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Stiletto 27 Spec Ed
Designer: Bill Higgins  ·  Builder: Force Engineering (Usa)  ·  First built: 1978
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About the Stiletto 27 Spec Ed

Designed by Bill Higgins and built by Force Engineering starting in 1978, this high-performance catamaran represents a significant evolution in multihull sailing. The Stiletto 27 Spec Ed combines impressive speed potential with surprisingly manageable handling characteristics, making it an attractive option for sailors seeking thrilling performance without excessive complexity. With its fractional sloop rig and generous sail area-to-displacement ratio of 39.88, this catamaran delivers exceptional acceleration and top-end speed that can easily outpace most monohulls of similar length. The twin centerboard configuration provides excellent upwind performance while allowing shallow-water exploration and easy beaching capabilities. At just 1,570 pounds displacement, the boat's light weight contributes significantly to its responsiveness and speed. The advanced fiberglass prepreg and Nomex core construction ensures both strength and weight savings, critical factors in multihull design. The relatively narrow beam of 13.83 feet makes trailering more practical than many catamarans, while still providing sufficient stability and deck space. This boat excels in coastal sailing, day racing, and spirited recreational sailing where speed and excitement are priorities. The Stiletto's reputation for reliability and performance has made it a respected name among performance catamaran enthusiasts seeking an accessible entry into high-speed multihull sailing.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 26.83 ft / 8.18 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 24.00 ft / 7.32 m
Beam 13.83 ft / 4.22 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Min Draft 0.75 ft / 0.23 m
Displacement 1,570.00 lb / 712 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 336.00 ft² / 31.22 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Catamaran Twin Cbrd.
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG prepreg/Nomex core
Designer Bill Higgins
Builder Force Engineering (USA)
First Built 1978
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Performance Ratios
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
2.93
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
4.76
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. 6.56 kn
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. 7.11 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
KSP 1.13
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