Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 27_75-84 by jemeyers

Year built 1979  
Location of boat Port Clinton, OH  
The boat is sailed on The Great Lakes  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew solo  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 1997  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? No, too many problems with gel coat, leaks, bad non-skid areas. Work on the boat 90% of time, sail 10% of time. Not worth having it. Would like to sell or give it away and buy a good boat.  
Gear that's been added Yes. Auto pilot, garmin gps, new hatch cover, built in battery charger, head sail cover, covers for teak handrails, winches and tiller, new pump out toilet, new opening ports with screens, new boom vang, new throwable life sling, new hand held vhf radio, new mast ladder, new electric bilge pump, new lead line, wood foldable tender, new screen for companion hatch, new wood grate for cockpit, etc.  
Structural or complex improvements Had to cut out deck near and at mast where leaks were and re fiberglas.  
The boat's best features Great to handle solo even though I have to go forward and raise the main and jib. I like the cabin layout with the chart table and extension. All the navigation gear is at this station, that is, radio, gps, ploting instruments, charts. Lots of teak in cabin with holly and teak sole.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. As I said above, the water leaked at the deck outlets for the steaming light and anchor light and had to replace the deck at this area and under mast. After repair I ran the wires from under the mast step and put connections for the radio antenna, steaming light and anchor light. When the mast is stepped in the Spring I make the connections while the mast is just above the deck and then they lower the mast. Every thing is inside the mast. In the fall when they raise the mast a little I can disconnect.  
Sailing characterisitcs There is a lot of weather helm when fully undersail in above 15 knots of wind unless I reef the main.  
Motoring characterisitcs I have a 8hp yanmar engine which is really a rugged piece of manchinary. It goes on and on and uses very little diesel fuel. There is vibration which is expected of a 1 clinder engine of this size. It does not do well if in a head sea of any size and a strong head wind. Could use more power.  
Liveability Great liveaility for no more than three persons. I solo most of the time.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I bought the boat used from a private sourse, so have not dealt directly. I have called and asked questions about the boat but not many answers because of age of boat. The designer has died and no plans seems to be available.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any NA  
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