The search results confirm that the Leisure 27 SL is indeed under 30 feet LOA (25.42 ft). I will not use the ratios.
Key information gathered:
- Designer: Frank Pryor for the original Leisure 27. The Leisure 27 SL is distinct and is essentially a Mirage 270 (or Mirage 27/2700), built by Thames Marine and marketed under the Leisure name (Boating Scene). Some sources credit Thames Marine's design team for the 27 SL/Mirage 270.
- Builder: Thames Marine (initially Thames Structural Plastics, TSP Ltd.). The builder article states Thames Marine ceased operations around 1981. The Leisure 27 SL production started in 1979. This suggests the 27 SL was one of the later models by Thames Marine, or potentially a rebadged model after the main Thames Marine production.
- Production: Started in 1979. No end year provided in, but Thames Marine ceased operations around 1981. Result suggests it was marketed as Leisure 27SL in 1989, which seems to contradict the 1981 cessation. This needs clarification. The
notesfield in says "Another version was MIRAGE 270 which came with more standard features. Not the same as the LEISURE 27." Result says "The Leisure 27SL is actually a Mirage 270, built by Thames Marine and marketed by Boating Scene of Basildon, Essex under the Leisure name in 1989." This indicates that while Thames Marine built the base (Mirage 270), it was later marketed by Boating Scene as Leisure 27 SL. - Hull Type: Monohull, twin keel. Twin keels are a signature feature of many Thames Marine designs, allowing safe grounding.
- Sailing Performance: Described as a "roomy, well-balanced sailing yacht" despite its short waterline. "Moderately fast family cruiser". "Forgiving and reasonably stable".
- Interior: Double lined to eliminate condensation, long tinted windows. "Roomy". Over 6 ft headroom for the Leisure 27, but the Leisure 27 SL may have a slightly different interior. One source mentions "around 5'11” headroom" for the 27SL.
- Owner's Perspectives: Known as a "well known family-boat". Owners praise the Leisure Owners Association for support. Common issues mentioned are checking the rudder and skeg for splits.
Refined plan based on new information:
- Introduction: Emphasize its role as a family cruiser, its twin keel, and the connection to Thames Marine and the Mirage 270. Mention designer nuances.
- History and Design: Detail the 1979 production start, link to Thames Marine's overall ethos of sturdy, family-friendly cruisers with twin keels. Clarify the Mirage 270 connection and later marketing. Acknowledge Frank Pryor designed the Leisure 27, but the 27SL is essentially a Mirage 270, likely from Thames Marine's in-house team.
- Sailing Performance and Handling: Focus on qualitative descriptions: well-balanced, forgiving, stable, moderately fast for a family cruiser. Highlight the twin keel's benefits for shallow waters and drying out.
- Accommodations and Layout: Describe the interior as roomy, double-lined. Mention the typical layout based on general small cruiser knowledge, and specifically note the headroom variations. Grounded search for more detailed layout (V-berth, head, galley etc.) is still needed if not found.
- Owner's Perspectives: Include based on the "well known family boat" status, active association, and specific common checks (rudder/skeg).
Let's check more on the interior of the Mirage 270 / Leisure 27 SL.
New query: "Mirage 270 interior layout" or "Leisure 27 SL interior description"