New Hunter 27 Combines Performance, Value and Ease of Sailing for Both New and Seasoned Sailors
8th July 2005

Novice sailors need a boat that’s easy to sail and want a great value. More experienced sailors desire more size and performance. Hunter’s all new 27 satisfies both.

While many sailboats seem to be getting bigger and more expensive, Hunter was hearing from many customers who wanted a midsized boat at a more affordable price.

“We got a lot of input from existing and prospective sailors who said they wanted more choices in the 25’-30’ sailboat class,” said John Peterson, Hunter’s director of sales and marketing. “This innovative new boat is in direct response to that demand.”

The Hunter design team, led by sailboat designer and racer Glenn Henderson, with input from Hunter founder and Chairman Warren Luhrs, set out to design a 27-footer with a big-boat feel and look that was also easy handling and exceptionally forgiving.

 Designing the 27 began from the inside out. Marketing studies and owner surveys showed the group what interior features and accommodations the mid-size Hunter customer desired. The initial interior layout scheme set the fundamental framework for the hull design.

A refreshingly large main salon with an open design was incorporated. An extraordinary 6’2” of headroom and 9’11” of beam is featured -- unusual for a 27 footer. Almond wood, trimmed with teak, is used generously on the cabinetry and bulkheads because its light color makes the interior “feel bigger.” An innovative forward v-berth utilizes the seat back on the settee that folds down to provide space for the head of the berth. A private cabin is aft, complete with a queen-size berth athwartship, hanging locker, built-in cushioned seat with lots of storage space beneath.

A fully enclosed head with portable MSD and a built-in vanity with mirror and dry linen storage are standard features. The starboard L-shaped galley boasts a single burner gas range top, a deep stainless sink, and a convenient built-in storage drawer to hold a portable 40 quart cooler. Counters are fiddled with teak, and additional galley storage is provided with under-counter shelves.The Deluxe Cruising package of options include pressurized hot and cold water, marine head and shower, microwave oven, 18 hp upgraded engine, and Everwear™main cabin flooring. 

Most sailboat designers would be happy with that range of interior features in a 27’, and just put a nice conservative hull around it and call it done. But the Hunter design team couldn’t resist adding more performance because they saw the 27 also being used as a day sailor as well as a weekend cruiser. They paid careful attention to changes in the wetted surface friction characteristics of the boat under varying load conditions.

“In smaller boats, the payload is often a higher percentage because people still carry a lot of stuff,” said Henderson.” We didn’t want to compromise performance at different drafts.”

Because Hunter uses state-of-the-art computer 3D simulation software for modeling and design testing, engineers were able to simulate different drafts to produce a unique hull design that was very slippery and fast -- even when the boat was heavy.

The sail plan is the Hunter trademark of a fractional rig with large mainsail and smaller head sail for ease of sailing. A backstayless anodized B & R set, a mainsheet traveler and a rope-style boom vang on a conventional mast support the sails. Harken™winches are mounted at both cabin and cockpit, offering captains a choice for where they want to trim the sails. There is a choice of shallow or deep keel, as well as standard or furling mainsail.

Hunter designed the 27 boat for the way they know it will be primarily sailed – in confined lakes and offshore. The 27 sails well under mainsail alone, and the large, balanced wheel-steered rudder enhances maneuverability in tight quarters with its high gear ratio Whitlock™steering system that requires less wheel turn. Designers also factored in the full range of wind conditions to make sure the 27 was stable in all situations because of its cruising capability. “This is one of the most versatile boats Hunter has ever done,” Henderson stated.

 The new Hunter 27 will have its official Australia debut at the Sydney International Boat Show 2005. Priced from $120,000AUD.