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Gloucester 27
Designer: Stuart Windley/Harry Sindle  ·  Builder: Gloucester Yachts Inc.  ·  First built: 1983
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About the Gloucester 27

Developed as a distinctive cruising sailboat, this 27-footer earned recognition for its traditional aesthetics combined with practical sailing capabilities. The Gloucester 27 emerged during an era when builders sought to create vessels that balanced classic boat design elements with modern construction techniques and sailing performance. Notable for its moderate displacement and thoughtful proportions, the design emphasizes comfortable coastal cruising while maintaining respectable sailing characteristics. The boat's lines reflect a commitment to seaworthiness, featuring a hull shape that provides stability and a predictable motion in various sea conditions. Her cockpit layout prioritizes crew safety and comfort during extended passages. The accommodation plan makes efficient use of available space, offering amenities suitable for weekend getaways and short-term cruising adventures. While not designed for extensive offshore passages, the Gloucester 27 handles coastal waters with confidence, making it an appealing choice for sailors seeking a manageable boat that doesn't compromise on sailing pleasure. This model attracted owners who appreciated traditional sailing boat character without the maintenance demands of older wooden vessels. The Gloucester 27 represents solid value for sailors prioritizing craftsmanship and sailing enjoyment over pure speed or racing capability.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 26.67 ft / 8.13 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 21.50 ft / 6.55 m
Beam 8.00 ft / 2.44 m
Max Draft 3.50 ft / 1.07 m
Displacement 5,500.00 lb / 2,495 kg
Ballast 2,500.00 lb / 1,134 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 313.00 ft² / 29.08 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Stuart Windley/Harry Sindle
Builder Gloucester Yachts Inc.
First Built 1983
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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
16.12
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
23.1
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
1.82
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. 6.21
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
2.14
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. 614.57
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 30.0
J (Foretriangle Base) 11.25
P (Mainsail Luff) 28.25
E (Mainsail Foot) 10.5
SA Fore 168.75
SA Main 148.31
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