Renegade 27 (Pearson) Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Renegade 27 falls within a pivotal period for Pearson Yachts, a company that revolutionized boatbuilding by embracing fiberglass as its primary construction material. Founded by cousins Clinton and Everett Pearson, the company had already cemented its reputation with successful models like the Triton, proving the viability of mass-produced fiberglass auxiliary sailboats. The Renegade 27, launched for sale in 1967 and built until 1969, emerged during a time of significant expansion for Pearson, following Grumman Allied Industries' acquisition of a controlling interest and the establishment of a large manufacturing plant in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

William Shaw, who joined Pearson in 1964 as Director of Design and Engineering and later became Chief Naval Architect, was responsible for the Renegade 27's lines. Shaw's philosophy marked a shift towards more modern configurations, emphasizing fin keels and spade rudders for enhanced performance and maneuverability, a departure from some of Pearson's earlier, more traditional designs. Pearson's manufacturing ethos during this period was characterized by robust construction and a commitment to delivering high-quality, yet affordable, auxiliary sailboats. While the initial design of the Renegade 27 featured a specific layout, later boats in its relatively short production run of 173 units incorporated a differing interior arrangement.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Pearson Renegade 27, with its William Shaw design, was intended to be a lively performer on the racecourse while still providing comfortable cruising capabilities. An analysis of its performance ratios offers insights into its characteristics. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 16.0, the Renegade 27 suggests a balanced performance profile. While not optimized for extreme light-air conditions (where ratios typically exceed 18), it possesses sufficient sail area to move well in moderate breezes and is likely to be manageable as the wind builds.

The Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.32 indicates that the Renegade 27 is on the lighter side for inherent stiffness compared to heavily ballasted cruisers (which often exceed 0.40). This suggests the boat might exhibit a degree of tenderness, heeling more readily in gusts, but this can also translate to a lively and responsive feel at the helm. Conversely, its Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 313.3 positions it as a heavier boat for its waterline length, falling into the category of a more traditional cruiser rather than a light-displacement racer. This heavier displacement likely contributes to a more comfortable motion in a seaway, reinforcing its cruising credentials.

Anecdotal evidence from owners frequently praises the Renegade 27's sailing prowess. Owners have consistently lauded its performance, describing it as a boat that "turns well" and "handles very well, especially in heavy air." Its reputation as a "hardware hunter" further underscores its ability to capture trophies in various weather conditions, suggesting a boat that can perform admirably across a range of sailing scenarios. Its solid construction also means it "always came through fine" even in very rough seas, inspiring confidence in offshore conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

Designed as a racer/cruiser, the Pearson Renegade 27 provides functional accommodations suitable for coastal cruising and weekend trips. The interior layout, while subject to variations in later production models, typically features the essential amenities expected in a sailboat of its size from that era. Common arrangements would likely include a V-berth forward, a marine head, a compact salon area with settees that may double as berths, and a small galley for basic meal preparation.

Based on observations from owners, the interior often features a good amount of mahogany trim, which generally holds up well over time and contributes to a classic yacht aesthetic. While specific details on headroom are not consistently available, the design would have aimed to maximize usable space within the constraints of a 27-foot hull, focusing on efficient use of the interior volume for living and storage. Owners frequently find the storage adequate for short-term cruising needs, and the overall finish quality aligns with Pearson's reputation for building robust and sensible boats.

Owner's Perspectives

The Pearson Renegade 27 enjoys a generally positive reputation among its owners, often forming active communities online where experiences and knowledge are shared. Owners consistently highlight the boat's strong sailing performance and its ability to handle challenging conditions with confidence, frequently praising its responsiveness and solid construction. The perception is that it offers an excellent balance between sailing agility and a comfortable, secure motion, making it a capable vessel for both spirited day sails and multi-day cruises.

However, like any older vessel, the Renegade 27 does present some common maintenance considerations. A frequently mentioned point of attention for owners is the teak toerail, which requires consistent upkeep to maintain its appearance and integrity. While not exclusive to the Renegade 27, some owners of Pearson boats from this era have noted that original deck fittings can be prone to developing leaks over time, often requiring re-bedding to ensure watertightness. Additionally, the mast compression post is an area that some owners suggest carefully checking during pre-purchase inspections. Despite these potential areas for maintenance, the overall sentiment among owners remains overwhelmingly positive, valuing the Renegade 27 for its enduring quality and satisfying sailing characteristics.