Chiggiato 27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Chiggiato 27 is defined by its Venetian pedigree, characterized by a centerboard (deriva mobile) configuration that allows for a exceptionally shallow minimum draft of approximately 0.70 meters (2.3 feet). This feature was a necessity for navigating the sandbanks of the Adriatic coast but also translates to a versatile coastal cruiser today. Under sail, the boat exhibits the balanced, sea-kindly manners typical of Artù Chiggiato’s designs, which emphasized "harmony between lines and the sea," according to historical retrospectives in Nautipedia.

With the centerboard fully extended to roughly 1.50 meters, the boat gains the lateral resistance needed for respectable upwind performance. Its sailplan is usually a fractional sloop rig, which provides a manageable balance for short-handed crews. Unlike the more modern, wide-beamed designs of its era, the Chiggiato 27 tracks with precision, though it lacks the high-speed planing potential of contemporary light-displacement boats. It is best described as a "gentleman’s cruiser-racer," rewarding careful trim with a stable, predictable motion in a seaway.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Chiggiato 27 reflects the era of "pocket cruisers," where every inch of its approximately 8.20-meter length was utilized for utility. The standard layout features a traditional V-berth in the bow, followed by a central salon with twin longitudinal settees that double as sea berths. A compact galley and a small navigation station are typically located flanking the companionway, with a marine head situated between the salon and the forward cabin.

Later fiberglass models produced by the Chiggiato shipyard in Marghera often featured mahogany or teak joinery, attempting to replicate the warmth of the original wooden hulls. Headroom is modest, as the low-profile coachroof—designed to minimize windage and maintain aesthetic elegance—limits standing room for taller sailors. Sibling models from the same shipyard, such as the Chiggiato 24 and the larger Chiggiato 34, were often designed by Epaminonda Ceccarelli, who brought a more modern, voluminous approach to the shipyard’s lineup in the 1970s. Details on these transitions in Italian yachting history are frequently discussed by the Ceccarelli Yacht Design archive.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Chiggiato 27, particularly the fiberglass versions from the 1970s, should focus their inspections on the following technical areas:

• Centerboard Trunk and Mechanism: As the defining feature of the boat, the lifting keel mechanism is prone to corrosion or pivot-pin wear. Inspect the trunk for signs of stress cracking or leaks, and ensure the lifting tackle operates smoothly under load.
• Deck Core Integrity: Like many GRP boats of this vintage, the deck may utilize a balsa or foam core. Check for "soft spots" or delamination around the chainplates and stanchion bases where water ingress can rot the core.
• Osmosis: Early Italian fiberglass builds are known for susceptibility to osmotic blistering. A hull survey is essential to check for moisture levels and the presence of blisters below the waterline.
• Rudder Bushings: The spade or skeg-hung rudders on these models often develop play in the bushings over decades of use. Check for excessive vibration or "slop" in the helm.
• Engine Maintenance: Many units were originally fitted with small Farymann or early Volvo Penta diesel engines. Parts for these can be difficult to source, and a thorough mechanical inspection is advised.

Community & Resources

Due to its niche status outside of Italy, formal owner associations are rare. However, the boat is frequently celebrated within the "Classic Boats" movement in Italy. The Giornale della Vela occasionally features the Chiggiato 27 in its retrospectives on historical Italian designs. Technical support is often found through local Venetian sailing clubs or by contacting the descendants of the original design offices in the Emilia-Romagna and Veneto regions.

The Verdict

The Chiggiato 27 is a "connoisseur's boat" that offers a bridge between the elegance of pre-war design and the practicality of the fiberglass era. It is an ideal choice for sailors who prioritize aesthetic beauty and shallow-water capability over modern interior volume.

Pros:

• Shallow Draft: The centerboard design is perfect for exploring estuaries and lagoons.
• Timeless Aesthetics: Lines by Artù Chiggiato remain among the most elegant of the period.
• Structural Robustness: Heavily built compared to modern mass-production boats.

Cons:

• Limited Headroom: The low-profile design sacrifices interior height.
• Maintenance: Centerboard systems require more attention than fixed keels.
• Availability: Hard to find outside of the Mediterranean, specifically the Adriatic.