Fairey Fisherman 27 Information, Review, Specs

Built by the renowned Fairey Marine Ltd. on the River Hamble, the Fisherman 27 is a testament to the company's legacy of applying aviation-derived techniques to marine construction. Fairey Marine, co-founded by Sir Charles Richard Fairey and Mr. Chichester-Smith, leveraged their advanced "hot molding" process perfected during wartime aircraft production to create exceptionally strong and durable hulls. This industrial method allowed for the creation of lightweight, yet incredibly stiff, vessels that were revolutionary for their era. The Fairey Fisherman 27 directly benefited from this expertise, with its design based on an earlier government-tendered lifeboat, utilizing the same robust hull mold that had seen extensive production.

History and Design

The Fairey Fisherman 27 entered production in 1962 and continued until 1970, with approximately 90 to 95 units built. Its design philosophy was rooted in utility and robustness, deriving directly from a proven lifeboat hull. This heritage gave the Fisherman 27 an inherently seaworthy and stable platform. While the builder Fairey Marine was known for collaborating with prominent naval architects like Uffa Fox and Alan Burnard, the Fisherman 27's design lineage traces back to a highly successful and mass-produced lifeboat mold. The hot-molded hull, constructed from durable Agba veneers, results in a thick, approximately 3/4-inch, monolithic structure. During its production run, the Fisherman 27 was offered with varying cabin arrangements and could be fitted with either a full sloop rig or a much smaller mizzen rig, catering to different owner preferences regarding sail-assist versus pure motorboating.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a dedicated motor sailer, the Fairey Fisherman 27 prioritizes stable passage-making under power, with its sailing rig serving primarily as a steadying or auxiliary propulsion system. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 2.2, the boat's design clearly indicates it is not a performance sailboat, relying on its engine as the primary means of propulsion. The ballast to displacement ratio, around 0.199, further supports this, suggesting that the vessel’s stability comes more from its hull form and broad beam rather than heavy external ballast, a characteristic common in power-oriented designs. While its displacement to length ratio of approximately 157 indicates a moderately heavy boat for its length, it contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, benefiting from its robust lifeboat-derived hull.

Owners report that off-the-wind sailing performance is adequate, but the boat's ability to sail effectively upwind is limited, especially given the drag from its propeller. The sails are most effective in helping to steady the boat when motor-sailing, reducing roll and enhancing comfort in choppy conditions. Its shallow keel, a feature of its lifeboat ancestry, contributes to good directional stability under power and allows access to shallower waters, though it naturally provides less lateral resistance for upwind sailing. The robust construction ensures a confident and steady ride, even in more challenging sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

The Fairey Fisherman 27 is notable for providing generous living space within its nearly 27.5-foot length overall. A standout feature for a boat of its size and era is the impressive six feet of standing headroom found within the cabin, significantly enhancing comfort for occupants. While specific interior layouts varied across the approximately 90 units built, the design generally offers a practical arrangement geared towards cruising comfort. Due to its robust and deep hull, the interior typically includes a forward V-berth, a head compartment, a compact galley, and a main salon area that often features convertible seating. The use of traditional marine finishes, likely incorporating wood trim alongside fiberglass elements, would have contributed to a warm and functional ambiance. The focus on a capable motor sailer platform ensures ample space for stowage, essential for coastal cruising or longer voyages.