C&C 27 Mk V Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Mark V is widely regarded as a nimble, high-performance flyer that excels in light-to-moderate air. With a displacement of only 4,420 pounds for the fin keel version, it is nearly 1,000 pounds lighter than the earlier 27-foot models. This weight reduction, paired with an exceptionally tall masthead rig, results in a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 20.3—a significant jump from the "sickly" 17.3 ratio of the Mark IV, as noted by Sailing World.

In light air, the boat "ghosts along" and accelerates briskly with every gust. However, this performance comes with a degree of tenderness; the boat tends to heel quickly once the breeze exceeds 12 knots, often requiring an early reef or a reduction in headsail size to maintain a comfortable angle. Handling is defined by a transom-mounted spade rudder that provides "instant feedback" through the tiller, according to Good Old Boat. This arrangement offers superior control compared to the internally mounted rudders of earlier marks and simplifies maintenance of the steering gear.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Mark V was designed with a more modern, streamlined aesthetic than the teak-heavy C&C yachts of the 1970s. The layout features a traditional V-berth forward, a head to port, and a main salon with a galley to starboard. To maximize the feel of the 9-foot 3-inch beam, the designers utilized a fold-down table rather than a permanent dinette.

A notable trade-off for the Mark V's sleek exterior profile is limited interior volume. Headroom is a significant constraint, measuring approximately 5 feet 10 inches at the companionway and tapering forward. Canadian Boating describes the interior as "serviceable" and "clean-lined," though it notes that the galley lacks an oven in favor of additional storage. While the Mark V is the primary model in this lineage, it shares its hull form with the C&C 26 Wave, a variant introduced with a wing keel and a shorter mast to appeal to cruisers in shallower waters.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the C&C 27 Mk V with a focus on structural moisture and rig tension. As with many balsa-cored boats of this era, the deck is prone to delamination if hardware has not been meticulously re-bedded.

• Wet Core & Delamination: Particular attention should be paid to the area around the baby stay chainplate and the mast step. Practical Sailor notes that water often migrates through these points, potentially rotting the balsa core.
• Chainplate Leaks: The chainplates are bolted to the main bulkhead. Inspect the bulkhead for water staining or "mushy" wood, which indicates chronic leaking that can compromise the structural integrity of the rig.
• Bulkhead Rot at the Sole: On early models, the main bulkhead sits in a recess in the floor pan. If the bilge is allowed to stay full of water, the end-grain of the plywood bulkhead can wick moisture, leading to rot at the base.
• Auxiliary Power: Most Mark Vs were equipped with the 7.5 hp Yanmar 1GMF diesel engine. While reliable, this engine is often considered underpowered for motoring against heavy wind and chop.

Community & Resources

The most prominent technical resource for this model is the C&C 27 Association, which maintains an exhaustive archive of owner manuals, tuning guides, and historical data. This community is particularly active in the Great Lakes region, where the boat remains a staple of Wednesday night PHRF racing.

The Verdict

The C&C 27 Mark V is a refined, late-era performance cruiser that prioritizes sailing sensation over interior volume. It remains a top choice for sailors who value helm response and light-air speed over the "condo-on-the-water" amenities found in modern 27-footers.

Pros:

• Exceptional light-air performance and acceleration.
• Balanced, responsive helm via the transom-mounted rudder.
• High-quality construction typical of the 1980s C&C era.
• Strong one-design and PHRF racing presence.

Cons:

• Limited headroom (max 5'10") for taller sailors.
• Can be tender and requires early reefing in heavy air.
• Standard 7.5 hp engine is underpowered for strong currents.
• Balsa-cored deck requires careful inspection for moisture intrusion.