The Vancouver 27 is a highly regarded compact cruising sailboat, celebrated for its robust construction and exceptional offshore capabilities. Designed by the Canadian naval architect Robert B. Harris, it was conceived as a sturdy, ocean-going vessel, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious sailors with aspirations for extended voyages. Its design prioritizes seaworthiness and comfort in a seaway over light-air performance or nimble handling.
The initial production of the Vancouver 27 began in 1973 by Tradewind Boats in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada. Production in North America later included Philbrooks Shipyard and Seair Marine Ltd., continuing until the molds were destroyed around 1988. It is important to note that Tradewind Boats, the original Canadian builder of the Vancouver 27, is distinct from Tradewind Yachts, a UK-based builder of offshore cruising yachts. Following the cessation of North American production, the design was also built in England by Pheon Yachts Ltd. and Northshore Yachts Ltd.. Robert Harris, who was initially involved in multihull designs, created the Vancouver 27 as his first monohull, specifically commissioning it for a couple planning a long-distance voyage from Vancouver to New Zealand. The design ethos centered on creating a small, capable vessel for crossing oceans on a budget. The boat features a full keel with a transom-hung rudder and a high freeboard, characteristics that contribute to its renowned stability and robust performance in challenging conditions. Over its production run, several interior layouts were offered, typically ranging from three to four berths.
With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 14.1, the Vancouver 27 is not engineered for blistering speed in light winds, indicating it performs best when there is a decent breeze. Its ballast to displacement ratio of about 38.7% suggests a good degree of stiffness, allowing it to stand up to its sail plan in stronger winds and maintain a comfortable heel angle. Furthermore, its displacement to length ratio of roughly 333.3 categorizes it as a heavy displacement vessel, characteristic of traditional, full-keeled cruisers designed for blue water conditions rather than coastal racing. Owners frequently praise the Vancouver 27 for its easy motion and comfortable ride, even in rough seas, affirming its reputation as a capable bluewater sailboat. While it is celebrated for its stability and seaworthiness, it is generally acknowledged to be less maneuverable than lighter, fin-keeled designs, and not ideal for light wind conditions.
Despite its compact length overall of 27 feet, the Vancouver 27 offers a surprisingly spacious interior, boasting a maximum headroom of 6.17 feet (over 6 feet). Typical interior layouts include a V-berth forward, a head, a salon area, and often a galley, with variations in berth configurations. The general finish quality can vary, particularly as some hulls were sold as kits for owner completion, leading to a range of interior craftsmanship. Due to the age of many Vancouver 27s, some may require interior refits to refresh their accommodations.
Owners consistently commend the Vancouver 27 for its solid construction and its ability to handle demanding offshore conditions with an easy, comfortable motion. Many attest to its suitability for long-distance cruising, often with just a couple aboard. However, common observations include its relatively slow speed in light winds and its less agile maneuverability compared to more modern designs. As with any vessel of its vintage, recurring maintenance issues can arise from original deck fittings and the need for general refits, reflecting the boat's age. A dedicated owners' association provides a community for sharing insights and support.