Fantasia 27 (Jeanneau) CB Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Fantasia 27's story begins in 1981, emerging from Jeanneau's shipyards during a period of significant growth and innovation for the company. Jeanneau, founded by Henri Jeanneau in 1957, had firmly established itself in the sailboat market by the 1970s with successful models like the Sangria. During this era, Jeanneau prioritized embracing new technologies and production techniques, transitioning from wood to fiberglass and focusing on mass production to make sailing accessible to a wider audience.

The Fantasia 27 was designed by Philippe H. Harlé, a distinguished naval architect known for his practical and efficient designs. Harlé's philosophy for the Fantasia 27 aimed to create a boat that offered a balance of sailing pleasure and comfortable living in a compact package. The model was offered with different keel configurations, including a drop keel (centerboard) version and twin keels, catering to diverse sailing grounds and owner preferences. The centerboard version, as detailed in the specifications, provides a significant advantage with its variable draft, allowing sailors to access shallow anchorages with a minimum draft of 2.62 feet, while offering a maximum draft of 5.64 feet for enhanced upwind performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

While designed as a pocket cruiser, the Jeanneau Fantasia 27 CB is noted for its enjoyable sailing characteristics. With a length overall of just over 27 feet and a waterline length of 21.52 feet, its hull design, characterized by finely raked bow lines and a beamier stern, contributes to a balanced feel on the water. Owners generally describe the Fantasia 27 as a capable and relatively nimble boat for its size. Its masthead sloop rig, with a substantial sail area, suggests a design intended to perform well in a range of conditions. The centerboard configuration, in particular, offers versatility, allowing for reduced draft in shallow areas and increased draft for better stability and pointing ability when sailing offshore. Anecdotal evidence suggests it handles well, though some discussions hint at its potential tenderness, a common characteristic for lighter, smaller centerboard designs.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Jeanneau Fantasia 27 CB is particularly noteworthy for its open-plan layout, which was considered innovative and ahead of its time for a boat of this size. With a maximum headroom of 5.75 feet, the design maximizes the feeling of space below deck. The layout typically features an open-plan saloon with wrap-around seating, often convertible into berths, providing accommodation for up to six people. The interior is often finished with teak, contributing to a warm and traditional marine ambiance.

Despite its compact size, the Fantasia 27 generally includes a functional galley area, a navigation station, and a marine head, often enclosed. Storage is strategically incorporated throughout the boat, making the most of available nooks and crannies. While specific details can vary between individual boats and their refits, the core design prioritizes practicality and comfort for coastal cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Jeanneau Fantasia 27 frequently praise its robust build quality and the practical, space-efficient interior layout. Many consider it an excellent choice for beginner coastal sailors due to its manageable size and forgiving nature. The variable draft offered by the centerboard version is a recurring highlight, providing access to areas inaccessible to deeper-keeled boats.

Common discussions among owners often revolve around typical maintenance items for boats of its age, such as engine performance – the 9 HP Yanmar engine is generally reliable but can limit motoring speed to 3-4 knots in some instances. Some owners also discuss concerns about original deck fittings and the re-bedding required to prevent leaks, a common issue for many older fiberglass boats. Overall, the Fantasia 27 is cherished by its owners for being a solid, comfortable, and versatile small cruiser that offers good value.