F-27 Sport Cruiser Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Corsair Marine, founded in 1984 in San Diego, California, began its journey with a clear focus on lightweight composite trailerable trimarans, a niche that defined its legacy. The F-27 Sport Cruiser, designed by New Zealander Ian Farrier in 1984-1985, was a foundational model for the builder. Farrier's design philosophy centered on creating safe, strong, and exceptionally performing sailing boats, and he was a pioneer in developing folding trimarans. The F-27 exemplified this vision, combining unusual features to blend high performance with the convenience of trailerability.

With a production run spanning approximately 12 years, from 1986 until it was replaced by the F-28 around 1998, about 450 F-27 units were built. The F-28, which superseded the F-27, was a similar design but incorporated several updates, including a rotating spar, signaling an evolution in Corsair's offerings rather than distinct variations within the F-27 model itself. Throughout this period, Corsair Marine maintained its ethos of utilizing lightweight composite materials to ensure both durability and high-performance capabilities.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Corsair F-27 is celebrated for its dynamic sailing characteristics, earning it a reputation as a "variable-geometry rocket". With an overall length of 27.08 feet and a waterline length of 26.25 feet, coupled with a light displacement of 2600 pounds, the F-27 is engineered for speed and agility. Its fractional sloop rig boasts a reported sail area of 446 square feet, contributing to its lively performance. The boat's impressive 19.08-foot beam, which folds down to a mere 8.42 feet (2.57 meters) for trailering, ensures exceptional stability on the water while allowing for convenient transport and storage.

Owners and reviewers consistently praise the F-27 for its ability to achieve exhilarating speeds, often exceeding 20 knots, while maintaining remarkable stability and comfort, even in challenging conditions. Its daggerboard keel and triple rudders (a common trimaran configuration) offer precise control and shallow draft capabilities, ranging from a minimum of 1.17 feet to a maximum of 4.92 feet when the board is down. The F-27 is described as a fast, well-balanced, and seaworthy design, capable of competing as a class racer or serving as a capable family cruiser. Many owners also find it well-suited for single-handed sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

While the Corsair F-27 is primarily a performance-oriented trimaran, it does offer functional accommodations for coastal cruising and overnight stays. The interior, though designed to maximize space within a performance hull, is generally considered compact. The main hull flares significantly above the waterline to provide as much interior volume as possible. Despite this, the layout and furnishings are described as somewhat cramped, reflecting the boat's emphasis on speed and trailerability over expansive living quarters.

Typical interior arrangements often include a V-berth forward for sleeping, a small enclosed head, and a modest salon area. The quality of the interior finish depends largely on the choice of fabrics and materials, with Corsair generally doing a decent job of it. Storage is limited, as is common in high-performance multihulls of this size, and the boat prioritizes essential amenities over extensive cruising comforts. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the F-27's design ensures a usable, if not standing-height, cabin space that supports its role as a sport cruiser for weekend trips and extended adventures.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Corsair F-27 consistently laud its solid construction, safety, and versatility. The ability to easily trailer the boat broadens its appeal, offering flexibility in choosing cruising grounds and reducing dockage costs. Many owners highlight its dual capability as both a competitive racer and a comfortable, albeit compact, cruiser for families. The F-27's enduring appeal is evident, with the design remaining popular and highly sought after even decades after its introduction.

While specific "common problems" are not widely documented as recurring flaws in the design, like any sailboat of its vintage, older F-27s may require routine maintenance and occasional "TLC" (tender loving care) to address wear and tear. Owners value the strong and active global Corsair owner community, which often organizes regattas and sailing "Safaris," fostering a supportive network for sharing knowledge and experiences. Many F-27 owners actively use their boats for ambitious voyages, including long-distance cruising, testament to the boat's seaworthiness and reliability.