Macwester 27 Information, Review, Specs

The Macwester 27 entered production in 1972, following Macwester Marine's established philosophy of building dependable and spacious cruising yachts. C.S.J. Roy, who was the sole designer for every Macwester model, consistently prioritized practicality, comfort, and seaworthiness over outright racing performance. The company’s manufacturing ethos, honed at their Littlehampton base, focused on creating boats that were not only robust but also offered generous interior space and the highly practical advantage of their distinctive twin bilge keels, allowing them to stand upright on drying mud or sand.

The Macwester 27 refined the successful bilge keel concept, distinguishing itself from its predecessor, the Macwester 26, with deeper keels and a re-engineered rudder. While details on formal series variations are scarce, discussions among owners suggest minor evolutions throughout its production run, sometimes referred to as "Series I." Following the acquisition of Macwester Marine by Trident Marine in 1979, the molds for the Macwester 27 were later sold to other builders like Atlanta Marine, who continued production, incorporating some subtle changes to the original design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Macwester 27's design ratios provide insight into her intended performance profile. Her Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 13.66 indicates that she is a moderately powered vessel. This suggests that while capable in fair breezes, she is likely to be slower in very light winds, and may benefit from engine assistance in such conditions.

With a Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 33.4%, the Macwester 27 falls into a category that prioritizes stability. Although this ratio is below that of some exceptionally stiff designs, the boat is generally considered "reasonably stable / stiff and has a good righting capability if capsized." Indeed, Macwester boats were celebrated for their exceptional stability. Her Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 271 firmly places her in the moderate-to-heavy displacement category. This reflects her solid construction and emphasis on comfortable cruising rather than high-performance sailing.

Owners frequently praise the Macwester 27 for its "excellent handling under power," a significant advantage given its twin keel configuration. While the twin keels, a hallmark of Macwester designs, are known for their practical benefits in shallow waters, they can sometimes entail a compromise in outright sailing performance compared to fin-keeled counterparts. However, the Macwester 27 is generally regarded as a seaworthy and forgiving boat, well-suited for coastal exploration rather than demanding ocean passages or long-distance voyages.

Accommodations and Layout

The Macwester 27 offers comfortable accommodation for up to five individuals within a practical and simple interior layout. The arrangement typically features a single cabin and saloon, complemented by a linear galley. This design prioritizes space and functionality, consistent with Macwester's reputation for creating vessels with generous interior volume. The interior often boasts a mahogany finish, lending a traditional nautical aesthetic, which is commonly paired with blue upholstery.

Within the interior, thoughtful provisions for storage are evident, with ample stowage both above and below the stove in the galley area. The boat is equipped with a water capacity of 34 US gallons, providing a reasonable supply for coastal trips, and a fuel capacity of 15.0 gallons for its single Stuart Turner gasoline engine. The hull and deck are constructed from solid fiberglass, ensuring durability and a robust structure.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Macwester 27 consistently commend its solid construction and the comfortable motion it exhibits in a seaway. They particularly value the "durability, stability," and the distinct practical advantages offered by the bilge keels, especially the ability to dry out on tidal moorings. These vessels are often described as "heavy and solid boats," contributing to a sense of security and reliability on the water.

However, common maintenance considerations are also frequently discussed within the active owner community. Recurring issues noted by owners include instances of "mast foot depression," which may require attention, and the tendency for the original galvanized roofing bolts, which secure the rubbing strake to the hull/deck flange, to rust over time. Owners also occasionally report points of "water entry," indicating areas that may require re-bedding or sealing over the boat's lifespan. The topic of keel bolt inspection and replacement is also a periodic discussion point, with owners sharing advice on best practices. Despite these typical maintenance challenges for a vessel of its age, a strong sense of community thrives among Macwester 27 owners, supported by comprehensive online resources such as the Macwester Owners Association, which serves as a valuable hub for shared experiences and technical advice., 11]