Hunter 27

Description

The Hunter 27 (often called the Hunter 27-1 to distinguish it from later models) is an American masthead sloop racer-cruiser designed by John Cherubini and first built by Hunter Marine in 1974, with production continuing until 1984 and over 2,000 hulls completed—making it one of the company's earliest and most prolific successes. At 27 feet 2 inches LOA with a 9-foot 1-inch beam, moderate displacement of 7,000 lbs (3,000 lbs lead ballast), and a standard fin keel drawing 4 feet 3 inches (or optional shoal 3 feet 3 inches), it features a conservative yet balanced underbody with a skeg-hung rudder for forgiving handling and good upwind performance under its 425 sq ft sail plan (fully battened main + 130% genoa). The interior is surprisingly spacious for the era, offering a V-berth forward, U-shaped galley, large saloon with convertible settees, enclosed head with shower, and a generous aft quarter berth—sleeping five comfortably with 6 feet of headroom. Marketed as an affordable coastal cruiser for families or new sailors, the Hunter 27 earned a reputation for solid build quality (despite some early gelcoat blistering issues), lively speed in light to moderate winds, and seaworthiness, though it lacks the modern amenities of later Hunters.