Stiletto 27 Information, Review, Specs

The journey of Stiletto Catamarans began in June 1975 when Force Engineering commenced factory operations in Florida, USA, with the Stiletto 27 making its debut the following year, 5, 7, 10]. Designers Bill Higgins and Don Ansley aimed to create a "trailerable high performance coastwise cruiser," a vessel that was "no ordinary sailboat" but rather "one of the most advanced production sailboats available anywhere" at the time. This design philosophy prioritized both speed and versatility, allowing sailors to enjoy competitive performance while retaining the ability for coastal adventures.

A hallmark of Stiletto's design was its commitment to advanced materials and lightweight construction. The boats were constructed using a state-of-the-art honeycomb composite, notably Nomex honeycomb, which provided an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. This innovative approach made the Stiletto 27 arguably the lightest and shallowest-draft hard-cockpit trailerable catamaran ever produced. Throughout its production run, which continued until 1986 under the acquisition by Ron and Andy Nicol in 1983, the Stiletto 27 saw several variations, including the Championship Edition (1977), Special Edition (1978), and the GT model, which notably featured daggerboards in each hull, 1, 4, 6].

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Stiletto 27 was engineered for performance, consistently delivering exhilarating speed and unparalleled sailing characteristics. Despite its comfortable cruising potential, its lightweight, robust construction allowed it to perform exceptionally well, often reported by owners to be as fast or faster than popular beachcats like the Hobie 16 in strong winds. Owners frequently praise its ability as a "very fast cat with no light air problems at all".

Its twin-hull design, combined with a minimal draft of just 0.75 feet with its daggerboards retracted, allows the Stiletto 27 to sail very close to shore, making it highly versatile for shallow waters or beaching. With the daggerboards deployed, the draft extends to 4.0 feet, enhancing its upwind performance. This unique combination of speed, shallow draft, and a hard cockpit positions the Stiletto 27 as a distinctive niche boat, blurring the lines between a high-performance beachcat and a more traditional cruiser. Its design ethos, characteristic of performance multihulls, focuses on light displacement and powerful rigs.

Accommodations and Layout

While the Stiletto 27 prioritizes performance and trailerability, its interior accommodations are designed to be practical for its role as a racer/cruiser, providing amenities for comfortable overnight trips. Given its lightweight and performance-oriented design, the interior layout is typically lean, consistent with performance multihulls of its era.

Information on specific interior layouts often relies on owner accounts and reviews, as detailed diagrams are less common. However, typical arrangements for a vessel of this type and size would include basic sleeping berths, such as a V-berth forward, and possibly quarter berths. A small galley area might be present, along with a marine head, offering essential comforts for coastal cruising. The emphasis on robust fiberglass honeycomb core construction for both hull and deck suggests a durable, if not overly luxurious, finish. Storage would likely be optimized to keep weight down, and ventilation would be provided through deck hatches and portlights.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Stiletto 27 consistently praise its innovative design, lightweight construction, and exhilarating speed, 12]. The ability to trailer the boat easily is a significant advantage, allowing access to diverse sailing grounds. Many owners highlight its exceptional performance, noting it to be a very fast catamaran even in light air conditions.

However, like many older boats, the Stiletto 27 may present some common maintenance considerations. Original daggerboards, for instance, were sometimes prone to damage, though later versions were molded from fiberglass and proved more resilient. The dedicated community of Stiletto owners remains active, with online forums and websites serving as hubs for shared knowledge, discussions on modifications, and support for maintaining these unique vessels, 8]. This strong community underscores the enduring appeal and satisfaction derived from owning a Stiletto 27.