Hunter 27 X Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Hunter 27 X is a markedly different animal from its standard cruising sibling. The most significant upgrade is the taller fractional B&R rig, which stands nearly four feet higher than the standard mast. This taller spar supports a larger, roachy mainsail and deck-sweeping headsails, providing the power necessary to drive the beamy hull in light air. According to editorial testing by TradeABoat, the 27 X features a deeper, heavier lead keel (5.52 feet) and an optional telescopic carbon bowsprit for flying asymmetric spinnakers, which allows the boat to perform like a "baby Col 30" on off-wind legs.

Handling is further refined through the replacement of the standard pedestal wheel with tiller steering. This provides the helmsman with the tactile feedback required for racing, making the boat feel more like a large dinghy than a heavy cruiser. With a Ballast/Displacement ratio of approximately 31% and a deep lead bulb, the 27 X is stiffer than the shoal-draft cruising version, though it still relies on its beam for initial stability. The B&R rig’s lack of a backstay allows for a massive mainsail, but owners should note that this requires careful attention to shroud tension and vang use to control mainsail shape under load.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its racing pedigree, the Hunter 27 X retains much of the "Tardis-like" interior volume for which the Henderson series is known. It boasts a surprising 6'2" of headroom, a feat rarely matched in the sub-30-foot performance category. The layout is open and airy, featuring an aft cabin with a double berth and a forward V-berth that accommodates two children or an adult couple. Sail Magazine notes that the design was "cut from an entirely different mold" compared to older, cramped coastal cruisers, prioritizing a large salon and a functional galley.

To save weight and enhance its performance mission, the "X" version features several interior variations. Traditional wooden locker doors are often replaced with lightweight, zippered mesh panels, and the heavy salon table is sometimes deleted or made removable. These modifications, along with a lighter cabinetry approach, were intended to offset the added weight of the deeper lead keel. The galley remains practical for weekend use, typically featuring a single-burner stove and a dedicated locker for a portable 40-quart cooler rather than a built-in refrigerator.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Hunter 27 X should focus on several specific technical areas unique to this generation of Hunter construction:

• Companionway Hatch Abrasion: A common complaint among the Henderson-designed 27 and 31 models is the sliding companionway hatch. The fiberglass often rubs against the deck mold, leading to gelcoat wear and unsightly dark streaks; inspectors should look for evidence of retrofitted spacers or protective tape.
• Rudder Bearing Play: Because the 27 X is often steered with a tiller and pushed harder than the cruising version, the spade rudder bearings can experience accelerated wear. Check for "slop" or vibration when the tiller is centered.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: The 27 X carries a heavier, deeper lead keel than the standard model. A thorough inspection of the "smile" at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint is essential to ensure the structural grid and keel bolts are secure.
• B&R Rig Tension: The backstayless rig places high loads on the shrouds. Inspect the chainplates and mast step for signs of compression or stress cracking, especially if the boat has been raced heavily.

Community & Resources

The Hunter 27 X is supported by a robust network of owners through the Hunter Owners Association and technical forums hosted by SailboatOwners.com. While no longer in production, technical manuals and rigging specs are often maintained in the legacy archives of Marlow-Hunter.

The Verdict

The Hunter 27 X is a unique hybrid that offers the interior volume of a 30-footer with the agility of a sportboat. It is ideal for the sailor who wants to participate in Wednesday night races without sacrificing the ability to take the family cruising on the weekend.

Pros:

• Exceptional headroom (6'2") and interior volume for its size.
• Upgraded hardware (Harken/Spinlock) and lead keel improve performance over standard models.
• Tiller steering provides excellent feedback and opens up the cockpit.

Cons:

• Interior "lightening" (mesh doors) may feel less premium than traditional wood finishes.
• The beamy hull can be prone to pounding in short, steep head seas.
• Limited production numbers make finding an "X" variant more difficult than the standard 27.