Designed as a compact and capable cruiser-racer, the Trump 27 emerged from an era when 27-foot sailboats represented an accessible entry point into serious sailing. Built for sailors who wanted a versatile platform that could handle weekend coastal cruising as well as competitive club racing, this design strikes a balance between performance and practicality that has earned it a loyal following among budget-conscious sailors.
The Trump 27 carries the hallmarks of its generation — a manageable size that makes singlehanding or short-handed sailing genuinely feasible, while still offering enough volume below decks for overnight passages and extended coastal voyages. Its proportions suggest a boat that rewards attentive helmsmanship without punishing beginners, making it an appealing choice for sailors stepping up from smaller dinghies or trailer-sailers.
For prospective buyers, the Trump 27 represents solid value in the used market, particularly for those seeking an affordable introduction to keelboat ownership. While detailed specifications can be difficult to source, examples that have been well maintained continue to serve their owners faithfully on sheltered waters and moderate offshore passages alike.
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).
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
200
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.
4.02 pounds/inch
