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Admiral 27
Designer: Richard Carlson  ·  First built: 1968
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About the Admiral 27

Designed by Richard Carlson and first launched in 1968, this 27-footer represents a thoughtful approach to small boat cruising with its distinctive swing keel configuration. The Admiral 27's retractable keel system makes it particularly appealing for sailors who need versatility in varying water depths, allowing access to shallow anchorages and easy trailering while maintaining respectable sailing performance when the keel is deployed. With a displacement of 4,300 pounds and 1,600 pounds of ballast, this fiberglass masthead sloop strikes a reasonable balance between stability and manageable size. The swing keel design necessarily impacts the boat's ultimate stability compared to a fixed keel equivalent, but the comfort ratio of 16.24 suggests quick motion in a seaway typical of lighter displacement boats. The 336 square feet of sail area provides adequate power for coastal cruising and weekend adventures, while the hull speed of 6.70 knots offers respectable performance for its size. This boat suits sailors seeking an affordable entry into cruising with the added benefit of shallow water capability. The Admiral 27 works best for protected waters, coastal day sailing, and short-term cruising where its swing keel versatility truly shines.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 27.12 ft / 8.27 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 25.00 ft / 7.62 m
Beam 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Min Draft 1.92 ft / 0.59 m
Displacement 4,300.00 lb / 1,950 kg
Ballast 1,600.00 lb / 726 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 336.00 ft² / 31.22 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Swing Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Richard Carlson
First Built 1968
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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 20.39
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 37.21
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 122.86
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 16.24
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 1.97
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.70 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 714.62 pounds/inch
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