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Sun Way 27 Jeanneau
Designer: Philippe H. Harlé  ·  Builder: Jeanneau (Fra)  ·  First built: 1987
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About the Sun Way 27 Jeanneau

Designed by Philippe H. Harlé and launched in 1987, this compact French cruiser represents Jeanneau's approach to affordable coastal sailing during the late 1980s. The Sun Way 27's moderate proportions and traditional fin keel configuration with transom-hung rudder make it well-suited for coastal cruising and weekend adventures. With a displacement of 5,027 pounds and substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio courtesy of its 1,936-pound keel, the boat offers reassuring stability for novice sailors while maintaining respectable sailing characteristics. The masthead sloop rig carries 277 square feet of sail area, providing adequate power for coastal conditions without being overwhelming for shorthanded crews. The boat's comfort ratio of 16.8 suggests a relatively stiff motion that prioritizes sailing performance over pure comfort, while the capsize screening formula of 2.21 indicates reasonable stability for protected waters and near-coastal sailing. The hull's 21.50-foot waterline length delivers a theoretical hull speed of 6.21 knots, typical for boats in this size range. Built with fiberglass construction, the Sun Way 27 appeals to sailors seeking an economical entry into cruising or those wanting a manageable day sailor with weekend cruising capability. Its French pedigree brings European styling sensibilities to the design.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 27.23 ft / 8.30 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 21.50 ft / 6.55 m
Beam 9.45 ft / 2.88 m
Max Draft 5.00 ft / 1.52 m
Displacement 5,027.00 lb / 2,280 kg
Ballast 1,936.00 lb / 878 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 277.00 ft² / 25.73 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/transom hung rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Philippe H. Harlé
Builder Jeanneau (FRA)
First Built 1987
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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
 15.15
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
 38.51
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
 225.81
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
 16.8
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
 2.21
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 kn
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
 2.21
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. 725.97 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 15.12
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 31.80 ft / 9.69 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 9.70 ft / 2.96 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 26.60 ft / 8.11 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 9.20 ft / 2.80 m
SA Fore 154.23 ft² / 14.33 m²
SA Main 122.36 ft² / 11.37 m²
SA Total (100%) 276.59 ft² / 25.70 m²
Est. Forestay Length 33.25 ft / 10.13 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Yanmar
Engine Type Diesel
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