977  
Location of boat Shore Acres, NJ  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2004  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Absolutely, it is exactly the boat I had been looking for. I began looking for a Cherub 27 with opening ports (later model), but I found this 1977 that was perfect, and loved it. This boat had been inside winter stored since 1978, and I bought it from the original owner. The boat has been maintained perfectly, it looks like it just left the showroom.  
Gear that's been added I have added nothing, the boat was delivered with a new Edson Wheel system, and a brand new Vetus Muffler system. I am thinking about RF in the spring, but I enjoy the advantage of changing sails, so I have to think about that. I like to keep things simple. I enjoy using the spinnaker, RF would complicate that ease and pleasure.  
Structural or complex improvements I plan to drop a second deep stainless sink into the top of the nav table over the winter.  
The boat's best features I think the Cherubini Hunters are the best Hunters ever built. I like the lines, I like the solid structure, and love the roominess of the cabin. The cabin is wide, very user friendly yet simple, and beautifully designed. Simple and perfect. Just enough teak to enjoy without too much work. So many boat cabins look like teak caves...this one is light, roomy, open and airy, with just enough teak trim to enjoy. I have had nothing but dust in the bilge.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Absolutely nothing, the boat is a pleasure. The SB-8 is sufficient (after all it is a sailboat) The deck is roomy, the cabin is roomy. The cockpit is small, and that's the way a cockpit should be. I will add an additional cockpit drain (larger) over the winter.  
Sailing characterisitcs Aux racing speeds up to 7 knots, smooth, very little helm if you reef above 15 knots. Points very well when trimmed properly and crew is shifted accordingly. Just enough helm to feel in control, reef above 15 to reduce.  
Motoring characterisitcs I have a SB-8 that motors at 4.5-5 knots. PO had just replaced the insulation with a lead based sound absorbent lining, the engine is quiet and the vibration is less than I expected with a one lunger. With prop and shaft kept clean, she just puts along perfectly. The new Vetus Muffler sysyem is an absolute pleasure. It is easy to keep the prop and shaft clean without diving underwater.  
Liveability Excellent, very comfortable, simple layout, comfortable flow. Sliding teak doors in head and vee offer any privacy needed, and are out of the way when opened. It's exactly why I wanted an H-27 Cherub over so many boats I had looked at. Perfect roomy cabin and comfortable headroom.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I have not had the pleasure, but I am told it is a pleasure dealing with Hunter when necessary.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Private sale, private personal networking within the club.  
Other comments I have wanted an H-27 Cherub for a long time. I've had many other boats, and do retain a Columbia Contender 24 for racing and this H-27 for family sailing and fun. I have enjoyed racing this boat as well in the club aux races with good results. It is a beautiful, roomy, comfortable sailboat. I love it. I think the Cherubs are the absolute best buy in the midsized used boat market in the 8-15 K range. Solid decks, solid hulls, solid design. I have never heard of a pre 1980 Cherub with any delam or blisters. There's nothing like an old Steinway piano and and old Cherubini Hunter. Built to last and enjoy! Jim