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Starwind 27
Designer: Jim Taylor  ·  Builder: Starwind/Wellcraft/Chrysler (Usa)  ·  First built: 1984
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About the Starwind 27

A compact and approachable pocket cruiser, the Starwind 27 earned a loyal following among sailors seeking an affordable entry point into overnight and coastal cruising. Produced during the 1970s and 1980s, this American-built sloop became a popular choice for budget-conscious sailors who wanted a capable, manageable vessel without the complexity or expense of larger boats. The Starwind 27 is generally regarded as a comfortable daysailer and weekend cruiser, well suited to sheltered coastal waters and inland lakes. Its modest size makes it easy to single-hand or manage with a small crew, and its straightforward design keeps maintenance accessible for hands-on owners. The boat's relatively simple layout appeals to sailors transitioning from smaller vessels who want to build confidence before stepping up to bluewater passages. While not a performance racer or offshore thoroughbred, the Starwind 27 offers a practical combination of basic cruising amenities and easy handling. Used examples remain reasonably available on the secondhand market, making this model an attractive consideration for first-time cruising boat buyers or those seeking an uncomplicated weekend escape on the water.

Market Price Estimate Beta
Small sample size. This estimate is based on fewer than 5 listings and may not be representative of the true market. Use with caution.
$6,500 – $6,500
typical asking price
Median $6,500  ·  2 listings used
All listings
$6,500 – $6,500 2
Rate a listing price
$
About this estimate
  • Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
  • Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
  • Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
  • Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
  • Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
  • Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 26.67 ft / 8.13 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 22.50 ft / 6.86 m
Beam 9.67 ft / 2.95 m
Max Draft 4.92 ft / 1.50 m
Displacement 5,200.00 lb / 2,359 kg
Ballast 2,000.00 lb / 907 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Jim Taylor
Builder Starwind/Wellcraft/Chrysler (USA)
First Built 1984
Related Sailboats ["Cal 3 27" · "Hunter 265" · "S2 27" · "Tanzer 27" · "Aloha 271"]
Owner Reviews

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Known Issues & What to Watch For

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
186
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
38.46
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
203.8
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. 4.66 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 18.50
J (Foretriangle Base) 10.50 ft / 3.20 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 346.00 ft² / 32.14 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 14 gals / 53 L
How It Compares

vs. Hunter 265, S2 27, Tanzer 27

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Starwind 27 ★
26.7 ft
Hunter 265
26.6 ft
S2 27
26.6 ft
Tanzer 27
26.6 ft
LWL
Starwind 27 ★
22.5 ft
Hunter 265
22.4 ft
S2 27
23.3 ft
Tanzer 27
22.5 ft
Beam
Starwind 27 ★
9.7 ft
Hunter 265
9.0 ft
S2 27
9.3 ft
Tanzer 27
9.5 ft
Displacement
Starwind 27 ★
5 lbs
Hunter 265
4 lbs
S2 27
5 lbs
Tanzer 27
6 lbs
Ballast
Starwind 27 ★
2 lbs
Hunter 265
1 lbs
S2 27
2 lbs
Tanzer 27
2 lbs
Sail Area
Starwind 27 ★
Hunter 265
304 sq ft
S2 27
350 sq ft
Tanzer 27
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Starwind 27 ★
186 s/nm
Hunter 265
S2 27
Tanzer 27
216 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Starwind 27 ★
Hunter 265
18.2
S2 27
19.2
Tanzer 27
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Starwind 27 ★
38.5 %
Hunter 265
40.9 %
S2 27
40.0 %
Tanzer 27
36.3 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Starwind 27 ★
Hunter 265
15.4
S2 27
16.4
Tanzer 27
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Starwind 27 ★
Hunter 265
2.20
S2 27
2.17
Tanzer 27
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Starwind 27 ★
203
Hunter 265
174
S2 27
175
Tanzer 27
242
Hull Speed
Starwind 27 ★
Hunter 265
6.3 kts
S2 27
6.5 kts
Tanzer 27
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Starwind 27 ★
Hunter 265
3.2
S2 27
3.2
Tanzer 27
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