C&C 27 Mk IV Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Design and Construction

The Mark IV inherited a structure that C&C had standardized through the 1970s and early 1980s. Decks were balsa-cored, while the hull itself was a hand-laid-up fiberglass layup using alternate layers of mat and cloth, according to an old manufacturer brochure. Ballast was an external lead casting through-bolted to reinforced hull sections, and a molded fiberglass pan formed the cabin sole and berth foundations without extending higher into the structure. A C&C trademark detail was the L-shaped aluminum toerail with slots for attaching snatch blocks, and the hull-deck joint was secured by carriage bolts that could be installed by a single worker. Marine-ply bulkheads were described in the same brochure as taped and bonded to hull and deck.

Rig and Handling

The Mark IV was a masthead sloop carrying 372 square feet of sail area on a 37-foot rig. The forestay was set back roughly seven inches to clear a bow roller, a practical concession to anchoring. Mid-boom mainsheet sheeting with the traveler on the bridgedeck had become standard back in 1974, replacing end-of-boom sheeting. Owners generally rate its upwind and off-the-wind performance as above average, and most have reported that their boats back up beautifully under power. The one handling caveat owners voice is increasing weather helm as the wind builds, with early reefing the advised remedy. The 27's keel—swept aft like an inverted shark's fin—takes extra care in blocking when hauled due to the lack of a flat run on the bottom.

Accommodations

The Mark IV's interior marked its biggest departure from earlier sisterships. The primarily teak cabin gave way to off-white melamine trimmed with teak and dark-anodized aluminum mouldings, bringing it in line with the rest of the C&C range. There was even reportedly consideration to market the boat as the Landfall 27, C&C's label for purely cruising-oriented offerings. The accommodation plan itself remained conventional: a 6-foot-plus V-berth forward, head and hanging locker, dinette with opposing settee, and an aft galley. A bridgedeck helps keep water out of the cabin if the boat is pooped, and without a quarterberth the cockpit seat lockers offer generous stowage. Headroom runs between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet 2 inches, though owners say the dinette is a bit narrow for a double when converted. Ventilation is a weak point—the big saloon windows are fixed, and a dorade vent over the head was only an option.

Known Issues

Prospective owners should understand that many C&C 27s have weak spots that would need addressing for offshore work, notably bulkheads not tabbed to the deck. As with any older boat, bulkhead rot where the chainplates attach is a real risk, since water runs down the plate and through the surrounding structure, and deck delamination—especially around hardware—merits close inspection. The keel's shape demands careful blocking on the hard.

Refits and Ownership

The Mark IV's auxiliary power was upgraded to a two-cylinder Yanmar diesel, though many boats left the factory with gas engines such as the Atomic 4. One owner comment rings true across the fleet: simple systems, easy to maintain. That philosophy, combined with the boat's modest size, makes her an approachable platform for the hands-on cruiser.

The Verdict

The C&C 27 Mark IV is the most civilized of the 27-foot C&Cs, distilling decades of small-boat refinement into a compact, manageable package. Her Ball-designed hull and updated interior make her the most finished of the line, while the racing pedigree keeps her lively on the helm. The caveats are those of her class and era: ventilation is poor, and certain structural details need scrutiny before any offshore ambition.

Pros