Fantasia 27 (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

The Fantasia 27 commenced production in 1981, emerging from Jeanneau's shipyards during a period of significant growth and innovation for the builder. Jeanneau, known for its embrace of new technologies and a manufacturing ethos focused on creating "liveable boats," applied these principles to the Fantasia 27. The renowned naval architect Philippe Harlé crafted a hull design noted for its efficiency, featuring finely raked bow lines that extend aft to a beamy stern section, contributing to the boat's balance afloat. This model was a successor to Jeanneau's highly successful Sangria, which had firmly established the company as a major force in sailboat manufacturing.

Throughout its production run, which continued until 1996, the Fantasia 27 saw some variations Production End Year. Notably, it was offered with different keel configurations, including a standard fin keel, a drop keel for shallower drafts, and even twin keels, catering to diverse sailing grounds and owner preferences. Some models were also delivered with a BMW diesel engine as an alternative to the more common Yanmar, and the model was later rebranded as the Sun Way 27 in 1988 Notes.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Fantasia 27's design reflects its purpose as a capable cruiser. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 14.60, the boat is geared towards comfortable cruising rather than outright racing, indicating a moderate performance profile suitable for varied wind conditions without being overly demanding. Its ballast to displacement ratio, around 0.31, suggests a reasonably stable vessel, capable of standing up to a decent breeze, albeit not as stiff as dedicated performance-oriented designs. Furthermore, a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 237 categorizes the Fantasia 27 as a medium-heavy cruiser, which generally translates to a comfortable motion in a seaway and a solid feel underfoot. Philippe Harlé's hull design is praised for its efficiency and balance, contributing to the boat's predictable handling. While generally well-regarded for its sailing qualities, some discussions among owners suggest that the centerboard version might exhibit a degree of tenderness.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact length overall of 27.23 feet, the Jeanneau Fantasia 27 is notable for its surprisingly spacious and "open-plan saloon layout," a feature considered ahead of its time when the boat was introduced. The interior is practical, designed to optimize the available space for comfortable living, and is typically finished with teak joinery. The Fantasia 27 generally offers up to six berths across two cabins, with an approximate maximum headroom of 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 meters) in the main saloon, making it comfortable for average-height individuals. While specific details on galley configuration or storage can vary between individual boats, the overall design prioritizes liveability and functionality, consistent with Jeanneau's philosophy of creating user-friendly cruising yachts.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners frequently commend the Fantasia 27 for its robust construction and the practical, well-thought-out interior layout that maximizes space for a boat of its size. The boat is often described as a "fantastic family pocket cruiser/racer," appreciated for its balanced sailing characteristics and ability to handle various conditions from coastal day sailing to more extended adventures. Discussions among the active owner community highlight the boat's suitability as an affordable and capable cruiser. Common areas of discussion among owners often revolve around maintenance typical of boats of its age, such as engine performance adjustments and potential propeller optimizations.