The Perfect Family Sailboat! Hunter 27-2 - Boat Review

[@sabincolton602]

I have had a Pearson 26 (1972) for 52 years, taken it down to the Florida Keys, and eventually settled it in Maine after commuting from there to Woods Hole, MA, during graduate school.. I had a Johnson 9.9 hp for decades and now a Yamaha 9.9 4-cycle. It was never in the way and performed fine. I have been 150 miles off the coast, sailed through the nigh,t and loved every moment.. It is now in the hands of my son in New Jersey and he is exploring and enjoying it with his fiancé. These boats were built to last and I have only had to rehang the keel twice over the years (one was from the owner of a mooring lying about the low tide depth and the keel grounded and worked twice a day.). It does not have hot water and a shower, but it is a very user-friendly craft.

[@billrecords1402]

I have a P26OD and beat all of the Hunters in racing

[@williammclean7260]

Thank you for reviewing smaller boats. I remember a time when a 30' boat was BIG.

[@chrisburton8121]

We have a 1979 Hunter 27, sail her in St. Margarets Bay, Nova Scotia she can handle anything. We love the rolling furler for when the winds get above 20 knots. Sailing in the swell off shore is no problem either and I like sailing her into the wind. Great space in the cabin for my 6’3” frame. We find the cockpit very comfortable, but prefer 4 people at most. People are always surprised at the space inside. We love er!

[@johnhall298]

Just sailed a 27-2 for the first time this past weekend. It's easily my favorite in the class already. It's as easy as it gets sailing a wheel boat solo. They are particularly responsive as well, and it has a little speed to it on a reach! That was surprising how fast it could scoot. Additionally, and to your point, it was the best I've used in a swimming hole. The shallow draft came in handy for getting in closer. Even in standing deep water, it was floating, and I was able to push it around some as needed with it being a smaller boat. Def recommend this boat.

[@afencers]

We got our ’91 Hunter 272 two seasons ago, and it has exceeded my expectations in terms of sailing performance. Compared to the Hunter 25.5 I used to own, which felt and sailed more like a dingy, this - just a foot longer - feels like a family cruiser. I can single-hand it just as easily, and it is overall novice friendly… hard to explain, but for example I simply don’t feel obliged to optimize sail trim nearly as much. Everyone in the cockpit is dry and in the shade, and the boom is high enough that no one needs to duck to avoid being brained, which relieves a lot of anxiety when I have guests or kids around. Storage: not much that is easy to use. On mine, the whole stern ‘cabin’ is currently storage with the cushions kept safely elsewhere, although if we really needed the sleeping space we could easily arrange it otherwise (we don’t really need the grill, electric trolling motor and battery that takes up most of the space.) It is comfortable for sleeping and the prior owner had success renting it as a (docked) AirB&B. Five adults fit the cockpit in comfort, and the practical max for a short day sail seems to be 7 adults. Thanks for posting the review - there was none available when I was making my buying decision.

[@sailingvesperonthechesapea8111]

The boat we first purchased after taking our “Sailing 101” course, many years ago, was a Hunter 285 which is older then the 27-2 but very similar. I called it our “mistakes boat” not because it was a mistake to buy it but because we learned a lot about sailing with it and and had loads of fun visiting ports on the Chesapeake Bay. It was easy to sail and the boat systems (head, engine, water) etc were simple and easy to understand for a beginner. Only drawback was the alcohol fueled stove which had two large Sterno type canisters that had to be refueled now and then but I always did that on the dock and never on board cause spills sometimes happened. After our Hunter we “graduated” to an Ericson 32-3 because we wanted a bit more room and had acquired a lot of sailing experience on the Hunter. I hope you can do a video on the Ericson brand which I think are excellent boats. Or you can just see one on my KZbin channel, “Sail Vesper: On the Chesapeake Bay”. 😁

[@travelradiocoza]

I have a Hunter 280, and despite the many negative comments to be found by the pro sailors I have enjoyed every second. It is a wonderfully easy boat to sail and big enough for a long weekend. My only complaint, if i am being critical, is that she does not sail well downwind due to the lack of a back stay and the swept back spreaders. It is a small compromise though for the pros that come with this boat. I think one needs to keep an eye on gusts and be ready to reef earlier than later. For liveability, comfort and amenities she competes with 30" boats easily.

[@marktuniewicz]

Thanks for the review, Tim. We bought our Hunter 26.5 about 3 years ago, put a bunch of $$$ into her includingnew sails, and have been racing and cruising locally. A lot of fun!

[@daviddiluvicusor]

I bought my Hunter 23 beginning of 24. An upgrade from my Fly dinghy. Teazy is the perfect early retirement present. It’s a 20 min drive to my mooring, on a Essex Coastal tidal river. 30 mins from central London on the train, which is handy. I don’t like leaving the car for more than 1 night sails. My 23 is easy to sail solo and I’m getting better at handling her. Trimmed right you can get a lot of power, from her mainsail. I bought a cabin heater, so dinning at night is a little more comfortable. As my mooring completely drys out twice a month. I can scrub her bilge and hull, so will sail her through to the new year. We do get the odd lovely blue sky, clear 10 degree days, except today it snowed in London. Between tides I can day sail on the river, or overnight and venture up the coast. I’m getting braver and contribute to the local lifeboat crew at the Pub…..sort of insurance😊 Do you have anything like the RNLI, in the USA?

[@andrewbailey7999]

Great to see some smaller boats featured! Not everyone has the money for a 40' yacht, and I think it's great to encourage younger people to take up yacht sailing for themselves! I bought a Cobra 850 last year, and although it's needed a lot of work, and is not as neatly packaged as this Hunter, seeing walkthroughs like this show what's possible on a smaller boat, and show the potential of what I've already got! My boat has a big void behind the engine that's just crying out to have the quarter berth converted into a small cabin! Excited for the day when I can eventually get the time to make it happen!

[@petervanderwaart1138]

I own a Hunter 28; I have a few comments. 1. The Hunter 28 has a very different keel from the 27-2. It is not faster to windward than boats with better fins. 2. The boat is tender. 3.The tall mast of the fractional rig is an advantage in evening racing when winds aloft may be stronger than winds lower down. 4. It would be easy to re-rig the main sheet in a double-ended (or 2 sheet) configuration which would give more control in some situations. 5. Check the forward "escape hatch." On my boat it takes 50 wrist turns on each knob to open the hatch more than an inch or two. It's the worst piece of gear on the boat, and inexcusably bad.

[@albertpayne1153]

I have a 1996 H280. Big boat amenities on a small vessel. In my opinion, Hunter really uses the space well in the 28 to 33 foot range.

[@stevengarner4596]

I have a 1985 Hunter 28.5. It does have some deck side fiberglass issues but the hull is built like a tank. Solid core. Everything else you note is true for the older 28.5. We sail inside coastal waters off BC and it's a great boat. We keep thinking of upgrading but the 28.5 ticks off so many boxes we just can't justify the increase in cost to own something newer and bigger. I always say my boat is not a jewel...it's a tool and a very good one at that.

[@ElizabethAdams-i3f]

Same! We sail a Hunter 33 (32.5?) around Puget Sound and can’t imagine trading her in. My husband is not a fan of the jib roller being below deck level, but we aren’t out in the ocean taking on big waves so it has never been a problem.

[@aquaholic3]

The only I would change on this boat is the saddle mainsheet. I would switch it for a proper mainsheet bar installed forward over the companion way sliding hatch. This would allow better sail handling PLUS the ability to install a dodger. As is, a dodger would not be possible. Having said that, this is an excellent boat, size and amenities are excellent.

[@bruceconron5585]

Tim, thanks for showing us the H27-2. I own a H27 of the next generation, I suppose (built in 2007). I enjoy sailing the shoal draft model to the top of Georgian Bay, west of Killarney and several times exploring extensively in the North Channel as far as Turnbull Island. So, with one or occasionally two crew, cruising on my H27 for two or even three weeks at a stretch is no problem at all. I would never consider it just a "weekender." I do a lot of single handing and the fractional rig with that small jib you mention is made-to-order, esp. when the winds pipe up over 15 knots. The specious aft cabin and the saloon's open concept throughout, the enclosed head, the efficient 14hp Yanmar, the generous and easily accessible sugar-scoop stern, the Lewmar folding wheel (not on your H27-2) - all are plusses for sure. The cockpit on my H27 is more roomy that the H27-2 and I have about a foot more beam, both positives as well. I'm not happy with the weakly mounted stanchions. I experienced serious problems at the base of the deck-stepped mast (undoubtedly due to its install by the dealer). As you say, compromise is inevitable regardless of what boat you call your own, but overall I'm pleased with my H27, how into its 18th season.

[@sanchezshots]

I owned a Elite 32' 1985 ( 30' on deck ) , my favorite was heat out of the way, navigation table with her own seat ,galley, 270 degre adsess to motor easy to reach packing gland main sheet at hand almost a perfect boat.

[@markweaver1012]

We have both a camper and a trailerable sailboat, and we love 'camping' in both, but they provide different kinds of opportunities. If I was going to trailer it often, though, I don't know that I'd go with anything with a fixed keel. A water ballast (which we have) or swing keel boat is so much easier to launch and retrieve (and also gunkhole with the keel/board up). We don't have the same level of creature comforts, though -- everything's a tradeoff.

[@Scheeringa1]

I bought my 27-2 last year and she has been an amazing boat! I take my 10 year old daughter out with all my nieces and it's perfect. Thanks for covering it! Now that I know it's considered fast in some categories, I'm going to have to look into racing her.

[@shainester]

I love Hunters! I'll always watch when you review or talk about any year or model of these boats.

[@QuizCity2]

Loved our Hunter 40 Legend. Only thing it didn’t have was a pilot house to keep the nausea down so we upgraded to one that did.

[@libraryjeans]

We love our little H28 for all the reasons you name here. Fun to sail, comfy to sleep. Does everything we need it to do for a weekend.

[@BobPfaller]

Recently went from a 1985 Catalina 30T to a 1995 Hunter 29.5. Still getting used to the 2 differences and learning the Hunter. There are few items on the Catalina I wish the Hunter had. Engine temperature gauge and fuel level at the control panel in the cockpit. Engine exhaust above the water line, still getting used to the sound of the exhaust to make sure the engine is getting cooled properly. Fuel cutoff is located in the cabin, would be nice if it was within reach of the key. So far though, we are enjoying the boat, so much more room in the cockpit for entertaining guests on day sails and below in the cabin for overnights than we had in the Catalina 30.

[@wkw4095]

@ 0:46......just go with the O'day 272 in the slip next to the Hunter. Better boat, fun to sail...you can be on a close haul and just push the tiller all the way to either port or starboard, do a complete spin and then continue on the same tack, same point of sail....just for fun.

[@roadboat9216]

I am a US Sailing instructor. I taught for a large sailing / charter School. As you know it blows hard in SFO. With often very heavy off shore conditions out the Golden Gate. In the 80s and 90s we had a large fleet of Hunters. From this boat up to 50’ . We sailed them in the Bay Area and offshore. They held up to very hard use. And the Yanmars were great. They performed as advertised. They don’t deserve the rep they have. Many of the larger ones have crossed oceans and circumnavigated. This little boat is amazing. My only observation here is where do you put the dodger?

[@TheBeer4me]

Hunter always gave a big bang for the buck. Nice video!

[@charles.neuman18]

That boat looks great for its size, and your video makes me want to try it out. But it also confirms that what I really want is a 30' boat. A little more cruiser and less camper.

[@JheregJAB]

Hunter is a little controversial in general, but for these small boats in particular I think their criticism is unwarranted. I've spent 5 seasons now racing JAM on my buddy's 1980's-era hunter 28.5, and despite getting into a couple of dumb situations the boat has never let us down. It was cheap, its not particularly fast, but we do definitely have a good time. This 27-2 has several obvious improvements over the older 80's model, such as the walk-through transom and what looks like a much nicer head. The older boat does have a better storage however, and the older masthead rig can definitely just unfurl the headsail (a 135% genoa in our case) for a lazy day and not have to get the main out. Not sure which I'd ultimately take if it were a head-to-head decision, but in either case I think they make good boats.

[@timothyarmstrong5987]

Our 1990 27-2 has been a wonderful experience. Spent many months camping on lake Chelan and lake Washington now were on Puget Sound enjoying all that it brings. Its a good sailing boat comfortably sailing in 5 to 20 knots. After that, better reef cause the wind around here seems to build and we've been on lake Chelan in 40 knots the boat does well knock on wood. Sleeping in the aft cabin is a bit claustrophobic at first, but it's a nice size for us. Sure, a 50' Halsberg would be awesome, but try putting that on Chelan. 😊

[@wakeboardbob]

I built a trailer for our 306, trailered to homestead and we took it to the top of the Exumas. We hit a 50 knot squall to the west of the berry's at night, with no radar. That furling main on the b&r rig allowed me to furl down to the smallest slice of sail to keep steady and pointed without laying on her side, all while not leaving the cockpit. Let the haters hate all they want, to me it must be the jealousy because we spent half or a third of what many of the snobs spent 😉

[@TheCornucopiaProject-bd5jk]

People confuse ideal with practical reality. Hunter gives people what they really want : a spacious platform to have fun with, like a powerboat, but with a sail. I used to own a 1979 Hunter 30’ and loved that boat. It was way bigger on the inside than my current Seawind 30’ I’m sure one day I will look at a Hunter again in the 35-40’ size. Speaking of sugar scoop. How do you install a wind vane on one of those ?

[@chriscodrington5464]

Thanks again Tim, looking it over, I need to hitch a ride on one to get a valid opinion but the layout and features are well considered and curious to stick my head in the bilge and cuddies to see how it was made....looks like a nifty value for the family...

[@chrismeno5502]

I have been researching trying to find the perfect starter sailboat and I think this is it! Thanks for the information. Your channel is great!

[@johnsimms818]

Don't own one but love everything hunter ❤

[@jameskiehm546]

Tim, love your work. You focus a lot on Hunter, Catalina and Benetau. When I was in college, early 80’s there other economy brands such as S2, Seidleman, DuFour and others. Are there “other” economy brands today other than McGreagor?

[@boblivingston4841]

I have a friend that bought that boat.He loved it for many years it is a great little big 27ft boat.If you can spend a little more money. The Hunter 280 made the same years as the 27.2 it a better all around boat.

[@kevbjork1]

I have a 23.5 water ballast trailer sailer I've owned for 15 years and love it. I know a guy with a 35 who races it and he loves his too. What's not to like?

[@mark-v5z]

My 1996 Catalina C250 water ballast/swing centerboard has an aft bed, enclosed head with porta potty and sink, galley, open v-berth, walk through transom, roller furling on a masthead rig, wheel steering. Pretty much everything you show here but with an outboard and all in 25 feet. Practical Sailor did an article years back on this boat. You should check this boat out.

[@bobnastase3596]

I would love for you to compare a Hunter 290 vs Catalina 28 MK II.

[@aventer5778]

We like the hunters and watched your video on the 27-2. We know you can find the 26 on a trailer. But haven’t seen much of the 27-2 on a trailer. Did they not make a whole lot that are trailer able or is there a certain place where we can find them for sale?

[@lstefans]

Love the boat & review. Works perfectly for my needs. Not seeing one for sail tho within 500 miles of Detroit. Will keep watching. What's the reasoning for Practical Sailor vs Lady K?

[@bwhip]

Is Marlow-Hunter out of business now? They don't seem to have a working website any more.

[@matthewtrapp7756]

Personally I think the 27-3 is a better buy. Yes, it is 10-15K more money but you get a foot wider boat, almost double the displacement, better capsize ratio and optional deep draft and taller performance mast. Still all in a small package with a yanmar

[@artsmith103]

Depends how much you want to trailer

[@todddunn945]

Towable is true, but the 9' (2.75 m) beam means that you need permits everywhere in the US and Canada.

[@Scheeringa1]

True.....but no officer is going to pull over a f150 pulling a sailboat! 🤣

[@tomlambert1833]

My good buddy has one , it's pretty damn good. Easily handles 20 knot winds with full sail, definitely a treat to sail. I just really despise the single cylinder raw water cooled Yanmar

[@charlesbond4413]

In the dark ages, on the Maine coast, Bristol 27. A true pocket cruiser.

[@deancleavesmith]

Thanks Tim, a lot of boat for 27ft

[@tarpanc34]

i ended up with a morgan 41 the 30 footers was just to small inside for me. the morgan 41 was just right for me.. its all about comfort at age 60 i dont care if its slow.. just get me there safe and in comfort.. lol

[@colinmiddleton2941]

This is exactly what I’m looking for in Australia but there is nothing like it down here.

[@UncleJoeLITE]

Where do I sign up? This is a great little boat I'd single hand happily. Down here, Endeavours are more common & not as nice. Thanks Tim.

[@SSBN506]

We have a Hunter 340 and the old men at our club, and that is most of our club say it is nice when on board. If they have a wife who will go on boats go crazy when on board on how nice and spacious it is. I remember an owner of a C&C 34 could not believe their boat was technically the same size.

[@Al-Storm]

A hunter 340 is 34ft, a c&c 24 is 24ft. How are they technically the same size?

[@SSBN506]

@@Al-Storm typo c&c 34

[@animapulcra9205]

I don't own a Hunter but envy those who do. Why? Because Hunters seems to be designed from inside and out. Sensibly designed for leisure and a good time out on the water, without comfort compromises.

[@gkrebs6636]

Great vid! but Ill take my Cat 30 all day long:) ty!!

[@deanworkman1]

Ur show kicks ass bruh thanks for the knowledge

[@maverickmyrtlebeach]

Hunter 30, take it out in 25 knot breeze and she'll move the way it was designed to handle. Bay sailing only, open ocean may be a slow show, no more than 3-4 ft. waves. but she's still got good lines.

[@immrd]

Where are you finding these gems for that price?! I can't get into a hunter 27 for under 27k in my area :(

[@mro4855]

I prefer my Cape Dory 27 because of its wight for safety in open waters (7750 lbs)

[@richardduval9237]

What about the lifting keel 26 ?

[@UkrainianUnchained]

Where do one buy a cheap, cost-effective boat?

[@curtschu]

Where is this boat listed? It checks all my boxes. Probably sold already

[@artsmith103]

It's a local boat for Tim. That one is not listed.

[@OscarFreda-f6t]

Rippin Vista

[@bradkuether3561]

Why not Hunter? NOTHING bad to say about that brand SAVE for iron keels. If it has a lead keel, great.

[@Scheeringa1]

My 27-2 is all lead

[@jonathanfreymond3451]

Oh man, where can I find one. TAKE MY MONEY!!!

[@normanplotkin8105]

Check out Catalina 28mii that I think are nicer than this Hunter for a starter pocket cruiser.

[@derqatarzan4207]

If anyone has a lead on one of these beautiful 27-2's in Oregon/Wa/ID area, let me know!

[@DefoeXenia-s2h]

Karl Forest

[@DanG802]

So close to 20k subs! My dream trailerable family overnighter is the MacGregor 26 but this Hunter 27 has just a little more room everywhere, plus the swim ladder sugar scoop and the diesel? About a 5 grand difference but probably worth it.

[@artsmith103]

Do you mean a Macgregor 26 classic with typical 6-8hp?

[@DanG802]

@@artsmith103 yes, either the 26D or S would be nice. Gotta have that aft "cabin"

[@artsmith103]

@@DanG802 I have a 26S that I've improved a lot. Mostly singlehand. Alone, I don't like to heel more than 12° but with crew 15-20° is manageable.

[@turk0886]

I have a 26s and have been out in some crazy wind, it handles it great with some work I'm not disappointed because if i wanted to be bored i would have bought a power boat. I think the Hunter wins in interior space (head room) but i would liketo see a sailing comparison between the two. Cheers

[@artsmith103]

@@turk0886 The 26S has narrow centerboard that can slide sideways without enough forward momentum. I think a taller cabin could be big problem in slow windy marina. Just 10 knot crosswind makes it hard to push out fast enough before sliding into neighbor.

[@AlanMoore-e4k]

Shirley Cape

[@ColinPia-f9l]

Berge Parkway

[@gima_11]

😀😀😀😀😀😀

[@MackintoshIsaac-u7r]

Aniya Stravenue

[@stanleybest8833]

Small is important. You don't own a boat if it's not trailerable.

[@johnnyc6489]

Sorry but my 27 ft, 1996 Catalina 270 is much nicer. It has double life lines, walk through transom, wider beam at 9.34 ft, bow roller, full size aft berth, enclosed head and much more.

[@ahoneyman]

A Catalina 270 will run you $25k+ all day. The Hunter is $12k. The Catalina is a nicer boat. Is it twice the boat? Debatable.

[@jfkdotcom]

do yourself a favor and check out a Catalina 28 (MKII). or even a Catalina Capri 26, it is a much nicer version of this Hunter but the 28 takes it to the next level.