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Review of the Hunter 27_75-84 by Carl Foster

Year built 1979  
Location of boat St. John's river, Florida  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Multi-week coastal cruising  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard? Yes  
Owner bought the boat in 1988  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes as it met my needs and budget at the time and has managed to continue to evolve as i have.  
Gear that's been added This will by necessity be an incomplete list as over the years memory may fail. Starting foward and working aft; Harken furler, 170 genny, 3 anchors,chain and rode[plow,bruce,danforth] pressure water system,new head,holding tank,110 AC new cabin lights,dual voltage fridge,propane stove,self tailing Barient winches,2 autopilots-primary and backup,as i normally singlehand,Yamaha generator,dinghy and outboard-6'9" fits on deck between anchor locker and mast,double ended traveler for main sheet which is over what used to be cockpit ice box,now propane locker,etc.etc.etc.  
Structural or complex improvements Have replaced or rebuilt everything that Hunter bought in as out of necessity in a production enviroment cost not suitability was the objective. Included was all new ports and hatches,all running and standing rigging,sails,power train[2GM20F Yanmar,shaft,prop,controls,instuments],3 size 31 batterys,opened up foward cain as this is non structural bulkhead,converted starboard main cabin berth into 30"x36" chart table/dinette with drop down chart stowage with hoding tank enclosure inboard with computer tower sitting on top and supporting inboard end of chart table,2"heavy wall stainless compression member replacing rotted fir compression member,new rudder shaft,also etc.etc.etc.  
The boat's best features A very sound and pleasing design with exceptional room and perfomance for a production boat of this size and price range.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Probably the lowest point in my ownership was after about a year of full time work on restoration the rigging kept loosening,finally discovered the header over head sliding door was seperated from cabin liner by over an inch,further exploration found teak encased fir compression member and mast step were rotten-would have sold boat real cheap at this point,but as with all things a little thought and hard work got it cured. Other main problem was puny power plant,of course this was sales point for Hunter ie: we have inboard duesel power.  
Sailing characterisitcs Have had this boat in the worst of conditions,squall line that had spreaders in the water[with sails furled]hurricane force winds while at anchor in Bahamas close encounter with tornado while at anchor Hurricane Andrew while docked in Homestead Fl. etc. Have found that reefing aerly will keep her flat and footing and eliminate the dreaded weather helm it will balance out well if you will listen to her needs. Perfomance of my boat is compromised by the fact i live aboard and have 15lbs of #%^& in a 5lb bag  
Motoring characterisitcs Since upgrading power train it is up to all my desires. I normally make a round trip a year from Fl keys to Beaufort SC. and the west coast of FL also Bahamas, most of this ends up under power and with the 2GM it is no sweat.  
Liveability Have lived aboard since made homeless by hurricane Andrew, after the above detailed changes i am very satisfied with the results  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any  
Other comments Thank you Mr. Cherubini  

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