I was really impressed with this small Yacht I surveyed today. A modern small cruiser from British Hunter, with fractional rig and self-tacking jib for easy handling. She has accommodation for up to 5, including a small double berth aft.
Between 1988 and 1995, about 200 were built, with minor differences and name changes, from Hunter 27 to 272 and 273. The boat Surveyed is a Horizon 273 twin keel, built by Hunters in 1994. Some boats were built as a 'sailaway kit', and completed and launched by the first owners. Hunter 'sailaway kits' had all structural work completed by the factory - as the name implies the boats supplied in this fashion were ready to sail. Owner completion was restricted to fitting internal trim and fittings, and we generally find very little difference between 'factory finished' and 'home finished' British Hunters.
Surveyors comments: Regularly check the rigging for tensioning and the lock nuts or pins for safetying. The first inspection should be performed after a few days at sea in various weathers. Secure, lubricate and check the bottle screws for tensioning: if the rigging is loose, the chain plate friction may generate wear. Never lubricate bottle screws with silicon grease: use tallow, graphite grease or other. Change all shrouds or stays exhibiting kinks, severed wires or other defects. Regularly check the chain plates and stays for condition. Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? Call Insight Marine Surveys Ltd. I specialise in Boats of all types, and I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at: steventruss1@aol.com
Between 1988 and 1995, about 200 were built, with minor differences and name changes, from Hunter 27 to 272 and 273. The boat Surveyed is a Horizon 273 twin keel, built by Hunters in 1994. Some boats were built as a 'sailaway kit', and completed and launched by the first owners. Hunter 'sailaway kits' had all structural work completed by the factory - as the name implies the boats supplied in this fashion were ready to sail. Owner completion was restricted to fitting internal trim and fittings, and we generally find very little difference between 'factory finished' and 'home finished' British Hunters.
Surveyors comments: Regularly check the rigging for tensioning and the lock nuts or pins for safetying. The first inspection should be performed after a few days at sea in various weathers. Secure, lubricate and check the bottle screws for tensioning: if the rigging is loose, the chain plate friction may generate wear. Never lubricate bottle screws with silicon grease: use tallow, graphite grease or other. Change all shrouds or stays exhibiting kinks, severed wires or other defects. Regularly check the chain plates and stays for condition. Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? Call Insight Marine Surveys Ltd. I specialise in Boats of all types, and I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at: steventruss1@aol.com
