Has anyone ever had or sailed a Hunter Pilot?

[davidpbo]

If we were to change boats the Hunter Pilot is one I would consider as the title says "Has anyone had one or sailed one? "
We don't want to above 30ft
I find the idea of a deck saloon or boat with an inside steering position attractive either for those days when it is sheeting down or you or stuck on a mooring/at anchor/ in port.

What do they sail like?
Can they sail to windward?
Does the accommodation work?
Is access to the foredeck easy?
What is the build quality like?

 

[chrisclin]

If we were to change boats the Hunter Pilot is one I would consider as the title says "Has anyone had one or sailed one? "
We don't want to above 30ft
I find the idea of a deck saloon or boat with an inside steering position attractive either for those days when it is sheeting down or you or stuck on a mooring/at anchor/ in port.

What do they sail like?
Can they sail to windward?
Does the accommodation work?
Is access to the foredeck easy?
What is the build quality like?

Yes I have one, a successor to a Westerly Riviera. I mostly sail single handed and she's very good for that.
She sails like a big dinghy. I believe some have fin keels but mine has Bilge (or as Hunters preferred to call them - twin) keels. They do seem to work well and she climbs to windward very well. The self-tacking jib is a bit of a pain going down wind but mine came with a 'scooper' sail that makes quite a difference. The self tacking track gets worn and I often have to go up and give it a kick after a tack so access to the foredeck is easy.
The forecabin is quite roomy but although I've had two well built ladies sleeping in the aft cabin I am led to believe that they had to turn in unison! They also complained they had to reverse into the heads as it was difficult to turn round once in. Still they keep asking to come again so it can't be that bad.
The saloon works well with amazing storage behind and under the seats. To my mind the best thing about her is being able to see out when sitting in harbour with a glass of wine.
I find I don't use the inside steering much. Very useful when motoring along a canal in the rain but I usually use the autopilot and retreat inside.
The build quality seems pretty good. Not built like the proverbial outhouse like the Westerly but she's strong where it matters. I clouted a rock in the Sound of Arisaig hard enough to propel me in a perfect somersault down the companion way but there was no sign of any damage to the keels or bolts.
Things to watch out for :
I find I have to track down leaks round the windows after launching and again after lifting. That may be because my marina don't use spreaders when craning and deform the structure.
Older boats have crazing on their windows.
You can crack your head on the windscreen wiper motor!
Some boats were home finished - so internal quality can vary.
Happy to answer any more questions - or I'd recommend joining the Hunter Owners Association HA Home Page

 

[davidpbo]

Thank you for the fulsome reply Chrisclin. You seem to confirm that they are a very practical boat.

Is the mast on a pivot?

 

[Bajansailor]

David, there is a lady on the Facebook Motorsailer group who has a Hunter Pilot 27 called 'Pugsy', and she is a very enthusiastic advocate for this marque.
Facebook Groups

Have you seen this old brokerage advert in the Yachtsnet archives?

Hunter Pilot 27 archive details - Yachtsnet Ltd. online UK yacht brokers - yacht brokerage and boat sales

 

[Dutch01527]

“The self tacking track gets worn and I often have to go up and give it a kick after a tack so access to the foredeck is easy.”

I had the same issue occasionally on my Dehler. I found that a light line connected to each side of the tacking car running back on each side to the cockpit worked well. If it got stuck a quick yank on the line was enough to get it moving.

 

[chrisclin]

Thank you for the fulsome reply Chrisclin. You seem to confirm that they are a very practical boat.

Is the mast on a pivot?

No it's not, as designed. I understand some people have installed a tabernacle.

 

[richlear]

Hi David,

I have just sold my HP27 "Easy Beat", a great little boat that did me proud! I can second the opinion that she sails like a big dinghy. Quite manoeuvrable and a lot of fun in a breeze. I found her a little underpowered in light air but the addition of a cruising chute gives plenty of options. I sail single handed all the time and the self-tacker makes life very easy. I installed some control lines to allow me to move the jib traveller around from the cockpit, again, useful in light air or running DDW. Tack angles in a decent breeze are around 110 degrees so she is not the best to windward. Build quality is good. In general a solid, practical, fun boat with good accommodation. The inside steering position is not used often but I am always very grateful when the need arises!

Let me know if you have any specific questions

Rich

 

[zoidberg]

Should you decide you want one, I know of a good one for sale.

PM me noting your interest, and I'll point you towards the owner. I have no personal interest....