Aloha 27 Buyer's Guide
The Aloha 27 is a Robert Perry–drawn 26-foot-9-inch fiberglass sloop produced by Ouyang Boat Works at Whitby, Ontario between 1979 and 1987, with 188 hulls marketed variously as the 26, 8.2, and 271. For a shopper scanning brokerage listings, the boat presents as a compact coastal cruiser with a fixed fin keel, encapsulated ballast, and an internally mounted spade rudder—simple systems that age without exotic failure modes.
Layouts on the Used Market
Because the same hull carried three model names across its run, buyers should verify the build year rather than trust the badge: the 1979–1987 production window covers all of them. The cabin was built for cruising with tufted crushed velour cushions in the original run, and tankage is uniform at 12 gallons diesel, 14 fresh, and 24 holding. A deck-stepped fractional sloop rig with internal halyards defines every example, and steering is tiller with wheel optional. The modest 40-foot bridge clearance suits low bridges on lake and canal routes.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
Original boats shipped with Barient winches, oversized spars, pulpit and lifelines, and internal halyards—sound basics that need only service, not replacement. Power comes from an inboard BMW, Volvo, or Westerbeke diesel (7 or 12 hp, one or two cylinders) or an outboard on a 1-inch shaft. For a buyer, the consequential choice is engine: the 7 hp BMW draws owner complaint for being underpowered, so a 12 hp unit or outboard is the preferred find. Navigation and canvas upgrades are common but secondary to confirming a healthy drivetrain.
What to Inspect
The one documented owner caveat is the 7 hp BMW diesel, which some owners found underpowered; listen for strain under load and confirm the vendor’s claimed horsepower. Beyond that, the encapsulated ballast and solid glass hull leave few hidden structural paths, but the deck-stepped mast warrants a close look at the partners for seal integrity, and the internally mounted spade rudder should be checked for post play.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
Regional availability is not separately characterized for this model, so shoppers should treat the 188-boat production as the only guide to scarcity. For a used-market checklist: confirm build year against the 26/8.2/271 naming; prefer a 12 hp inboard or outboard over the 7 hp BMW; inspect mast partners and rudder post; verify original Barient winches and internal halyards are intact; and budget for velour cushion replacement if original. The Aloha 27 rewards the careful buyer with a straightforward Perry cruiser at small-boat scale.
Price & volume trends
Monthly asking-price and listing-volume trends for the Aloha 27. The line shows the median ask each month; the bars show how many listings appeared.
Comparable models
Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.
Similar boats to compare
3 similar designs| Model | LOA | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalina 27 | 26.83' | $ 7,900 | 77 | 20 |
| Pearson 27 | 26.92' | $ 11,000 | 15 | 3 |
| Mirage Yachts 27 | 27.17' | $ 5,000 | 9 | 4 |