Rhodes 27 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Rhodes 27 began with its selection as Design #447 in 1938, marking its production start in 1939. The initial dozen were crafted by Henry Nevins, a master yacht builder in City Island, New York, with other yards in the USA and Canada also contributing to the class during its production run, which extended into the 1950s. Philip L. Rhodes, active for over 50 years, was celebrated for his diverse range of vessel designs, from dinghies to large commercial ships. His approach prioritized a harmonious blend of aesthetics and performance, qualities evident in the Rhodes 27.

The builder attributed to this specific vessel, Abeking & Rasmussen, established in 1907, cultivated a global reputation for building vessels of exceptional quality and durability, particularly in wooden yacht construction during this era. Co-founder Henry Rasmussen, a skilled boatbuilder and naval architect, instilled an ethos of unparalleled quality, focusing on robust workboats and exquisite wooden yachts. This commitment to traditional craftsmanship aligns well with the design principles of the Rhodes 27.

Over its production, the Rhodes 27 saw notable evolutions. In 1944, Rhodes introduced a modified version, Design #497, known as the "Super R27," which featured a raised cabin trunk and a larger jib, built by Kretzer Boat Works. Later models in the early 1960s were updated with a masthead foretriangle and a slightly reduced mainsail area, achieved by shortening the boom.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of just over 39 feet and a waterline length of 27 feet, the Rhodes 27 is characterized by a full, long keel. This hull form is a hallmark of traditional design, known for providing excellent directional stability, making for a steady and comfortable motion in a seaway, though it may sacrifice some maneuverability compared to modern fin keels.

Analyzing its design ratios provides further insight into its capabilities. The Rhodes 27 boasts a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 14.37. This indicates that while she is not an extreme light-air performer or a dedicated racer, she has a respectable sail plan capable of moving her substantial displacement efficiently. Her Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio is approximately 428.4. This high figure firmly places her in the category of a heavy displacement cruiser, suggesting a powerful and robust vessel designed to handle challenging conditions with grace and provide a comfortable ride rather than exhilarating speed. Philip Rhodes' reputation for designing seaworthy vessels is clearly embodied in the Rhodes 27. The ballast weight for the Rhodes 27 is not readily available in the provided data or search results, thus a precise ballast to displacement ratio cannot be calculated to further comment on her stiffness.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Rhodes 27, typical of auxiliary sloops of her vintage, was designed with a focus on comfortable cruising. While specific detailed layouts are not universally documented, such vessels commonly featured a traditional arrangement below decks. This would typically include a V-berth forward, a marine head, a main salon with opposing settees that could convert to berths, and a compact galley area. Given her beam of nearly 9.7 feet, the interior would have offered reasonable volume for a boat of her era, often finished with extensive use of wood, reflecting the craftsmanship of the period and providing a warm, classic ambiance. Storage would have been integrated throughout the cabin, utilizing lockers and shelves to accommodate provisions and gear for extended voyages.