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J27
Designer: Rodney S. Johnstone  ·  Builder: J Boats Tillotson Pearson  ·  First built: 1984
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About the J27

Originally launched in the early 1980s, this J/Boats design represents the company's commitment to creating versatile sailboats that balance performance with accessibility. Rod Johnstone's design philosophy shines through in this compact cruiser-racer, which quickly gained recognition among sailors seeking a boat capable of both weekend racing and comfortable daysailing. The J27 embodies the classic J/Boats DNA with its clean lines, moderate displacement, and well-proportioned sail plan. Built during an era when the company was establishing its reputation for producing fast, well-handling boats, this model demonstrates the design principles that would make J/Boats a household name in sailing circles. Suited primarily for coastal cruising and club racing, the J27 offers an ideal platform for sailors looking to experience spirited performance without the complexity of larger racing machines. The boat's responsive handling characteristics make it particularly appealing for those transitioning from smaller dinghies or seeking an engaging sailing experience in protected waters. With its thoughtful design and solid construction typical of early J/Boats models, the J27 continues to attract sailors who appreciate straightforward, honest sailing characteristics combined with reasonable accommodation for weekend adventures.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 27.50 ft / 8.38 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 23.00 ft / 7.01 m
Beam 8.50 ft / 2.59 m
Max Draft 4.90 ft / 1.49 m
Displacement 3,800.00 lb / 1,724 kg
Ballast 1,530.00 lb / 694 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 364.00 ft² / 33.82 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/transom hung rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Rodney S. Johnstone
Builder J Boats Tillotson Pearson
First Built 1984
Last Built 1992
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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
23.98
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
13.94
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
2.18
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. 6.43
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
4.49
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. 698.54
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 30.0
J (Foretriangle Base) 10.5
P (Mainsail Luff) 33.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 12.5
SA Fore 157.5
SA Main 206.25
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