Stiletto 27 Spec. ED. Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Stiletto 27 Spec. ED. began its production run in 1978, building upon the groundbreaking success of the original Stiletto 27, which was launched in 1976. Stiletto Catamarans, founded by John Cloud and Bill Higgins, aimed to create a "trailerable high-performance coastwise cruiser," a vision embodied by the entire Stiletto line. The Spec. ED. variant, like its predecessors, was a product of Force Engineering's commitment to pushing the boundaries of sailboat design and construction.

A defining characteristic of the Stiletto's design philosophy was its innovative use of advanced materials. Both the hull and deck were constructed from a fiberglass honeycomb core, often incorporating Nomex honeycomb, which provided an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. This cutting-edge construction technique resulted in an ultralight vessel, making the Stiletto 27 arguably the lightest and shallowest-draft, hard-cockpit, trailerable catamaran ever produced. The design prioritized speed and practicality, with features like beams that could be collapsed to a trailerable width of 7.95 feet for convenient transport. While the majority of the approximately 500 Stiletto 27s built between 1976 and 1986 were Special Edition models, a few GT variants were also produced.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a high-performance catamaran, the Stiletto 27 Spec. ED. was designed for exceptional speed and maneuverability. Its ultralight displacement combined with a fractional sloop rig (often featuring a rotating spar, a common attribute for performance multihulls of this type) allows it to achieve remarkable speeds. Owners and enthusiasts frequently report the Stiletto 27 as being "FAST," capable of sailing as quickly or even faster than popular beachcats like the Hobie 16 in strong winds, with some accounts suggesting speeds upwards of 25 mph 3, 21, Builder Article.

The boat is equipped with twin centerboards, a configuration noted for the Spec. ED. variant, which contribute to its efficient upwind performance and shallow draft capabilities when retracted. The Stiletto 27 also features robust rudders with strong aluminum heads and double lower pintles, contributing to its responsive handling and allowing it to be beached. Sailors have often expressed pleasant surprise at the Stiletto's maneuverability, underscoring its agile and responsive nature on the water.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its primary design objective as a high-performance, trailerable racer/cruiser, the Stiletto 27 Spec. ED.'s interior accommodations are functional and lean, prioritizing lightweight construction over extensive creature comforts. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the emphasis was on providing essential amenities without compromising performance.

The typical layout of a Stiletto 27, which would largely apply to the Special Edition, likely includes basic sleeping arrangements, such as V-berths or quarter berths, often supplemented by interior and exterior cushions. The hard cockpit design, a hallmark of Stiletto, offers a secure and functional space for sailing. The overall finish typically utilizes the fiberglass honeycomb core as a primary interior surface, with a focus on durability and ease of maintenance suitable for a performance-oriented vessel. Storage solutions would be practical but not voluminous, designed to accommodate gear for coastal cruising or overnight trips.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Stiletto 27 Spec. ED. consistently praise its exhilarating performance and exceptional value within the multihull market. The boat is widely regarded as a "most wonderful cat," celebrated for its speed and relatively dry ride, even in spirited conditions. Many owners highlight the solid construction afforded by its advanced composite materials, contributing to its enduring appeal and active owner community. Its maneuverability is also frequently cited as a strong point, making it a joy to sail.

However, some recurring themes in owner discussions relate to maintenance considerations typical of older performance multihulls. A common issue noted by some owners involves the original centerboards; later productions transitioned to molded fiberglass boards, which proved more resistant to damage. Discussions in owner forums also occasionally touch upon routine maintenance needs like replacing cockpit gaskets or addressing the wear of specific fittings, though these are often common for boats of its vintage. Overall, the Stiletto 27 Spec. ED. is cherished by its owners for its unique blend of high-speed sailing and practical trailerability.