The search results indicate that the Spencer Sun 838 is the same boat as the Sun 27, and there's some confusion/collaboration regarding its design. It appears to be an initial design by Edwin Monk Jr., with revisions and design contributions by Robert Perry. Spencer Boats was contracted to build the Sun line, including the Sun 27/838, for Specialty Yachts. Some sources even mention Sun Yachts marketing themselves after a short period, potentially indicating a separate builder later or a partnership. Given the builder article clearly states Spencer built the "SUN line" for Specialty Yachts, I will stick to Spencer as the builder for this article.
I will use the information about the Sun 27 directly to describe the Sun 838, as they are noted to be the same boat.
Here's the refined plan for each section:
- Introduction:
- Synthesize primary purpose (coastal cruiser, good interior room) and general reputation (rugged, good sailing boat for its vintage).
- Mention builder (Spencer Boats Ltd.) and designers (Edwin Monk Jr., Robert Perry).
- History and Design:
- Start year: 1977 from. The molds were sold to Specialty Yachts who continued to build until 1980.
- Spencer Boats' manufacturing ethos: Transitioned to fiberglass, focused on high-quality, robust, offshore-capable yachts.
- Designer philosophy: Edwin Monk Jr. for the original Cheetah 26, with Robert Perry making revisions. Perry is known for performance-oriented cruisers. The boat is described as "rugged fast sailing boat for its vintage".
- Variations: No specific "MkI vs MkII" found, but the boat was known as Cheetah 26, Sun 27, and Sun 838. The notes also mention Sun 27.
- Sailing Performance and Handling:
- Ratios: SA/D (16.42), B/D (0.37), D/L (243). Interpret these.
- SA/D of 16.42 suggests moderate light-air performance, likely needing a bit more breeze to get moving.
- B/D of 0.37 indicates moderate stiffness, capable for coastal cruising but might feel a bit tender in strong gusts compared to higher ballast ratios.
- D/L of 243 places it in the moderate displacement cruiser category, suggesting a solid, comfortable motion in a seaway without being excessively heavy or light.
- Anecdotal: "sails to hull speed with no problem", "rugged fast sailing boat for its vintage".
- Ratios: SA/D (16.42), B/D (0.37), D/L (243). Interpret these.
- Accommodations and Layout:
- Heavy reliance on search: "good interior room for a 27'".
- Search results for "Sun 27 interior layout" or reviews describe a centered cabin. I'll need to synthesize this.
- Owner's Perspectives (Optional):
- Strengths: "good, rugged fast sailing boat for its vintage", "good interior room", "solid construction and comfortable motion in a seaway." (Inferred from Spencer's general reputation)
- Weaknesses/Common Issues: "not carefully built" (contradicts Spencer's reputation, could be specific to the "Sun Yacht" branding or later production), "a lot of embedded air bubbles". Will need to phrase this carefully.
Now I will generate the article.