Hunter Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997
Contact us
Hunter OEM Parts
General Marine Parts
 
 

Review of the Hunter 27 by Steve Lees

Year built 2005  
Location of boat San Diego Bay  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Day sailing  
Normal wind strength less than 10 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, at first I balked at the price. But after looking at what newer used boats were going for, I negotiated a pretty good price. This boat is "fully" equipped. In San Diego it's cheap beach property. It's like having a small condo on the water. My wife and I love our little sailboat.  
Gear that's been added My wife made covers for everything out of Sunbrella material and we also made sheet bags for all the lines. We also made a seat cushion for the stern seat. We saved about $500 by doing it ourselves and it makes us feel a more part of the boat.  
Structural or complex improvements No, none are necessary, so far. I would like to have a bimini over the wheel area, but I'm too tall. A hat is cheaper, but not as cool.  
The boat's best features Hands down it's the in-mast furling system. That makes a huge difference. It is very convenient.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. One of the through-hull fittings started leaking a very small amount of sea water. It had been over tightened in the factory and cracked. Hunter paid for a quick haulout to replace it. I'm sure that's a very rare problem. My bottom cleaning diver discovered there was no zinc on my prop strut, so Hunter paid to have one put on. I can't believe that wasn't caught during setup. My little DC cooler didn't work. The most frustrating problem is a red, coolant fluid leak dripping below the engine. I've tightened a couple of fittings but it still drips. I try not to get too upset. So far, the dealer has been very cooperative and helpful.  
Sailing characterisitcs Fast, fast, fast in light air. It is lightweight and carries a big main and is very beamy and really scoots in light air of maybe 6-8 knots of breeze. Despite the in-mast furling, it points very high. I've had many boats and I don't notice any dropoff because of the furling main. With the pad my wife and I made for the stern seat, it's very comfortable now back there. It's 4 inches of high density foam. I'm 6'5" and 275lb.  
Motoring characterisitcs I don't motor very much, just in and out of the slip. It seems to handle fine under power for just a two cylinder, 14hp engine.  
Liveability The aft cabin is great, my wife of 33 years and I can get away from each other. I get the front cabin and she gets the queen sized aft cabin. You married guys know what I'm talking about. The headroom won't be enough for me until I buy a 33 footer anyway, so 6'2" headroom is okay. It's actually big for a 27-footer.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) They've paid for big fixes so I can't complain. Things are going to come up on mass produced boats. And besides, you can't get too upset because you can only control from the tip of your nose back.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any Cars, boats, houses-just negotiate the best price you can and know what you are willing to spend and stick to it. My sales guy is a nice young man and he's been very helpful. He's always anxious to please.  
Other comments You only get one trip around. If you want it bad enough, buy it. It's well worth it in the end.  

Contact
About
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Limited Liability
Advertise Here
Copyright 1997-2024 SB Owners, LLC
All rights reserved.

Other Sailboat Owners web sites:
CatalinaOwners.com | HunterOwners.com | MacgregorOwners.com | OdayOwners.com | SailboatOwners.com | 10,000 Boat Names |