Gloucester 27 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Gloucester 27's production commenced in 1983, under the banner of Lockley Newport Boats, which rebranded to Gloucester Yachts in 1981. Its manufacturing run likely continued until Gloucester Yachts ceased operations by 1988, marking a relatively brief but impactful presence in the market. The design itself was a product of the experienced team of Stuart Windley and Harry R. Sindle. Harry Sindle, a renowned American sailor and prolific designer, played a significant role in the development of many Lockley Newport models.

The design philosophy behind the Gloucester 27 emphasized a "speedy hull," setting it apart from many contemporaries. It was noted as being "slimmer than 85% of all other designs," suggesting a deliberate focus on performance and a more hydrodynamic shape. This reflects the builder's broader ethos of producing durable, low-maintenance fiberglass boats that appealed to the growing recreational sailing market. The Gloucester 27, like its predecessor the LN-27, was built with solid fiberglass for the hull, ensuring longevity and a solid feel.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Gloucester 27, with its 26.67-foot length overall and a waterline length of 21.5 feet, is configured as a fractional sloop. The design team's intention for a "speedy hull" is evident in its slender profile, which positions it as a more performance-oriented vessel compared to many other designs in its class. This design choice, combined with a fin keel and spade rudder, suggests that the Gloucester 27 offers responsive handling and good maneuverability. Sailors can expect a boat that is relatively agile, capable of providing an engaging experience whether day sailing or undertaking coastal passages.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed specifications on the interior layout of the Gloucester 27 are not extensively documented, it is understood to feature a functional cabin suitable for coastal cruising. The similar LN-27 model is noted to include a galley, providing basic amenities for cooking and food preparation on board. Given its overall length and 8-foot beam, the interior would typically include a V-berth forward, a small main salon with settees, and potentially a quarter berth aft. Storage solutions would be integrated throughout the cabin to maximize the use of space. Although specific maximum headroom figures are not available, it would likely be adequate for comfortable movement for an average-height sailor, consistent with cruisers of its size from that era.