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Review of the Hunter 27_75-84 by Chet Bigelow

Year built 1979  
Location of boat Urbanna, Virginia  
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 1997  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Given what I could afford at the time, Yes. I would have preferred a lager boat of about 30 feet with a full or modified full keel, and a larger deisel.  
Gear that's been added Boom vang. Wheel steering is on the books for this fall. I did replace the batteries with larger capacity wet cells.  
Structural or complex improvements None has been necessary. I anticipate making some minor modifications and improvements when I install the wheel steering system.  
The boat's best features Price and a roomy interior. She is a fairly rugged little boat for her size. She is not a Cape Dory but will hold her own in substantial winds.  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. I wish for a little more power in the engine and better battery charging capability from the alternator. My Yanmar SB8 is a rugged and reliable engine. A 2GM would be power to spare. The alternator is damn near useless for recharging.Many leaks at the toe rail, portlights, and hardware mounting points. Every time it rains there is a gallon of water in the bilge and more mildew. Hardware could use better backing plates. Plastic portlight frames and seals tend to crack under UV exposure (plastic is as plastic does).The Ice box is big but poorly insulated.Propeller is a 12 inch 2 blade bronze job that should be 3 blade for better performance.I wish for LEWMAR16 self tailing winches, rather than the Lewmar 7's that I currently have, which do not self tail. Given the price of new winches this is a luxury and will wait for the next boat.  
Sailing characterisitcs These boats are notorious for their weather helm and mine is no exception. If you let her heel too much you lose effective steerage. She does not point particularly well but you can compensate for this somewhat. Because of her keel and rudder configuration she is pretty tender. You must mind your helm at all times, which is a problem when I'm sailing her by mayself.Generally, she is very steady and will handle considerable wind and sea if sailed conservatively. I have had her out in 3-4' seas and 20 knot winds on the Chesapeake Bay and she didn't even blink. If you know boats, you know this one is not for the open sea in any appreciable weather. However, properly re-inforced she could be.  
Motoring characterisitcs See comments on materials and design.  
Liveability Pretty comfortable for a weekend. My wife longs for a real shower rather than the sun shower. The forward v-berth is too small for the two of us (Too short for me).  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Our Hunter rep. in Virginia is a first class operation. They have never failed to give me prompt assistance.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any In a word, Excellant.  
Other comments  

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