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Old 22-10-2013, 13:20   #1
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Hunter 27, blue water, etc

Reading the board, not much love for Hunter sailboats. I own a newer (2009) hunter 27 and was looking to what others thought about coastal sailing. I also, have thought about taking trips in open water, but weather dependent and not more than 24 hours between ports and really don't think anything more 4' seas. I've read some post stating that hull is too flat on newer Hunter's materials used are not safe in open water.
What are the downfalls to hunter sail boats? I know comfort, fuel,etc. but I think I can stay out about 5 days without the head overflowing, battery dying, running out of fuel or water, without risk, I have spent 4 fairly comfortable nights out all on inland waters, without shore assistance and all was good.
There are a lot of threads about blue water, but my definition of it would be less than 24 hours of island hoping, Miami to Bahamas seems to be the longest skip. I've personally not had any issues with my Hunter and still sails good (inland) with upwards of ~20mph winds and 2.5 - 3' chop which is the most she has been exposed to at this point.
Other than creature comfort, what other concerns are there? Am I off in thinking <24 hours between or having to come to port every few days?
Do I need to sell (if possible) and get something different? FYI - This is my my first sail boat as captain, but sailed with many from 16' to 40'
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Old 22-10-2013, 13:37   #2
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Re: Hunter 27, blue water, etc

You can take any boat anywhere, it's just a matter of dealing with what you encounter along the way. There are two main relevant dimensions to a purpose-built blue water boat that pertain; whether the design is suited to good performance offshore, and the robustness of the build, fittings etc.

If you're talking short hops of 24-48 hours and can pick your weather window then both of the above are really not an issue IMHO. Then it's all about having the necessary safety equipment on board to deal with the unexpected.

In short, your Hunter is more than up to the task of what you're contemplating, provided you're up to it as a sailor. The best offshore boat in the world can quickly turn into a deathtrap in the wrong hands, and plenty of "coastal cruisers" have crossed the pond with experienced, prudent captains at the helm.
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Old 22-10-2013, 13:37   #3
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Re: Hunter 27, blue water, etc

You aren't crossing oceans, you are coastal cruising. Just watch your weather and you'll be fine. We're still alive after cruising our old Hunter from Texas, to the Keys, to the Exumas down to George Town, and now waiting out hurricane season in Brunswick, Georgia.

We met a young couple while anchored at Allen's Cay. They had sailed their Catalina 27 from Maine. Also met Katie and Jessie in No Name Harbor, on their little Cal. Boat | KATIE & JESSIE

Just go get some experience and see how the boat holds up. Correct any issues that come up. Really, your success depends upon your abilities.

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Old 22-10-2013, 13:48   #4
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Re: Hunter 27, blue water, etc

your boat is fine for your use (it probably is fine for more than your use and would still be going strong long after you weren't)
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Old 22-10-2013, 14:30   #5
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Re: Hunter 27, blue water, etc

You are right when you say it is the sailor and not the boat that determines how far you can go, however a prudent sailor takes a good hard look on how a boat is constructed. I have seen some smaller Hunters that were poorly assembled. The poorest constructed boat I have ever seen however wasn't a Hunter. It was a Catalina. And guess who had bought that boat?
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Old 22-10-2013, 23:21   #6
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I'm not sure what a newer 2009 is vs a older 2009 but you boat is fine for that. Have fun go sailing.....
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Old 23-10-2013, 00:46   #7
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Re: Hunter 27, blue water, etc

Knotty,

In the mid 1990's Hunter revamped its design department, and significantly upgraded its build quality. Much like the revamp of American car manufacturing it has taken a number of years for Hunter to shed its reputation as poor quality builds. I am not positive, but I think the last old design was the 36 that went out of production in 2005.

Any boat with the Henderson stamp is a pretty reasonable quality boat. They won't stand up to a Swan or Hinkley, but they are very much midline quality boats. Since you have a 2009, I would be perfectly comfortable taking it off shore, maybe not into high latitudes, but for near coastal cruising it should be more than adequate.
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Old 23-10-2013, 04:58   #8
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Re: Hunter 27, blue water, etc

You should be fine, that's what your boat was built to do. 35 years ago when we were young and stupid, we used to load our O'Day 20 up with five friends and head over to the Channel Islands off Southern California for a few days. No electroics... Just a compas and paper chart. We lived. Your boat is more than twice the boat.
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Old 23-10-2013, 07:18   #9
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Re: Hunter 27, blue water, etc

It is less the boat than the sailor. Have fun and keep us up to date.

If you want to "train" for a cruise, join a double-handed race and meet other DH sailors. Not a very snobby group, usually very helpful. Double -handed racing is some of the best training/practice for a sailing couple.
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Old 23-10-2013, 08:58   #10
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Re: Hunter 27, blue water, etc

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, knotty.
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Old 23-10-2013, 09:15   #11
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Re: Hunter 27, blue water, etc

Thanks to everyone... Off this weekend to coco beach to sea trial a 32' hunter (not for me, i'm just tagging along)!!
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