Design and Construction
For the Mk III, C&C lengthened the established hull by six inches through the cockpit and stern while leaving the beam unchanged. This subtle stretch preserved the generous beam and relatively high topsides that distinguished the C&C 27 from more traditional boats with longer overhangs.
The raised coachroof rises at a low angle from a high, cambered deck. Reasonably wide, sloping side decks run aft to the cockpit coamings behind the winches. Long, straight cockpit benches extend to within inches of the wide transom.
Below the waterline, a swept-back fin keel typical of many 1970s designs is paired with a spade rudder mounted at the aft end of the waterline. For the Mk III, C&C redesigned the rudder with a higher-aspect shape. The keel can’t support the hull’s weight on its own, however, so winter storage requires a strong, elaborate cradle.
Rig, Handling, and Performance
Rob Ball increased the rig height again for the Mk III, this time with a genuine increase in sail area. The mast sits well aft, creating a relatively large foretriangle over a spacious foredeck, while the mainsheet traveller moved forward to a bridgedeck mount.
Under sail, the swept-back fin gives up some windward bite in exchange for fluent reaching. The helm is light and responds quickly, and the boat was fundamentally designed around tiller steering. Taller-rig versions such as the Mk III are better suited to lighter air.
As a whole, the design is strong and seaworthy enough for coastal cruising, although the type’s carrying capacity remains limited in both volume and weight.
Cockpit and Steering
Wheel steering became optional on the Mk III in 1975, but the cockpit geometry makes it awkward. The footwell is too narrow for the helmsman to walk past the wheel, so getting behind it requires stepping onto the seats. Wheel steering remained an option rather than a necessary retrofit, given the boat’s tiller-oriented design.
Accommodations
Below, the Mk III retained the basic layout of its predecessors, with smoked acrylic portlights and minor changes in detailing. The roomy cabin offers standing headroom. A V-berth lies forward, with a head and hanging locker just aft. The main cabin has a dinette to port and a settee to starboard, and most of the interior volume is devoted to this lounging space.
Just inside the companionway, a compact galley provides a sink and stove. An icebox and counter space sit opposite.
Auxiliary Power
Diesel auxiliary power became optional in 1978. Near the end of the Mk III production run, the single-cylinder Yanmar SYP 12 replaced the standard Atomic 4 gasoline engine as standard equipment.
Known Issues
Age often shows in the topsides. Many hulls have fading gelcoat and have been repainted, so buyers should budget for refinishing an older example if the work hasn’t already been done.
The rubber liners around the portlights are also prone to weather-checking and early leakage.
Racing and Class Status
The C&C 27 class races all marks without handicap distinction. Despite the Mk III’s altered ballast and draft, it therefore competes with its sister models on even terms.
The Verdict
The C&C 27 Mk III refines a proven coastal cruiser-racer with a taller, larger-area rig and a higher-aspect rudder, while retaining the roomy, standing-headroom cabin that helped make the line popular. It’s quick on a reach and light on the helm, but the swept-back fin keel limits windward precision, and the cockpit geometry makes wheel steering awkward.
Pros
- Long, successful design lineage, with nearly 1,000 hulls built
- Roomy cabin with standing headroom, a practical dinette, and a compact galley
- Quick, light helm and strong coastal-cruising capability
- Taller rig with increased sail area suits lighter air
Cons
- Swept-back fin keel delivers less-than-perfect windward performance
- Wheel steering requires stepping onto the seats to reach the helm
- Keel can’t support the hull’s weight, requiring an elaborate winter cradle
- Aging topsides and weather-checked portlight liners may require money for repairs and refinishing
