Hunter Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997
Hunter OEM Parts
General Marine Parts
 
 

Review of the Hunter 27_89-94 by Curt Morris

Year built 1994  
Location of boat Potomac River  
The boat is sailed on Rivers  
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? Yes! The 1994 Hunter 27 dollar for dollar was the best and most new boat available in my opinion. Given the steepincrease in the cost of new boats sincethen, it continues to hold its value. The features are still hard to beat.  
Gear that's been added Gear added includes the following: lazy jacks, 2nd reef line system,GPS, SSB Ham Radiotransceiver, ships clock, magazine racks,aft/v-berth custom sheet covers, pedestal table/drinkbinocular rack, stereo,light weight dingy, extra anchor(danforth)cushioned lifelines at the cockpit, cockpit cushions,and various decorative items.  
Structural or complex improvements no  
The boat's best features Excellent "creature comforts", substntial design, spirited responsiveness under sail, shoal draft of3.5 feet, airy cabin below, user freindly, cruise pack  
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc. Head: macerators should come standard; this would likely prevent occassional holdingtank blockage.Float switch for the bilge works well with the bildge pump;but a check valvein the pumpout line should be standardAll of these items can be simply fixedby the owner.  
Sailing characterisitcs The H-27 is a spirited boat thatperforms well in light wind conditions. I use a 150%roller furling jib...I move when heavierboats don't.In winds of 15 knots a reduction in the amount of Jib is required to reduce heel and keep things balanced.In heavy gusts reefing is importan. The boat can be overpowered in heavy winds. My wife and I have safely sailed in building stormconditions with winds gusting up to 30 knots.Reefing early is extremely important. It is a solid boat and forgiving  
Motoring characterisitcs The boat backs well, turns in a tight circle and will motor 4-5.5 knots in a steady sea state as a maximum speed. High speed turns are not recommended as the boat is very responsive.  
Liveability It is a comfortable boat with all basic midsize cruiser amenities. It is a good choice for weekend or weekly cruising. It is not a liveaboard boat.  
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any) Excellent. Hunter is responsive, friendly and very helpful in answering questions, or providing parts in minimum time.  
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any My wife and I had a first rate buying experience. OurHunter dealer was responsive and "wentthe distance" (American Marine and Sail Supply of Moneta, VA). The dealer consistently ranks in the top5 of Hunter dealers in customer service.  
Other comments