Nova 27 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Nova 27 commenced production in 1971, with Honnor Marine Ltd. and Penryn Boatbuilding Co. contributing to her build. John Westell's design philosophy for the Nova 27 centered on creating a "medium weight cruiser" with a hull designed to offer ample internal space. This aligns with Honnor Marine's broader manufacturing ethos during that era, which prioritized producing robust, safe, and easily managed small vessels, often blending durable GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) for hulls and decks with classic wooden trims for a traditional aesthetic. The Nova 27's construction largely reflects this commitment to durability and practical design. There has been some anecdotal discussion regarding a connection to the Moody 27 hull; however, the Nova 27 is distinctly a John Westell design, predating and differing from later Moody 27 models designed by Bill Dixon.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite being considered a "heavy sailboat" for its length, the Nova 27 is known for its stability and stiff sailing characteristics, with a good righting capability. Her design contributes to a comfortable motion, being rated as more comfortable than a significant percentage of similar sailboat designs. While she is described as "slightly underpowered" in some conditions, her sailing performance is generally respectable for a cruiser of her type. Owners report that she is not as close-winded as more modern, racier designs, but can still tack through a respectable 95-100 degrees and exhibits minimal leeway in moderate conditions. Under sail, the Nova 27 can typically achieve speeds of 4 knots or more when sailing with the wind forward of the beam, and over 5.5 knots when sailing aft of the beam. She features a fin keel, which enhances maneuverability compared to a full keel, though it may result in slightly less directional stability. In stronger gusts, some owners note a tendency for a heavy helm when overpressed, suggesting that a reef in the mainsail is effective in balancing the boat and reducing heel.

Accommodations and Layout

The Nova 27 is particularly lauded for its interior volume, offering "spacious accommodation, generous berth lengths, and outstanding headroom" for a vessel of just under 28 feet overall. Owners frequently note the "full standing headroom" down below. While specific interior layouts can vary slightly between individual boats due to refits or original options, a typical arrangement for a boat of this size would commonly include a V-berth forward, a main salon with opposing settees that can convert to berths, a compact galley area for basic cooking, and an enclosed head. The hull's slightly more voluminous design contributes to this notable interior space, making her feel larger than her length suggests. However, some owners have pointed out that the "massive main hatch" can be a vulnerability in heavy weather, with the associated woodwork sometimes prone to rot. Additionally, the "fire hatch" has been noted to have a drainage system that can clog, potentially leading to spills into the cabin.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently praise the Nova 27 for its robust and solid construction, reflecting Honnor Marine's reputation for building durable boats. Many value the considerable amount of space packed into her 27-foot hull, offering a comfortable environment for cruising. Her stability and comfortable motion in a seaway are frequently highlighted as strengths, making her a reassuring vessel for coastal passages. Furthermore, the Nova 27 is often considered to offer "excellent value for money" in the used boat market.

However, common points of concern or maintenance noted by owners include the potential for a heavy helm when sailing in strong winds and being over-canvased. The large main hatch's wooden components are also an area to inspect for rot, and the drainage system for the fire hatch has been a recurring issue. The original 10 hp Sabb diesel engine, while generally reliable, is an older unit and prospective owners should consider its age and the availability of parts. Despite these minor criticisms, the Nova 27 maintains a loyal following among those who appreciate her sturdy build, spacious interior, and overall capability as a solid cruising yacht.