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Review of the Hunter 27_75-84 by David in Sandusky

Year built 1977  
Location of boat Lake Erie, Sandusky, Ohio  
The boat is sailed on The Great Lakes  
How the boat is used Multi-week coastal cruising  
Normal wind strength 10-15 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? After 23 years, I can say absolutely yes.  
Gear that's been added Read our previous post for initial gear upgrades and replacements. I figure about $1,000 per year for upgrades and maintenance with much of the work done by our yard/marina. After 3 years, we did replace the forward hatch, and rebuild the mast step, replacing the wood inner core with an aluminum plate. Added a tiller pilot for long cruise legs of 8-10 hours as we cruised the Great Lakes. After about 10 years, I rebedded all of the portlights. Looks like I will be replacing at least a couple of them 13 years later. We have replaced the sails twice - good Dacron lasts about 10 years, gradually losing shape in the later years, while UV sunlight rots the threads that are not covered on the furling 110 genny. Replaced the SB-8 with a 1 GM 10 After 13 years (at 36 years old!) because of head gasket issues and reduced compression. The custom boom tent that attaches to the Bimini in port was built by SBO to my design and is still working perfectly after 20 years. It, leading the lines aft, and cabin grab rails are documented in the owner modifications section. We replaced the standing rigging at 30 years old in 2007. (The boat has been on fresh water all its life, so corrosion is minimal.)  
Structural or complex improvements I did cut a hole in the foredeck to allow mounting the anchor on the bow, and storing the line rode in the space forward of the V-berth with appropriate fittings. Loss of water-tight integrity, is not a big deal, because we can always find a safe port before waves build up high enough to capsize us.  
The boat's best features It really sleeps 5 comfortably if a couple shares the V-nerth. We have cruised a week with a crew of 4 multiple times. Storage for personal gear is tight with 4 aboard, but is easily solved. She sails faster than larger boats on a reach. We routinely average 5.5 knots on long cruises, whether sailing or on the engine. The Comfort factor for a crew of 2 is a good 26.2 - We feel the space is ideal for us on the Great Lakes. (We have chartered boats around 35 long for a week over 20 times, so we have experienced larger and more modern accommodations.)  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The shoal keel really makes it impossible to sail closer than 60 degrees off the wind. I can point higher, but then we just make leeway back to 60 degrees made good. The solution is not to cruise into the wind! As we get older (78 as I write this) the acrobatics of climbing in and out of the V-berth have moved us into the very comfortable cabin bunks.  
Sailing characterisitcs See best features and design. She is easy to sail on all points of sail. A reef is needed to sail a near reach at around 20 knots. Heeling over 15 degrees slows the boat down. Takes the waves very well. We have been comfortable reaching in 5-6 foot waves. We have run wing on wing on the main and asymmetric spinnaker a number of times. The asymmetric means we can make 4 knots in light winds (6-8 knots.) Visibility is good on all points of sail. Heaves to easily and well.  
Motoring characterisitcs Motors very well, at 5.5 knots on the 1 GM 10. Pulls to port, so the tiller pilot is very helpful when motoring. Maneuvers easily and quickly in port.  
Liveability See best features. After comparing to larger and newer boats, we still prefer her for our 20+ days of cruising each summer.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) NA  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any See earlier review.  
Other comments Agility issues are starting. As they increase, they will eventually mean we will sell our Lady Lillie and spend more time on charters with younger crew.  

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