Newport 27-3 Information, Review, Specs

The Newport 27-3's lineage traces back to Capital Yachts' strategic acquisition of the Newport Fleet tooling in 1971, allowing founders Jon Williams and Bill Smith to leverage existing designs and refine them for a new era. The 27-3, also known as the Newport 27 Mark III, began production in 1975. Capital Yachts, which operated for a quarter-century until 1996, was known for producing practical and comfortable fiberglass cruisers, collaborating with influential naval architects like C&C Design Group to update and improve their fleet. The C&C Design Group, founded by George Cuthbertson and George Cassian, brought a blend of performance and cruiser sensibility to the design.

During its production run, which lasted approximately 15 years, the Newport 27-3 featured a deep fin keel with a maximum draft of 5.16 feet, intended for enhanced upwind performance. A shoal draft option, drawing 3.67 feet, was also available, offering versatility for different cruising grounds. The boat’s robust fiberglass monohull construction was characteristic of Capital Yachts' manufacturing ethos, focusing on durable and low-maintenance production boats for the broader sailing market.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a total sail area of 365.88 square feet and a displacement of 6,000 pounds, the Newport 27-3 exhibits a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of 17.79. This ratio suggests a boat with respectable light-air performance, capable of moving well in lighter breezes without being overly tender in stronger conditions. The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of 251.56 further classifies it as a moderately heavy cruiser, indicating a comfortable motion in a seaway rather than an emphasis on extreme speed.

While the exact ballast for the 27-3 is not consistently specified across all databases, a Cruising World review of the Newport 27 (Mark II, which shares a similar draft) notes a ballast of 2,400 pounds. Using this figure, the ballast to displacement ratio would be approximately 0.40. This suggests a stiff and stable vessel, well-equipped to stand up to increased wind without excessive heeling. Anecdotal evidence suggests the Newport 27 can be a "nice boat to learn on and a decent built boat". Some owners have noted a tendency for severe weather helm, particularly when under power, and some have made modifications to the rudder to improve handling and maneuverability.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its 27-foot length, the Newport 27-3 is often praised for its "unusually commodious interior". The boat reportedly offers just over 6 feet of standing headroom, a notable feature for a vessel of its size. While specific detailed interior diagrams are limited, the typical layout likely features a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a compact galley, and an enclosed head. Some variations included a starboard quarter berth, providing additional sleeping capacity.

Interior finishes commonly found in production boats of this era would have included a combination of fiberglass liners and wood trim, though some boats may show signs of aging, such as peeling interior paint or original vinyl flooring. The boat comes equipped with a 20-gallon fuel capacity and a 20-gallon water capacity, adequate for coastal cruising and weekend excursions.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners often highlight the Newport 27-3's solid construction and its suitability as a stable and forgiving platform for learning to sail. However, common issues noted in owner forums include potential leaks at the hull-to-deck joint, which is a frequent maintenance concern on older fiberglass boats. Plumbing issues and the aforementioned weather helm under power have also been reported by some owners, suggesting areas that may require attention on older models. Despite these typical maintenance considerations for a boat of its age, the Newport 27-3 maintains a community of enthusiasts who appreciate its enduring appeal and robust build quality.