Abbott 27 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Abbott 27's genesis lies in the competitive sailing landscape of the mid-1980s, driven by the popularity of the MORC handicap rule—a measurement system for racing yachts under 30 feet that often favored relatively heavy boats with generous sail plans. Designed by the company's founder, Bill Abbott Sr., the Abbott 27 entered production in 1986, reflecting his deep understanding of naval architecture and a commitment to balancing performance with comfortable sailing.

Abbott Boats Inc., founded by Bill Abbott, had by this era already established a strong reputation, transitioning from traditional wooden boat building to innovative fiberglass construction in the 1960s. The company's ethos, evident across its range including earlier successful models like the Abbott 22, 28, and 33, centered on quality craftsmanship, sound naval architecture, and a harmonious blend of racing capability and cruising comfort. While specific variations like MkI or MkII models are not widely documented, the emphasis on custom interiors for the initial boats suggests a degree of flexibility in meeting owner preferences during its early production.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Abbott 27 is characterized as a moderate displacement sailboat, offering a reasonably good performance profile for its size. Its design reflects the principles often seen in MORC-rated boats, which could favor robust construction and sail-carrying ability.

Key performance ratios underscore its capabilities:

• Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D): At approximately 17.28, the Abbott 27's sail area to displacement ratio suggests a vessel that is adequately powered and should perform well in lighter wind conditions while still being manageable when the breeze picks up.
• Ballast to Displacement (B/D): With a ballast-to-displacement ratio of 45%, the Abbott 27 is considered stiff and stable. This higher ratio indicates a good righting capability, allowing the boat to stand up to its sail plan in stronger winds and provide a secure motion for its crew.
• Displacement to Length (D/L): A displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 227 places the Abbott 27 in the moderate displacement category. This aligns with its dual role as a cruiser-racer, offering a solid feel on the water without being excessively heavy, thus contributing to its "reasonable performance."

Anecdotal reports suggest the Abbott 27 is a stable and stiff boat, capable of handling various sea states with confidence. Its fin keel and transom-hung rudder contribute to responsive handling, a desirable trait for both competitive racing and agile cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the standard interior layout of the Abbott 27 is not extensively documented, partly because the initial boats offered custom interiors. However, given its length overall of just over 27 feet and a beam of 9 feet, a typical layout for a performance-oriented sailboat of this size from the mid-1980s would likely include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that could convert to berths, a small galley, and a head compartment. The design emphasis on both racing and cruising implies that while performance was a priority, the builder would also aim to provide essential comforts for overnighting or weekend trips. Construction materials for both hull and deck were fiberglass with a balsa core, a common method of the era known for its strength and rigidity.