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Review of the Hunter 27_75-84 by Peter Wallace

Year built 1981  
Location of boat Westport, MA  
The boat is sailed on Bays, sounds, or protected salt water  
How the boat is used Weekends and longer  
Normal wind strength 16-22 knots  
Average size of crew 2-4  
Liveaboard? No  
Owner bought the boat in 2003  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Absolutely. When searching for a boat, I considered Catalina 25, 26, 27, O'Day 27, Pearson 26, Hunter 27, and other boats in the 25-27 ft range. What I found, was that all had similar styling and accommodations, except that at 27 ft, I began to find standing headroom throughout the cabin, which I consider important. Although the layouts for most in this range were similar, I liked the Hunter because of the abundance of teak which gave it that "salty" look. Also, the condition of my particular boat was quite good. Sailing qualities are AWESOME. I've sailed on Catalina 30's, Pearson 30's, and Dufour 40's. While the bigger boats are certainly faster, the Hunter achieves hull speed easily and has been a pleasure to sail. The boat does not come with a traveler or jib tracks. On the one hand, this makes rigging/sailing easier. On the other, it reduces performance. However, I've had no problem keeping the boat well trimmed on a close tack. Further, the slightly smaller size (compared to the 30's and 40's) makes sail trimming much easier with no heavy exertion - great when your sailing with the wife and small boy. Interior is a little cramped for extended trips, but if you can car-camp, you'll enjoy a boat this size. Bottom line - it's affordable (~$10 K), of a manageable size, a good performer, and has the capability to do extended voyaging. You could spend a lot more for only a moderate upgrade with a different boat. I launched for the first time this Spring (2004), have been out every weekend, and am having an absolute BLAST!  
Gear that's been added I haven't added anything myself, but previous owners have left her well equipped, including: wheel steering autopilot roller furling solar charger bimini CD stereo 150% Genoa Spinnaker (haven't used yet) Magma Grill (an excellent accessory) I really like the autopilot, and roller reefing makes setting the jib a joy. The boat comes standard with jiffy reefing, which we've also used under pressure with no problems.  
Structural or complex improvements I have cut a number of slots, about 3" long by 1/2" high, in the bilge area between the outer hull and the liner. This really helps gain access to bilge water that would otherwise be inaccessable behind the liner. I use a wet/dry vac to get out whatever the bilge pump cannot get. I replaced the solenoid on the Reneault RC8D diesel, and am starting to make somewhat extensive electrical updates. I also plan on adding some custome made teak accessories, such as book ends/shelves that keep books up off the surface where they may get wet/damaged from deck leaks (of which I have a few...) I've also replaced all of the sewage pipes, which has considerably reduced that septic odor. Further, I only use fresh water to flush the head, which also keeps odors WAY down.  
The boat's best features The Hunter is noted as being a cheap boat, and I won't argue that. However, up to 1985, the design was more of the "classic" look which I prefer, and every time I look at the old Hunters I revel in the style that Cherubini was famous for. Otherwise, I really can't tell any real differences between the Hunter and other more expensive boats. I love the nunber of opening ports (uncommon on other boats), and the ability to get fresh air into the cabin is excellent. My boat came standard with lots of teak, often missing in other boats (including other Hunters of the same general age), and I think the performance is right up there with anything else in its size range. The list of accessories makes it a real pleasure to sail and own, but these are after market upgrades, not stock. The boat is dry in moderate seas, very stable, and doesn't buffet much in the waves. I don't have enough experience with other boats to know if this is any different than other boats. The rig is simple, although the lack of performance gear such as traveler, jib track, boom vang, etc, must limit competitive performance to some degree, but I haven't noticed. Alternatively, this means fewer things to break and/or replace.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I've had engine (solenoid) and battery trouble, although I think this is more to do with the age of things, as opposed to a design issue. The fiberglass has a good amount of hairline cracks (crazing), but I consider it typical of a 20+ year old boat. The bilge is shallow, but having cut slots for drainage between the liner and hull, I have never had any water in the cabin, despite 30+ degrees of heel.  
Sailing characterisitcs So far, I've experienced conditions from calm/moderate to about 20 kts of wind, from calm seas to 3-5 ft waves. With 3-5 ft waves and 20 kts, things get pretty exciting, but nothing to worry about. The boat heels well and is pretty stable. Weather helm is a problem in heavy winds on an tight tack, but can be corrected by re-trimming off the wind. The boat handles the sea well, and I've only had a couple of waves come over the side. I'm looking forward to getting into some rougher seas, and I expect everything to be fine. She seems like a fine boat for almost any conditions. (I have the deep keel version (4' draft with 3,000 lbs ballast). The boat doesn't point as well as others, probably due to the lack of high performance gear as previously mentioned, but it gets pretty close.  
Motoring characterisitcs I've read a lot of complaints about undersizing of the engine for the Hunter 27, but I have never experienced any problems motoring. I have the Reneault RC8D 8 hp 1 cylinder diesel, which pushes the boat at hull speed. In reverse, I have experienced propwalk, which I've been able to tame by varying the engine speed as I start to back up. I have not had trouble navigating in reverse, although I'm on a mooring and precise reverse control hasn't been a big requirement. In any event, I believe the engine is perfectly sized for the boat, contrary to what I've read in a lot of commentary.  
Liveability There's no question that this is a small boat for it's stated capacity of 5 people. I sail with my wife and 10 year old boy, and it's perfect. Maybe one more person would be all I'd add if I were going out overnight. The cockpit is roomy if everyone's sitting, but the wheel steering takes up a lot of room if you're moving around, but I'm not sure a tiller arrangement would provide any more space. It's difficult to use the grill which is mounted on the stern rail. Maybe a smaller wheel would be a good way to go. Lots of room on deck up on the bow, and this has quickly become my favorite place to hang out. Downstairs, headroom is good, and the cabin layout is fine for a rainy or cold night. Drop the table and play a board game or have some drinks! I don't use the icebox except to store cans and dry goods, preferring a cooler for weekendig. I use the freshwater tank only for washing and to get water for flushing the head (one cup). I use bottled water for drinking, and seawater for washing most dishes. The berths are a bit small. I'm 5'10", and can fit comfortably, but if you're tall, you're going to have a tight fit. That said, the berths are plenty comfortable and great for 1-2 nights out. My brother has slept out on deck, and said it was fine.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) I have not dealt with Hunter.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any I went through a dealer, which was fair. He was a new-boat dealer not too interested in selling the used boat... The previous owner was a pleasure to deal with. One piece of advice - look for existing paperwork/manuals/etc from the previous owners. I've referred to these things countless times, and unless you're an experienced boat owner, I recommend you look for a boat that has good maintenance records and manuals for the systems on board. Also, as I'm learning, tons of stuff is out there on the web and through websites like this one. Researching things on the web is almost (well, OK - not really) as fun as sailing the thing!  
Other comments I love my boat. It was one of the least expensive in its size range, came well equipped, and has been a reliable little boat. You could spend a lot more for only a moderately better performer. This size range is excellent for daysailing, and plenty adequate for 1-2 nights. Accommodations are good for 3-4, and there is plenty of storage space for lots of gear. Bottom line, for me, has been the look of the boat. I am in love with the lines of this design, and this has been the most influential aspect of my decision to buy this particular boat.  

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