Design and Construction
The 27-2 is built predominantly of fiberglass with wood trim, a construction approach that balances durability with a traditional aesthetic below. The hull form features a raked stem and a walk-through reverse transom with an integrated swimming platform, a feature that immediately signals its recreational intentions. On deck, steering is managed by a wheel connected to an internally-mounted spade-type rudder, with an emergency tiller provided as a prudent backup. The fixed wing keel draws a modest 3.50 feet, a shallow draft that expands gunkholing possibilities while carrying 2,000 pounds of ballast against a total displacement of 5,000 pounds.
Rig and Handling
A fractional sloop rig with swept-back spreaders drives the boat, with a total sail area of just over 307 square feet split between a mainsail of roughly 165 square feet and a standard 110% genoa. The sailplan dimensions—a 29.35-foot I, a 9.67-foot J, a 30.50-foot P, and a 10.83-foot E—confirm a rig that is manageable for a couple or a small family without demanding a deep bench of racing crew. The design’s PHRF rating averages 192, with reported highs of 186 and lows of 201, placing it firmly in the realm of steady, predictable cruising rather than club-race podium contention. The theoretical hull speed of 6.34 knots is a realistic target for passage planning under power or sail.
Accommodations
For a 26-foot hull with a 9-foot beam and a waterline length of just over 22 feet, the interior volume is cleverly maximized. The boat was delivered with a teak and holly interior and a dedicated dinette table, creating a warm central social space. Sleeping accommodation is claimed for six people, a figure that speaks to the design brief as a family cruiser, though it naturally implies a degree of intimacy among the crew. The enclosed head compartment is equipped with a shower and a sink served by hot and cold water, a notable amenity in this size class.
Equipment and Mechanical Systems
Standard propulsion was a small 8-horsepower outboard motor intended for docking and maneuvering, but the factory offered a 9-horsepower Yanmar 1GM-10 diesel inboard as an option, a significant upgrade in auxiliary power. The standard equipment list was unusually generous for a production boat of this era. Beyond the stainless steel swim ladder and the 110% genoa, the manufacturer delivered the 27-2 with practical cruising gear including a two-burner stove, an automatic bilge pump, a fog bell, and even two life jackets.
Known Considerations
The nomenclature of the model requires attention when researching parts or past ownership. The boat was originally marketed by the manufacturer as the Hunter 27, and it is now usually referred to as the Hunter 27-2 specifically to avoid confusion with the earlier and later designs that share the same name. Prospective owners should also verify the propulsion setup, as the transition from the standard outboard to the optional inboard diesel represents a major shift in weight distribution, service access, and onboard electrical capacity.
The Verdict
The Hunter 27-2 is a purpose-built family cruiser that leverages a shallow wing keel and a spacious-for-its-size interior to deliver a comfortable weekend and week-long platform. It does not pretend to be a performance-oriented design, and its PHRF numbers and fractional rig confirm that its strengths lie in ease of handling and dockside livability rather than ghosting through light air. The combination of a walk-through transom, an enclosed head with shower, and the option of an inboard diesel gives it a level of practicality that keeps it relevant in the used market long after its production run ended in 1994.
Pros
- Shallow 3.50-foot draft with a fixed wing keel suits thin-water cruising.
- Walk-through reverse transom with a swimming platform enhances on-water recreation.
- Enclosed head compartment includes a shower and sink with hot and cold water.
- Factory option for a 9-horsepower Yanmar diesel inboard for reliable auxiliary power.
Cons
- Modest PHRF average of 192 limits light-air performance.
- Sleeping accommodations for six are optimistic for a 26-foot hull with a 22-foot waterline.
- Name confusion with earlier and later Hunter 27 designs requires careful part and document matching.
