Ufo 27 Information, Review, Specs

The UFO 27 began its production run in 1975, emerging from the prolific yards of Colvic Craft in Essex, England. Colvic Craft, founded in 1964, was a pioneer in fiberglass (GRP) construction, known for producing durable and seaworthy hulls. While Colvic was responsible for molding the robust fiberglass hull and superstructure, a significant number of UFO 27s were completed by other yards or individuals. This unique production model meant that while the foundational hull quality was consistently high, often built to standards exceeding Lloyds 100A1, the final fit and finish of the interior could vary dramatically depending on the completion builder or amateur craftsman.

Holman & Pye's design philosophy for the UFO 27 clearly leaned towards performance, aiming for a boat that was quick and responsive, contrasting somewhat with Colvic's broader reputation for heavy-duty, blue-water cruisers. The design incorporated a fin keel and spade rudder, features that contribute significantly to its agility and maneuverability. During its production, the UFO 27 was offered with options for either a "cruising" or "racing" interior layout, further highlighting its dual appeal.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Colvic UFO 27 exhibits impressive sailing characteristics for its size, largely due to its carefully balanced design and high-performance ratios. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 23.3, the UFO 27 is indicative of a performance-oriented vessel that excels in lighter air conditions, capable of getting underway with minimal breeze. Its ballast to displacement ratio, around 0.49, suggests a very stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to significant wind pressures without excessive heeling. The displacement to length ratio, at approximately 205, places the UFO 27 on the lighter side of moderate displacement, contributing to its responsive nature and ability to achieve its hull speed of around 6.38 knots efficiently.

Owners frequently praise the UFO 27 for its lively and engaging performance. It is widely regarded as a "very good sailing boat" that is "quick to windward" and offers "splendid maneuverability," making it a joy to sail. Anecdotal evidence from owners often highlights its speed and responsive handling, confirming its "racy design" provides a fun sailing experience. The combination of its fin keel and spade rudder provides excellent control and agility, allowing the boat to turn quickly and track well.

Accommodations and Layout

Due to the common practice of Colvic molding the hulls and subsequent completion by various yards or individuals, the interior layout and finish quality of UFO 27s can differ significantly. Generally, the accommodations are described as providing a "simple yet practical layout," capable of comfortably sleeping up to five people across two cabins.

Typical interior arrangements usually include a V-berth forward, a main salon area, a galley, and a head compartment. While specific details on headroom are not consistently available, owners often comment on the functional use of space. Materials used for the interior finish can range from basic fiberglass liners in some instances to more traditional wood trim, with some examples featuring teak interiors. Owners commonly undertake upgrades, such as installing LED interior lighting and updating cabin windows, to enhance comfort and ambiance. Storage solutions are generally adequate for coastal cruising, though individual boats may have custom modifications.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Colvic UFO 27 consistently commend the foundational build quality of its hull and superstructure, noting that Colvic's moldings were exceptionally robust and often exceeded industry standards. Its strong sailing performance is a recurring point of praise, with many highlighting its speed, responsiveness, and enjoyable handling, especially to windward. The boat is seen as an "immensely popular and capable small cruiser" that offers a lot of fun for its size.

However, the varying standards of interior completion are a frequently mentioned aspect. Due to a high proportion of hulls going to the DIY market, the quality of the fit-out can "vary dramatically." This means potential buyers should thoroughly inspect the interior workmanship. Common maintenance points noted by owners include the need to check the bolt-on keel, particularly on boats that have regularly taken to grounding, as this can be a point of stress. Issues with rudder bearing play have also been reported on some examples, indicating a potential area for inspection. Despite these common considerations, the Colvic UFO 27 maintains a loyal following among those who value its sturdy build and spirited sailing capabilities.