Hughes-Columbia 27 Information, Review, Specs

The Hughes-Columbia 27 emerged during a significant period in Hughes Boat Works' history. In 1977, Howard Hughes repurchased Northstar Yachts, reverting the company name to Hughes Boatworks Inc. A pivotal development followed in 1979 when Hughes Boatworks Inc. acquired Columbia Yachts, leading to the formation of Hughes-Columbia. This strategic acquisition allowed Columbia boats, including the Alan Payne-designed Columbia 8.3, to be built at Hughes' Huron Park factory in Canada. The Hughes-Columbia 27 is a direct continuation of this lineage, entering production in 1978 and continuing until 1980. Alan Payne, the designer, is widely recognized for his "metric series" designs, which are often praised for their well-built nature and excellent sailing characteristics. During this era, Hughes Boat Works maintained its commitment to producing a diverse range of vessels, appealing to both performance-oriented sailors and those seeking comfortable family cruising, and notably offered many of their models in kit form, broadening accessibility to sailing.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hughes-Columbia 27 is characterized by a design philosophy that prioritizes stability and comfortable cruising. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 14.7, she falls into the category of a heavier cruiser, indicating a design focused less on light-air speed and more on steady progress and ease of handling in varying conditions. Her Ballast to Displacement (Bal/Disp) ratio of approximately 0.42 highlights a significant amount of ballast relative to her overall weight, contributing to a stiff and stable platform that stands up well to wind and provides a secure feeling on the water. Furthermore, a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 339 confirms her as a heavy-displacement vessel, suggesting a traditional cruising yacht capable of handling heavier seas with a mannerly motion.

Equipped with a fin keel and a spade rudder, the Hughes-Columbia 27 offers "splendid manoeuvrability," making her responsive to helm inputs. While a fin keel generally provides less directional stability than a full keel, the boat is still noted for its overall stability and performance. Owners often describe the boat as a "wonderful boat to sail," especially praising her wide beam and moderately heavy displacement for ensuring a comfortable and well-behaved experience in challenging seas.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior diagrams are best viewed through historical brochures, the Hughes-Columbia 27 (or Columbia 8.3) is generally lauded for its impressive interior volume for a boat of its length. Owners frequently note its generous space, often considering it among the best in its class for accommodation. The interior typically features a functional layout designed for cruising comfort. Though the exact maximum headroom is not consistently listed, the design prioritizes livable space. The boat offers a substantial water capacity of 90 gallons, indicating its suitability for extended periods aboard. The general finish quality, consistent with boats of this era from reputable builders like Hughes, would likely involve a combination of molded fiberglass components and wood trim, offering a balance of durability and warmth. Ample storage and good ventilation would be typical considerations for a cruiser of this type, facilitating comfortable living aboard.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hughes-Columbia 27 (and its Columbia 8.3 counterpart) generally express satisfaction with their vessels, often highlighting their robust construction and seaworthy characteristics. The sentiment of the boat being "generally well built" is a recurring theme among owners, underscoring its enduring quality decades after production. Many appreciate the boat's "mannerly motion in heavy seas," a testament to its design and moderate-to-heavy displacement. While no pervasive, commonly cited flaws are readily apparent, as with any older boat, potential owners typically consider routine maintenance items such as re-bedding deck fittings or monitoring the condition of the original engine. Overall, the collective owner perspective points to a solid, dependable cruiser that offers good value and a comfortable sailing experience.