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Review of the Hunter 27 by Owner of "New" H27

Year built 2005  
Location of boat Pacific Northwest  
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 2005  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. When we first saw this boat at a boat show in early 2005, we were initially turned off by the lack of a glorious wood interior. We also were initially looking for a 30-32 foot boat. After looking at the finances and looking at several used boats in that size range, we came back and looked at the H27. This boat offers most of the modern big-boat features in a compact package that is affordable to buy and affordable to moor. The shorter size means slips are more easily available than they are in the 30 - 32 foot range. After several months of sailing, we have found she has exceeded our expectations in terms of performance and comfort. We had a chance to see the new H31 while we took delivery of our boat, and we didn't regret our choice at all.  
Gear that's been added We arranged for the following equipment to be added during the commissioning process: - second battery - autopilot - dodger - genneker - diesel heater The dodger, genneker, and diesel heater are basically required items in this climate. A friend recommended we install autopilot instead of buying a mounted chartplotter, and man, I'm glad we did. The autopilot makes life beautiful. The hand-held basic GPS and chartbook will work for now.  
Structural or complex improvements Nope.  
The boat's best features This boat is very responsive and she is fast. We love the layout of the boat and find her to be very comfortable. We like the practicality of the 12-volt cooler instead of an expensive built-in refrigeration unit. If it ever breaks, you just throw it out and buy a new one. We have learned to appreciate the formica-lined interior because it is light and bright and easy to clean. The overall design is brilliant. Congratulations to Glenn Henderson, the designer.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. We are somewhat concerned that the stainless steel taffrail seat rails will not stand the test of time. We detest the hatch design and cannot believe Hunter uses this design on a production boat - the hatch rubs against the roof, abraiding the gelcoat and leaving ugly dark stripes. Hunter should redesign this ASAP and retrofit the boats that have this poor design (H27 & H31). It's fine for a prototype, but not for a boat that we are going to own for a decade or more.  
Sailing characterisitcs She responds very quickly, is fast, and very lively but controllable. She does round up when overpowered by the wind (reminding you to reduce sail area). I've taught a friend who was used to sailing a traditionally rigged boat to sail this boat - he had a hard time accepting that the smallish jib is actually the first reef and that the boat will sail in a balanced manner under the main alone. We enjoy the sail plan that Hunter uses.  
Motoring characterisitcs On a flat lake, this boat goes over 7 knots flat out. At the recommended cruising RPM, she goes about 6.2 - 6.5 knots. In forward, you can turn this boat on a dime; any quick turn is practically a pivot. Reverse is best avoided in tight quarters because there is a LOT of prop walk to port. In our smallish marina, it is impossible to ever gain way in reverse. This boat could definitely use a Max-Prop, which is something we will get around to doing eventually. If you need to move the rear of the boat sideways to port, you can definitely do that!  
Liveability We haven't spent a week in it yet, but for the size it has been great so far. There seems to be adequate storage for this size boat, although there is always the question of what to do with the fenders. The production fender holders don't work on the short stanchions. The Fisher-Price size toilet is almost humorous, but it is there and it works. The portlights that Hunter added for 2006 in the main cabin make a huge difference - the 2005 felt a bit gloomy inside, but the additiional light and eye-level view you have through the portlights when seated inside make all the difference.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) The dealings I've had with Hunter have taught me to always go through the dealer. The salesperson has people skills that the Hunter people might not always have, so you are more likely to keep a high opinion of the manufacturer by working through the salesperson. Hunter does seem fairly responsive, although sometimes thier solutions can be amazingly jury-rigged. However, other times they come through with an appropriate, timely, and appealing solution. Hunter could improve thier level of consistency in this area.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Be patient, be pleasant, and be persistent. The dealer and staff are well-intentioned.  
Other comments Overall, very happy. Spacious, fast, comfortable, and relatively affordable as new sailboats go. Note that several of the reviews in this section seem to be for the older versions of the 27 model. This review is for a 2006 model that was built in late 2005.  

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