Hunter 27 Known Issues

Name: Hunter 27
Brand: Hunter Marine (Usa)
Availability: InStock

Common problems, survey red flags, and what to inspect before buying a Hunter 27.

These are the most commonly reported problems on the Hunter 27, compiled from surveys, owner reports, and marine forums. Use this list as a pre-purchase inspection checklist — especially the high-severity items.

Known Issues

2 High 6 Medium

Accommodations

Medium

Interior tabbing of bulkheads to the hull was done with relatively narrow fiberglass tape in early production, and bulkhead-to-hull delamination is commonly found, particularly on the main structural bulkhead forward of the mast.

1974–1980 models

Engine

Medium

Early Hunter 27s were fitted with the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline inboard. Many of these engines are now 40+ years old and suffer from worn carburetors, deteriorated fuel lines, and weak raw water cooling impeller housings. Verify whether the engine has been converted to diesel, as many owners have done so.

1974–1981 models

Hull/Deck

Medium

The deck-to-hull joint on early Hunter 27s uses an outward-turning flange bonded and through-bolted, but the joint is prone to weeping and separation, particularly at the bow and stern corners where stress concentrates. Water intrusion into the joint can saturate the balsa core in the deck.

1974–1979 models

Medium

The deck is cored with balsa wood, and areas around chainplates, stanchion bases, and deck hardware are frequently found to be wet or delaminated due to inadequate bedding from the factory. Tap-testing the entire deck surface is essential.

High

Chainplate backing plates were often undersized or inadequately glassed into the hull, and the chainplates themselves are prone to crevice corrosion where they pass through the deck. Leaking chainplates are extremely common on this model.

Medium

The spade rudder is hung on a single stainless rudder shaft that passes through a fiberglass tube; the bearing surfaces wear significantly over time, resulting in excessive rudder slop. Inspect for play and check the rudder shaft for bending or corrosion at the hull exit point.

Keel

High

The fin keel attachment uses keel bolts that pass through a relatively shallow internal grid. The bilge sump area around the keel stub is prone to standing water, accelerating keel bolt corrosion. Surveying keel bolt integrity and checking for any movement or stress cracking at the keel-to-hull junction is critical.

Rigging

Medium

The mast step on deck models concentrates compression loads on a cored deck section that was not always adequately reinforced at the factory, leading to compression failure and core crushing beneath the mast base over time.

Know of an issue we're missing?

Help fellow sailors — share survey findings, recurring problems, or things you wish you'd known before buying.

✉️ Submit an Issue