Viko 27 DS Information, Review, Specs

The Viko 27 DS began production in 2012, reflecting Viko Yachts' established ethos of delivering accessible, well-designed vessels. While the exact designer is attributed to Viko Yachts' in-house team, its creation aligns with the builder's broader philosophy of blending sleek, contemporary design with practical functionality and value, a hallmark of Polish yacht manufacturing. The company has steadily grown since its inception around 1987, utilizing fiberglass (GRP) for its hulls to ensure durability and design flexibility.

A key design feature of the Viko 27 DS is its innovative hull, which contributes to its performance and maneuverability. The boat was conceived to offer versatility, notably through its various keel options. While the provided data specifies a centerboard, the model is also available with a swing or lifting keel, allowing for adjustable drafts that can range from a shallow 1.15 feet to a maximum of 4.59 feet. This adaptability is particularly appealing for navigating shallow waters and extending cruising grounds. The Viko 27 DS remained in production for approximately a decade, with some sources indicating its availability until around 2022.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a leisure-sailing oriented cruiser, the Viko 27 DS is engineered for easy handling and enjoyable sailing. Its design successfully merges the comfort and stability often associated with larger vessels with the responsiveness of a more compact sailboat. The innovative hull design, coupled with a generous reported sail area of 258.33 square feet, provides good maneuverability and responsive performance under sail.

Owners can expect a balanced helm and predictable behavior, making for a relaxed sailing experience, even with a smaller crew. The inclusion of a centerboard (or swing/lifting keel option) significantly enhances the boat's versatility, allowing it to adapt to various sailing conditions and depths, from open coastal waters to more restricted inland waterways. The Viko 27 DS is described as providing "maximal sailing enjoyment with little effort," highlighting its user-friendly nature.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its overall length of just under 29 feet, the Viko 27 DS is designed to maximize interior volume, offering accommodations suitable for comfortable cruising. The cabin layout is adjustable and aims to provide features found in larger models, including sizeable sleeping cabins and "standing headroom" in key areas.

The typical interior arrangement includes two guest cabins, likely a V-berth forward and an aft cabin, providing private sleeping quarters. The design emphasizes spaciousness for its size, offering ample room for necessary nautical and sports equipment. While specific details on materials and finish are not extensively documented in independent reviews, Viko Yachts generally focuses on practical, comfortable interior layouts with a blend of contemporary aesthetics and functional design. The use of fiberglass for the hull ensures a durable and easily maintained structure for the interior spaces.

Owner's Perspectives

Viko Yachts has cultivated a loyal ownership base, particularly in Europe, where active online forums and communities exist for owners to share experiences and advice. Owners of Viko yachts, including the 27 DS, frequently appreciate the brand's commitment to delivering an attractive combination of contemporary design, comfort, and competitive pricing, offering excellent value for money.

While specific, recurring common problems or weaknesses for the Viko 27 DS are not widely documented in available reviews and forums, the general sentiment among Viko owners points to satisfaction with the solid construction and comfortable motion in a seaway that the company's boats typically provide. The supportive owner community further enhances the ownership experience, allowing for shared enthusiasm and practical advice for both novice and experienced sailors.