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Review of the Hunter 27_75-84 by David Krozier

Year built 1979  
Location of boat Narrangansett Bay, RI  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 10-15 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard?  
Owner bought the boat in 1994  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? When shopping for a boat I wanted to minimize my investment so I wouldn't lose sleep worrying about every little thing. I also figured smaller is cheaper to keep and to maintain. After owning several small sailboats, chartering boats in the 37' range for several years, and crewing on a trip from Bermuda to Newport RI, I felt confident I knew what I wanted. I wanted a boat I could weekend on with annual week cruises in coastal waters. The H-27 seemed to be the smallest package that had everything I wanted: five berths, anchor locker, inboard diesel, double lifelines, and enclosed head. After three full seasons 'Renegade' has been everything I expected. One day I hope to buy a larger boat and spend much more time aboard but that day is many years down the road.  
Gear that's been added Let's see, I've added a knotmeter, depthsounder, ground fault protection on the AC, GPS, anchor roller, autopilot, grill, and stereo. I've replaced all the plumbing and wiring except whats in the mast, thru hulls, new fuel tank, tiller, circuit breakers, running rigging, running lights, and I'm in the process of adding a dodger.I replaced the plastic hatches with aluminum framed ones. Last winter I changer the prop to a 13x10 and replaced the shaft and cutlass bearing. The rudder post has had a sheet of plastic inserted to to eliminate play in the tiller.I've resurfaced the deck, cleaned and Cetol'ed exterior teak and varnished all interior woodwork. I've rebuilt the head and the alcohol stove. Oh yeah, I applied the boat's name in vinyl on each side of the hull and the homeport on the stern.She looks good!  
Structural or complex improvements Other than epoxying some deck holes left behind by previous owners, I haven't had to do any structural repairs. No blisters.  
The boat's best features Traditional looking design. Interior looks like a much larger boat with wood bulkheads, paneled cabinetry, and teak and holly sole. Enclosed forward cabin is great for the kids. Water tank is huge for a 27 footer.No leaks after replacing the hatches. The originals leaked between the plastic windows and the frame. Bilge pump is nearly worthless unless there is a flood because there is no sump and the bilge is flat. But after sponging the bilge dry it stays that way. Only water I get in is the drip of the shaft bearing.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The Yanmar SB-8 just doesn't have enough power. The wires in the mast are not tied or in conduit and slap against the mast. The water tank sloshes.  
Sailing characterisitcs Like other's have mentioned I've had significant weather helm in winds (gusts) above about 20 knots. Reefing the main helps. I have the tiller model and the traveler was installed under the cockpit seats so only the center area is useful. Over the winter I'l be moving the traveler on top of the seats to get the full benefit from it.Of course I still have the original sails and a new main next year may make a difference here too.  
Motoring characterisitcs 4 knots flank speed with a 12x8 prop. 6.5 knots with the 13x10. OF course wind and waves and latter in the season a dirty bottom slow the boat considerably. Will sometimes do 0 knots into a breeze.  
Liveability A very comfortable boat for a 27 footer. A shower is the only thing I wish it had.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) They've helped with locating hatches and getting specs. Both through e-mail and over the phone. And it is almost 20 years since they saw the boat.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any  
Other comments  

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