Aquarius RC-27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the RC-27 are defined by its immense stability and its ability to generate high levels of apparent wind. With a 27-foot waterline and a generous sail plan, the boat is capable of speeds exceeding 25 knots in favorable conditions. Bill Roberts applied his background in aerodynamics to the vessel’s foils, utilizing high-aspect-ratio rudders and daggerboards that provide exceptional lift and minimize drag. As detailed on the Bill Roberts Design technical archive, the boat was designed to be "self-tacking" and "self-correcting" in terms of pitch, though the sheer power of the rig requires an experienced hand on the mainsheet.

Handling the RC-27 is often described by owners as a technical exercise in management. Because the beam is so wide (12 feet compared to the standard 8.5 feet of smaller cats), the righting moment is enormous. This allows the boat to carry its full sail area much longer into building breezes than its competitors. However, the feedback through the helm is exceptionally light due to the balanced, NACA 63-series rudder blades. Tracking is precise, but sailors must be wary of the boat's acceleration; the RC-27 transitions from a standstill to "on-plane" speeds with very little transition, necessitating rapid reflex actions from the crew on the trapeze.

The RC-27 shares a lineage with several notable siblings built on similar design principles. Its most direct relative is the RC-30, a larger version that pushed the limits of the "SuperCat" concept even further. Additionally, the ARC-22 (formerly the SC-22) serves as the RC-27’s smaller, more agile sibling, sharing the same symmetrical hull philosophy and high-performance rigging. While the RC-27 is less common than the ARC-22, it is often favored by long-distance racers for its superior bridge-deck clearance and ability to handle larger sea states.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Aquarius RC-27 should prioritize a structural assessment of the hull-to-deck joins and the integrity of the foam-sandwich construction. Because these boats are often pushed to extreme speeds, stress cracking in the gelcoat around the crossbeam steps is a known area of concern.

• Crossbeam Integrity: Inspect the mounting points where the oversized aluminum crossbeams meet the hulls. Any signs of "working" or elongated bolt holes suggest the boat has been campaigned hard and may require reinforcement.
• Rudder Box Wear: The high-aspect rudders generate significant torque. Check for slop or play in the rudder castings and the kick-up mechanism, as replacement parts for older Roberts-style castings can be difficult to source.
• Rigging and Shrouds: Given the high loads generated by the 12-foot beam, the standing rigging must be replaced every 5–7 years regardless of visual appearance. Pay close attention to the forestay chainplate and the "striker" wire under the forward crossbeam.
• Delamination: Use a phenolic hammer to tap out the hulls, particularly around the daggerboard trunks and the transom. Older models may exhibit soft spots if water has successfully bypassed the skin and entered the core.
• Trampoline Condition: Replacing the trampoline on an RC-27 is a significant expense due to its size. Check for UV degradation and the integrity of the lacing eyes.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support and original parts remains Aquarius Sail Inc. in Wyoming, Minnesota. They maintain an active presence and continue to support the legacy of Bill Roberts' designs. Enthusiasts also frequently gather under the umbrella of the Aquarius Sail Owners community, which provides access to historical tuning guides and rigging diagrams essential for maintaining the RC-27’s complex systems.

The Verdict

The Aquarius RC-27 is a "pilot's boat"—a technical, demanding, and rewarding catamaran that remains one of the fastest trailerable multihulls ever produced. It is not a boat for the casual weekend sailor but rather for the performance enthusiast who values engineering over aesthetics.

Pros:

• Blistering top-end speeds and exceptional light-air performance.
• High build quality from a specialized American manufacturer.
• Enormous stability provided by the 12-foot beam.
• Superior foil design results in a light, responsive helm.

Cons:

• The 12-foot beam makes trailering a logistical challenge (requires a tilt-trailer).
• High physical demand on the crew during maneuvers.
• Complexity of the rig requires significant setup time compared to smaller beach cats.