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21data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this HUNTER 27-3 buyer’s report
HUNTER 27-3

HUNTER 27-3

Hunter Marine🇺🇸· Design: Glenn Henderson
$16,660 avg$11,747 – $23,398 (5 listings)2004–2013
$900 – $2.4K est. annual maintenance
Coastal CruisermonoB&RFin

Specifications

Hull

LOA27.33 ft
LWL23.58 ft
Beam9.92 ft
Draft3.5 ft
Displacement7,656 lb
Ballast2,051.8 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL6.5 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height27 ft
Jforetriangle base8.92 ft
Pmainsail luff30.33 ft
Emainsail foot11.67 ft
FLforestay8.9 ft
MHmast height43 ft
Mainsail311.6 sq ft
Jib (100%)120.4 sq ft
Spinnaker204.7 sq ft

About the HUNTER 27-3

Specs above are for models with shoal keel and standard sail plan. Opt. deep keel model: Draft - 5.0' / 1.52m; Disp - 7,505 lbs. / 3,404 kg.; Ballast - 1901 lbs. / 862 kg. Opt. bilge keel (UK ): Disp - 8,182 lbs / 3,711 kg; Ballast - 2,578 lbs / 1,169 kg Furling sails: P = 34.42ft / 10.49m; E = 14.33ft / 4.37m; Mast height: 43.67ft / 13.31m A performance mast was available. Height above waterline: 40.83 ft / 12.45 m Displacement above was listed for 2005 or newer models. Displacement listed for the 2004 model: 7,267 lbs / 3,296 kg. Photo courtesy of Adam Hunt.

Sailpages Buyer's Take

The Hunter 27-3 is a compact cruising sailboat designed by Glenn Henderson and built by Hunter Marine (USA) from 2004 to 2013. With a displacement of 7656.0 lb and a beam of 9.92 ft, it offers a balance of interior volume and manageable handling for its size.

Best for:
This boat is well-suited for coastal cruising and weekend getaways, appealing to couples or small families who prioritize ease of single-handed docking and trailerability over long-range offshore performance.
Bluewater capability:
With a capsize ratio of 2.02 and a comfort ratio of 22.54, the Hunter 27-3 is primarily designed for protected waters and coastal sailing rather than extended bluewater passages.
Comparables:
Comparable boats include the Beneteau First 26 and the O'Day 262, which share similar dimensions and target the same market of entry-level cruisers seeking a stable, user-friendly platform.

Direct variant of the HUNTER 27-3

Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.

Performance

Comfort22.5
Capsize2.02
SA/Disp12.3
Disp/Len261
Bal/Disp26.8

Market Price

Low
$11,747
Average
$16,660
High
$23,398
Based on 5 listings across 3 marketplaces

Asking price by model year

5 listings · boat years 19901996 · median $12,693

$0$10k$20k$30kmedian $12,693199019951996 Hunter 27 Pilot · $22,767 · Great Britain, Swale Marina, Conyer, Kent1995 Hunter 27 Pilot · $23,398 · Great Britain, Lymington1990 1990 Hunter 27 OOD · $12,6931993 Hunter Horizon 27 TK · $11,747 · United Kingdom1990 Hunter 27 OOD · $12,693 · United KingdomAsking price (USD)Boat model year

Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Based on 27.33ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$900 – $2.4K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

9 reported issues across 7 systems for the HUNTER 27-3, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

2 critical2 major5 minor
Plumbing2Electrical2Deck1Engine1Structural1Hull1Keel1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a HUNTER 27-3? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.

  • All 9 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
  • Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
  • Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep

One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep

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Which engine powers your HUNTER 27-3?

We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.

Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar — is it one of these?

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Used sails that fit the HUNTER 27-3

Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…