Newport 27 S-2 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Newport 27 S-2 emerged as a refined iteration of the successful Newport line, which Capital Yachts had acquired and expanded upon since its founding in 1971. Its production began in 1978, falling within the builder's 25-year operational span that concluded in 1996. The design work for the Newport 27 S-2 was a collaboration with Cuthbertson & Cassian, a firm celebrated for its influential contributions to fiberglass sailboat design. Capital Yachts, during this era, was known for producing practical and comfortable fiberglass cruisers from its Harbor City, California plant, a manufacturing ethos clearly reflected in the 27 S-2.

Throughout its production, the Newport 27 line saw some variations, with the "S-2" designation itself indicating a significant update. Earlier Newport 27 models featured a shallower draft, while the S-2 (often referred to as the Mark II) adopted a deeper 5-foot-2-inch draft, enhancing its upwind performance and stability. This evolution underscored the builder's commitment to refining their popular models based on sailing experience and market demands.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 27 feet and a waterline length of 22.33 feet, the Newport 27 S-2 is a moderately sized cruiser designed for enjoyable sailing. Its displacement of 6,400 pounds and a ballast of 2,400 pounds contribute to a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.38, indicating a reasonable degree of stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a fair amount of wind.

The sail area to displacement ratio of around 17.02 suggests a boat with good all-around performance, particularly capable in lighter air conditions, where its generous sail plan can be effectively utilized. While not designed as a high-performance racer, owners have generally praised it as a decent and good sailing boat. The boat features a fin keel and spade rudder, a configuration that typically provides responsive steering and maneuverability. Some anecdotal accounts suggest that the boat can develop a noticeable weather helm in stronger winds, potentially requiring earlier reefing or a capable autopilot for comfortable longer passages. Its hull speed is calculated at 6.33 knots, indicative of its cruising-oriented design. The displacement-to-length ratio of 256.61 further classifies it as a moderately heavy cruiser, promising a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its 27-foot length, the Newport 27 S-2 is noted for its unusually commodious interior, offering comfortable living spaces for its size. Standing headroom is generous, typically just over 6 feet, a significant advantage in a boat of this class.

The most common interior layout includes a forward V-berth, providing sleeping accommodations for two. Aft of the V-berth, an enclosed head with a shower can usually be found, a welcome amenity for cruisers. The main salon often features a dinette arrangement, capable of converting into an additional berth. Opposite the dinette, a galley typically includes a recessed two-burner alcohol stove and counter space for food preparation. Some variations of the layout also include a starboard quarter berth, increasing sleeping capacity. The construction is solid fiberglass throughout the hull, providing a robust and durable structure. While specific details on finish materials vary, Capital Yachts generally opted for practical and functional interiors suitable for cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Newport 27 S-2 frequently commend its solid construction and its suitability as a comfortable cruising sailboat. Many appreciate its forgiving nature, making it a good boat for learning to sail or for single-handed operations, particularly when equipped with an outboard engine for low maintenance.

However, like many boats of its era, some common issues have been noted by owners over time. A frequently cited concern is the tendency for leaks to develop at the hull-to-deck joint and around original deck fittings, often requiring re-bedding to maintain watertight integrity. Porthole leaks have also been mentioned as a potential maintenance item. While many models came with an inboard auxiliary engine (either a gasoline-powered Atomic 4 or an 11-horsepower Universal diesel), issues with these older powerplants can arise, necessitating attention. The rudder, while offering good control, has also been identified as a potential weak spot in some instances. Despite these typical concerns for older vessels, the active community of Newport owners underscores the lasting appeal and durability of these boats.