Hunter Pilot 27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

True to the David Thomas pedigree, the Pilot 27 is a surprisingly capable sailer, avoiding the sluggish "caravan" feel that often plagues deck saloon boats. The hull is shared with its more traditional siblings, the Hunter Channel 27 and the earlier Horizon 27, ensuring a refined underwater profile. Most examples feature "toed-in" asymmetric twin keels, a Thomas signature that allows the boat to dry out upright while maintaining windward performance comparable to a fin keel.

Under sail, the boat typically utilizes a fractional rig with a self-tacking jib, making it an exceptionally easy vessel for single-handed or short-handed crews. With a Displacement/Length ratio of approximately 236, it sits firmly in the moderate-displacement category. While it lacks the sheer responsiveness of the more lightly built Channel 27 due to its additional cabin weight and smaller standard sail area (roughly 26.8 square meters), it tracks with more authority and handles a chop with less fuss. Editorial tests from Practical Boat Owner have noted its stiffness, a result of a high ballast-to-displacement ratio that provides security in a blow.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The defining feature of the Pilot 27 is its "raised" interior. The dinette is situated on a platform to port, allowing guests to see out of the wrap-around windows while seated. This provides an airy, light-filled atmosphere that is rare for a vessel of this length. Many models were commissioned with a secondary internal steering station—a hydraulic wheel located at the forward end of the saloon—allowing the skipper to control the boat while remaining warm and dry.

The layout typically offers 4 to 5 berths. The forward cabin features a substantial double V-berth with better-than-average headroom for a 27-footer, while the aft cabin provides a secondary double berth tucked under the cockpit. The heads compartment is notably large, often including a wet locker for oilskins. Materials are functional but traditional, utilizing teak joinery and molded GRP modules for structural rigidity. The sibling model, the Hunter Channel 27, utilizes the same hull but trades the raised saloon for a larger cockpit and a more conventional low-profile interior.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

The Pilot 27 is a robustly built vessel, but as it enters its third decade of service, specific areas require scrutiny:

• Window Seals: The expansive deck saloon windows are the boat's greatest asset and its primary point of failure. Look for signs of "crazing" in the acrylic or water staining on the joinery below, which suggests the sealant has failed and needs a full reseal.
• Rudder Bearings: The transom-mounted spade rudder is subject to significant leverage. Check for excessive "play" or vibration, which usually indicates the bearings require replacement.
• Deck Core Moister: While generally well-built, some British Hunters from this era used balsa or foam cores that can delaminate if deck fittings (like stanchions or cleats) were not properly bedded or maintained.
• Engine Maintenance: Standard power usually came from a Nanni or Yanmar diesel (14hp–18hp). Prospective buyers should check the heat exchanger for scaling and the exhaust elbow for carbon buildup, which is common in engines that have spent a lot of time idling to charge batteries or motor-sailing.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Pilot 27 are well-supported by a dedicated technical community. The Hunter Association provides an extensive technical library, original brochures, and a forum specifically for British-built Hunter models. This resource is essential for sourcing parts or seeking advice on the proprietary twin-keel systems and rigging modifications unique to David Thomas designs.

The Verdict

The Hunter Pilot 27 is a specialized "pocket cruiser" that offers an unparalleled sense of space and protection for its size. It is the ideal choice for couples or small families who refuse to let poor weather end their sailing season.

Pros:

• Excellent 360-degree visibility from the interior dinette.
• Asymmetric twin keels allow for drying out in tidal harbors.
• Self-tacking jib makes for effortless handling.
• Solid build quality from a reputable British yard.

Cons:

• Heavier and slightly less weatherly than the Hunter Channel 27.
• The large windows can lead to "greenhouse" heat in tropical climates.
• Inside steering takes up significant space in the saloon if opted.