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Luders 27 1955
Designer: A. E. Luders  ·  Builder: Luders Marine Construction Co.  ·  First built: 1955
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About the Luders 27 1955

Designed by A.E. Luders Jr. in 1955, this 27-foot sailboat represents the craftsmanship and design philosophy of one of America's most respected naval architects. Luders was renowned for creating elegant, seaworthy vessels that balanced performance with practicality, and this model continues that tradition. Built during the golden age of fiberglass boat construction, the Luders 27 likely features the solid construction methods typical of 1950s boatbuilding. The design reflects Luders' signature approach of creating boats that could handle both competitive sailing and comfortable cruising, making it well-suited for coastal waters and protected offshore passages. The boat's vintage pedigree suggests classic proportions with moderate displacement and a traditional keel configuration that provides stability and predictable handling characteristics. Luders designs were known for their seakindly motion and ability to maintain speed in various wind conditions, traits that made them popular among both racing enthusiasts and cruising sailors. For today's sailor, the Luders 27 offers an opportunity to own a piece of sailing history while enjoying reliable performance. These boats typically reward careful maintenance with decades of faithful service, making them attractive options for sailors seeking classic character without sacrificing seaworthiness.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 40.00 ft / 12.19 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 27.50 ft / 8.38 m
Beam 9.83 ft / 3.00 m
Max Draft 5.75 ft / 1.75 m
Displacement 18,000.00 lb / 8,165 kg
Ballast 7,000.00 lb / 3,175 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 800.00 ft² / 74.32 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction Wood (cold molded)
Designer A. E. Luders
Builder Luders Marine Construction Co.
First Built 1955
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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
18.71
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
42.4
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
1.5
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. 7.03
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. 965.9
How It Compares

vs. Block Island 40, Mayflower 40, Newporter

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Luders 27 1955 ★
40.0 ft
Block Island 40
40.0 ft
Mayflower 40
40.0 ft
Newporter
40.0 ft
LWL
Luders 27 1955 ★
27.5 ft
Block Island 40
27.5 ft
Mayflower 40
33.3 ft
Newporter
30.4 ft
Beam
Luders 27 1955 ★
9.8 ft
Block Island 40
11.8 ft
Mayflower 40
13.7 ft
Newporter
13.0 ft
Displacement
Luders 27 1955 ★
18 lbs
Block Island 40
21 lbs
Mayflower 40
30 lbs
Newporter
24 lbs
Ballast
Luders 27 1955 ★
7 lbs
Block Island 40
5 lbs
Mayflower 40
8 lbs
Newporter
4 lbs
Sail Area
Luders 27 1955 ★
800 sq ft
Block Island 40
Mayflower 40
880 sq ft
Newporter
683 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Luders 27 1955 ★
18.7
Block Island 40
Mayflower 40
14.6
Newporter
13.2
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Luders 27 1955 ★
42.4
Block Island 40
Mayflower 40
40.4
Newporter
36.6
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Luders 27 1955 ★
1.50
Block Island 40
Mayflower 40
1.76
Newporter
1.81
Hull Speed
Luders 27 1955 ★
7.0 kts
Block Island 40
Mayflower 40
7.7 kts
Newporter
7.4 kts
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