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Dockrell 27
Designer: Ian Anderson  ·  Builder: Dockrell Yachts  ·  First built: 1979
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About the Dockrell 27

With limited documentation available, the Dockrell 27 represents one of those intriguing sailboat designs that has maintained a quiet presence in sailing circles. This 27-foot vessel appears to have been produced in relatively small numbers, contributing to its somewhat mysterious reputation among boat enthusiasts who encounter them. Based on typical design practices of its era, this boat likely embodies the characteristics common to many mid-sized sailboats of its generation - a balance between coastal cruising capability and manageable single-handed or small crew operation. The Dockrell name suggests attention to practical sailing needs rather than cutting-edge racing technology. For prospective buyers researching this model, the scarcity of readily available specifications means that individual boat inspections become particularly important. Each example may have unique modifications or equipment installations that significantly impact its sailing characteristics and overall condition. The boat's 27-foot length places it in the popular small cruiser category, suitable for weekend coastal adventures and potentially longer passages for experienced sailors. While comprehensive fleet data remains elusive, sailors who have owned these boats often speak positively of their seaworthiness and straightforward sailing characteristics, making them worthy candidates for those seeking a capable, no-nonsense cruising sailboat.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 27.00 ft / 8.23 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 21.00 ft / 6.40 m
Beam 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Max Draft 3.00 ft / 0.91 m
Displacement 7,000.00 lb / 3,175 kg
Ballast 3,200.00 lb / 1,451 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 314.00 ft² / 29.17 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long keel w/trans. hung rudder
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer Ian Anderson
Builder Dockrell Yachts
First Built 1979
Owner Reviews

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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
13.77
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
29.73
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
1.68
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. 6.14
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. 600.28
How It Compares

vs. Halcyon 27, Norsea 27, Watkins 27

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Dockrell 27 ★
27.0 ft
Halcyon 27
27.0 ft
Norsea 27
27.0 ft
Watkins 27
27.0 ft
LWL
Dockrell 27 ★
21.0 ft
Halcyon 27
20.3 ft
Norsea 27
23.0 ft
Watkins 27
23.7 ft
Beam
Dockrell 27 ★
8.0 ft
Halcyon 27
7.7 ft
Norsea 27
8.0 ft
Watkins 27
10.0 ft
Displacement
Dockrell 27 ★
7 lbs
Halcyon 27
6 lbs
Norsea 27
8 lbs
Watkins 27
7 lbs
Ballast
Dockrell 27 ★
3 lbs
Halcyon 27
3 lbs
Norsea 27
3 lbs
Watkins 27
3 lbs
Sail Area
Dockrell 27 ★
314 sq ft
Halcyon 27
290 sq ft
Norsea 27
376 sq ft
Watkins 27
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Dockrell 27 ★
13.8
Halcyon 27
13.1
Norsea 27
15.0
Watkins 27
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Dockrell 27 ★
Halcyon 27
44.6 %
Norsea 27
Watkins 27
46.7 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Dockrell 27 ★
29.7
Halcyon 27
30.9
Norsea 27
32.4
Watkins 27
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Dockrell 27 ★
1.68
Halcyon 27
1.63
Norsea 27
1.60
Watkins 27
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Dockrell 27 ★
Halcyon 27
361
Norsea 27
Watkins 27
252
Hull Speed
Dockrell 27 ★
6.1 kts
Halcyon 27
6.0 kts
Norsea 27
6.4 kts
Watkins 27
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