Design and Construction
Stability and speed both stem from a deliberate structural philosophy. The hull is a light vacuum-infused laminate, and the wide, flat waterline sections pair with a lead T-bulb keel and a deep low-center-of-gravity fin to keep the boat planted and quick. At 3,902 lb displacement with 1,345 lb of ballast, the First 27-2 carries a 34.5% ballast ratio, and the fixed fin with torpedo bulb draws 5 ft 7 in—30 cm less than the SE version it descends from. A crash-box forward, inboard engine, and balanced twin rudders are cited by the builder as central to its safety profile, while increased bow volume helps the twin-rudder steering hold control in steep angles of heel.
Rig and Handling
The rig is a fractional sloop with a shorter aluminium mast and pinhead mainsail compared to the SE, and sail area is cut by just under 20% upwind and 13% downwind. On the water, test sailors found her slow to wake in 4 knots true close-hauled at 2.8 knots, but she came alive in 5 knots with 4 knots of boat speed and rose to 4.5 knots in 6 knots true. Fully powered up, maintaining 6 knots upwind should not be a problem, and on a beam reach under furling gennaker in 3.5 to 6 knots, boat speed matched wind speed. The helm stays super light and the boat responds beautifully to trim and crew weight, yet has enough inherent stability that it is not dependent on crew placement. Under engine, the 15 hp Yanmar with shaft drive and foldable propeller pushes her to 7 knots at cruise and 10 knots at full throttle.
Accommodations
Below, the boat sleeps up to four in the standard layout: a double in the forepeak and two settee/quarter berths in the saloon, with a very bright, openly spaced cabin and no standing headroom. A removable table serves both saloon and cockpit, and the midpoint can convert via foldable magnetic doors into a proper marine toilet with black water tank or extend the forecabin. Between saloon and bow are a small galley to port with gas burner and fresh-water sink, and a toilet to starboard, each concealed when not in use. The cockpit is large and open with comfortable benches and a swim ladder and stern shower, while new forward bench sections add on-deck stowage beside the lazarette and lend a more comfortable cruising feel than the SE.
Known Issues
One practical caveat noted in period testing is that the stanchions and pushpits are relatively short; while they meet regulations for a boat of this size, a full-height rail would give a better sense of security.
The Verdict
The First 27-2 is a rare thing: a 26-footer that planes in 12 knots, sleeps four in reasonable comfort, and feels safe enough to push hard in building conditions. It is clearly cross-Channel capable in decent weather and experienced hands, yet the lack of standing headroom and short lifelines remind you this is a sportsboat at heart.
Pros
- Planes in as little as 12 knots of wind with light, responsive helm
- Fixed fin with torpedo bulb and twin rudders give inherent stability without crew dependence
- Bright, concealed galley and convertible head layout maximize small-boat livability
- Inboard 15 hp diesel with shaft drive and foldable prop for strong motoring range
Cons
- No standing headroom below
- Short stanchions and pushpits reduce perceived security on deck
- Reduced sail area versus SE limits light-air acceleration off the line
