The result is a light, beamy pocket racer. Unlike its predecessor, it has a fixed fin with a torpedo bulb rather than a lifting keel.
Design and Construction
The First 27-2’s stability and speed come from a deliberate structural approach. Its hull is a light, vacuum-infused laminate, while wide, flat waterline sections work with a lead T-bulb keel and a deep, low-center-of-gravity fin to keep the boat planted and quick.
The boat displaces 3,902 lb and carries 1,345 lb of ballast, giving it a 34.5% ballast ratio. Its fixed fin with torpedo bulb draws 5 ft 7 in, 30 cm less than the SE version from which it descends. The builder cites a forward crash box, an inboard engine, and balanced twin rudders as central to the boat’s safety profile. Increased bow volume also helps the twin-rudder steering retain control at steep angles of heel.
Rig, Sailing Performance, and Handling
The fractional-sloop rig has a shorter aluminium mast and a pinhead mainsail compared with the SE. Sail area is reduced by just under 20% upwind and 13% downwind.
In testing, the First 27-2 was slow to wake in 4 knots of true wind, making 2.8 knots close-hauled. In 5 knots, however, it came alive and reached 4 knots of boat speed, rising to 4.5 knots in 6 knots true. Once fully powered up, maintaining 6 knots upwind should not be a problem. On a beam reach under a furling gennaker in 3.5 to 6 knots, boat speed matched wind speed.
The helm remains super light, and the boat responds beautifully to sail trim and crew weight. Even so, it has enough inherent stability that it doesn’t depend on precise crew placement.
Under power, the 15 hp Yanmar with shaft drive and foldable propeller pushes the boat to 7 knots at cruising speed and 10 knots at full throttle.
Accommodation and Cockpit
The standard layout sleeps up to four, with a double berth in the forepeak and two settee/quarter berths in the saloon. The cabin is very bright and openly spaced, though it has no standing headroom.
A removable table serves both the saloon and cockpit. At the midpoint of the interior, foldable magnetic doors can create a proper marine toilet compartment with a black-water tank or open up to extend the forecabin. Between the saloon and bow, the small galley sits to port, with a gas burner and fresh-water sink, while the toilet is to starboard. Both are concealed when not in use.
The large, open cockpit has comfortable benches, a swim ladder, and a stern shower. New forward bench sections provide additional on-deck stowage beside the lazarette and give the cockpit a more comfortable cruising feel than the SE.
Known Issues
Period testing noted that the stanchions and pushpits are relatively short. They meet the regulations for a boat of this size, but a full-height rail would provide a better sense of security.
Verdict
The First 27-2 is a rare combination: a 26-footer that planes in 12 knots, sleeps four in reasonable comfort, and feels safe enough to push hard as conditions build. In decent weather and experienced hands, it is clearly capable of crossing the Channel. Still, the lack of standing headroom and the short lifelines are reminders that this is a sportsboat at heart.
Pros
- Planes in as little as 12 knots of wind, with a light, responsive helm
- Fixed fin with torpedo bulb and twin rudders provide inherent stability without dependence on crew placement
- Bright interior, concealed galley, and convertible head layout make good use of the available space
- Inboard 15 hp diesel, shaft drive, and foldable propeller provide strong motoring range
Cons
- No standing headroom below
- Short stanchions and pushpits reduce the sense of security on deck
- Reduced sail area compared with the SE limits light-air acceleration off the line
