Back to Search
Folkdancer 27
Designer: F. Parker  ·  Builder: Russel Marine Ltd.  ·  First built: 1965
+ Add to Compare
About the Folkdancer 27

Designed as a versatile coastal cruiser, this 27-foot sailboat emerged during an era when builders focused on creating affordable yet seaworthy vessels for weekend sailors and small-family cruising. The Folkdancer 27 represents the practical approach to sailboat design that characterized many production boats of its generation. Built with traditional construction methods, this boat appeals to sailors seeking a manageable size that doesn't sacrifice sailing performance for comfort. The moderate displacement hull design strikes a balance between responsiveness under sail and stability in varied conditions, making it well-suited for coastal cruising and day sailing adventures. While detailed specifications remain limited, the Folkdancer 27's proportions suggest thoughtful attention to creating adequate interior space within the constraints of a compact hull. The boat's name hints at its intended character—nimble and responsive, designed for sailors who appreciate an active sailing experience rather than purely passive cruising. For prospective buyers seeking an entry point into cruising or a simple coastal boat that can handle moderate offshore passages, the Folkdancer 27 offers the appeal of straightforward sailing without overwhelming complexity. Its size makes it manageable for single-handed sailing while providing enough space for comfortable short-term cruising with crew.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 27.00 ft / 8.23 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 19.67 ft / 6.00 m
Beam 7.50 ft / 2.29 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Displacement 5,040.00 lb / 2,286 kg
Ballast 2,800.00 lb / 1,270 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 264.00 ft² / 24.53 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer F. Parker
Builder Russel Marine Ltd.
First Built 1965
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

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
14.41
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
24.31
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
1.75
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. 5.94
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. 527.12
How It Compares

vs. Cutlass 27, Halcyon 27, Vancouver 27

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Folkdancer 27 ★
27.0 ft
Cutlass 27
27.0 ft
Halcyon 27
27.0 ft
Vancouver 27
27.0 ft
LWL
Folkdancer 27 ★
19.7 ft
Cutlass 27
20.0 ft
Halcyon 27
20.3 ft
Vancouver 27
22.9 ft
Beam
Folkdancer 27 ★
7.5 ft
Cutlass 27
7.7 ft
Halcyon 27
7.7 ft
Vancouver 27
8.7 ft
Displacement
Folkdancer 27 ★
5 lbs
Cutlass 27
6 lbs
Halcyon 27
6 lbs
Vancouver 27
8 lbs
Ballast
Folkdancer 27 ★
2 lbs
Cutlass 27
3 lbs
Halcyon 27
3 lbs
Vancouver 27
3 lbs
Sail Area
Folkdancer 27 ★
264 sq ft
Cutlass 27
Halcyon 27
290 sq ft
Vancouver 27
381 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Folkdancer 27 ★
14.4
Cutlass 27
Halcyon 27
13.1
Vancouver 27
14.2
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Folkdancer 27 ★
Cutlass 27
50.0 %
Halcyon 27
44.6 %
Vancouver 27
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Folkdancer 27 ★
24.3
Cutlass 27
Halcyon 27
30.9
Vancouver 27
32.3
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Folkdancer 27 ★
1.75
Cutlass 27
Halcyon 27
1.63
Vancouver 27
1.67
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Folkdancer 27 ★
Cutlass 27
362
Halcyon 27
361
Vancouver 27
Hull Speed
Folkdancer 27 ★
5.9 kts
Cutlass 27
Halcyon 27
6.0 kts
Vancouver 27
6.4 kts
Find a Folkdancer 27 For Sale