Hunter Owner Reviews

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Review of the Hunter 27_75-84 by Mark Slifko

Year built 1983  
Location of boat Reedville Va  
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 1992  
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again? Yes. This boat is a fine family cruiser. We have not had any problems with the boat. We agree that the boat is underpowered with the 7.5 1GM Yanmar. The boat is simple to sail, shallow draft (3.3 shoal) and easy to maintain. I would like to replace the hatches and the ports. We have a small amount of water leak in when we have heavy rain. I also want to add a cabin top traveller. The bottom is in pretty good shape, no blisters ( I pull it out in winter) but in the next few years I will strip the bottom. I will also paint the decks with a non skid top side paint. I just remind myself its a labor of love, and my wife helps me too, Im lucky!  
Gear that's been added The boat was pretty well equiped by the previous owner. CDI roller furling, self tailing oversized winches, auto helm, dodger, fans in foward and after cabins, stereo, speedlog and depth meter and 155 genoa. All we added was Loran. We also replaced the water pump on the Yanmar.  
Structural or complex improvements No  
The boat's best features Roomy, shallow draft, simple sailing, stable, ease of maintenance. The boat sails well off the wind. We use about 5 gal of fuel per year ( and we sail about every weekend and more during our vacations), the good part of having a small engine. We have two daughters and the four of us are comfortable on extended trips ( southern Cheasapeake to NY area and back ). The best thing is my kids enjoy sailing and that would not be possible without our 1983 27 Hunter. Oh yea, my beautiful first mate enjoys the boat too!  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. The boat is under powered. We need a cabin top traveller. Our boat is not equiped with a shower, my wife reminds me it would be nice to have a shower ( other than our sun-shower ).  
Sailing characterisitcs The boat does not point well due to the lack ot a traveller. The 155 genny is great on the Cheasepeake but the CDI spool is a little small so if your not careful the furling line can get hung up. This would not be a problem with a smaller sail. The boat maneuvers well and sails off the wind great. The boat seems well balanced in 10-15 KNT winds. Just a little weather helm.  
Motoring characterisitcs The engine is reliable. Vibrates at certain RPMs. Under powered. Good maneuverability.  
Liveability The 4 of us are very comfortable. We have spent some 10 day cruises on board and enjoyed every minute. For a 27 foot the boat is nicely laid out. My wife and I use the foward cabin, kids use the main cabin. We have spent many week- ends onboard.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) 1. No, have not talked to Hunter.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any 1. Private sale.  
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