[1][3][4] The Hunter 27-2 is a recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fiberglass, with wood trim.

It has a fractional sloop rig with swept-back spreaders, a raked stem, a walk-through reverse transom with a swimming platform, an internally-mounted spade-type rudder controlled by a wheel, with an emergency tiller and a fixed wing keel.

[1][2][3] The boat is normally fitted with a small 8 hp (6 kW) outboard motor for docking and maneuvering, although a Japanese Yanmar 1GM-10 9 hp (7 kW) diesel engine was a factory option.

[1][3] The boat was delivered with many features as standard equipment, including a 110% genoa, stainless steel swim ladder, teak and holly interior, dinette table, enclosed head with a shower and sink with hot and cold water, two-burner stove, sleeping accommodation for six people, two life jackets, automatic bilge pump and a fog bell.

[2] The design has a PHRF racing average handicap of 192 with a high of 186 and low of 201.