Eagle 27 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Grampian Marine, founded in 1962 by Jim Bisiker in Oakville, Ontario, quickly established itself as one of Canada's first manufacturers of fiberglass sailboats. The company, which gained expertise from Dyer Yachts in Rhode Island, initially built small fiberglass vessels under license before expanding its own lines. The Eagle 27's production from 1963 to 1967 falls within this foundational period for Grampian, an era where the builder was known for producing sturdy, practical, and value-oriented fiberglass sailboats.

The design by MacLear & Harris aimed for a "significantly more speedy hull design" compared to many contemporary sailboats of similar size. This objective was balanced with the practicality expected of a cruiser, featuring a long keel that contributed to its well-regarded directional stability. The direct lineage to the Charles Angel-designed Triangle 32 through US Yachts, a company Grampian collaborated with, underscores the design's focus on proven cruising characteristics in a more compact package.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 27 feet and a waterline length of 21.16 feet, the Eagle 27 presents as a robust vessel for its size. Its reported sail area of 340 square feet, combined with a displacement of 6,000 pounds, results in a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 16.53. This ratio indicates a moderate performer, suggesting that the Eagle 27 would be adequately powered in most conditions, rather than being a light-air flyer. Its Displacement to Length ratio (D/L) of 282.72 classifies it as a moderately heavy displacement boat, typical for full-keel designs of its era, emphasizing its solid build and comfortable motion.

The Eagle 27 features a long keel, a design choice that inherently provides excellent directional stability, making it a predictable and reassuring boat to handle, particularly in a seaway. This contributes to its reputation as a "reasonably stable / stiff" vessel with "good righting capability if capsized." While a long keel might mean less agility in tight maneuvering compared to boats with fin keels, it offers a solid and steady platform for cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior accommodations and headroom of the Eagle 27 is not extensively documented. However, as a 27-foot sailboat from the 1960s designed for cruising, its interior would typically offer fundamental amenities. These would likely include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that could serve as berths, and a basic galley area. Given its design era, the finish quality would likely feature practical materials, possibly incorporating some wood trim alongside fiberglass liners. Storage solutions would be integrated to maximize utility within the compact space, suitable for weekend excursions or short coastal voyages for a small crew.