Coronado 27 CB Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Coronado 27 CB exhibits the characteristic stability and predictable motion associated with William Crealock’s cruising hulls. Unlike the fixed-keel version, which carries a 4'5" draft, the CB model features a retractable board that allows for a minimum draft of approximately 3'3" (board up), significantly expanding its cruising range. According to technical documentation preserved by the Columbia Yacht Owners Association, the hull features a relatively high freeboard and a wide beam for its length, which provides a stiff sailing attitude but contributes to notable windage.

The boat is not a light-air specialist; its displacement-to-length ratio suggests a hull that requires a freshening breeze to reach hull speed. However, once established on a reach, the Coronado 27 CB tracks well thanks to its skeg-hung rudder, which provides a balanced feel at the helm and protects the steering gear from grounding. Owners often report that while the boat can be somewhat "leeward-prone" with the board up, dropping the centerboard provides the necessary lateral resistance to tack through roughly 90 to 100 degrees. It is a sea-kindly vessel that favors comfort and safety over the twitchy responsiveness of a dedicated racer.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The primary selling point of the Coronado 27 CB during its production run was its "unprecedented" interior volume for a vessel under 30 feet. By utilizing a nearly flush-deck design and high topsides, Crealock was able to provide over 6 feet of standing headroom—a rarity for a 27-footer in the early 1970s. The cabin layout is traditional but efficient, typically featuring a forward V-berth, a marine head located to port with a hanging locker opposite, and a main salon with a convertible dinette.

Materials used in the interior reflect the era's transition toward low-maintenance finishes; while there is a functional amount of teak trim, much of the interior consists of easy-to-clean fiberglass liners and wood-grain laminates. The Coronado 27 CB shared its hull and basic mold with the fixed-keel version, but the interior of the CB model is distinguished by the presence of the centerboard trunk, which is integrated into the salon table assembly. This allows the mechanical components of the board to remain accessible without sacrificing significant floor space.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Coronado 27 CB should approach the vessel with an understanding of its age and the specific mechanical requirements of a centerboard trunk.

• Centerboard Pennant & Pivot Bolt: The most critical inspection point is the centerboard lift line (pennant) and the pivot bolt. Over decades, these stainless steel components can suffer from crevice corrosion. If the board becomes stuck or the cable snaps, repairs often require hauling the boat and potentially dropping the board entirely, which can be a complex yard task.
• Deck Delamination: Like many boats of this vintage, the Coronado 27 utilized a balsa-cored deck. Areas around stanchion bases, the mast step, and the chainplates are prone to moisture intrusion. Soft spots or "spongy" sections of the deck indicate that the core has compromised and may require an expensive "drill and fill" or skin-peel repair.
• Hull-to-Deck Joint: The joint on early Coronados was often fastened with screws and adhesive rather than through-bolts. Over time, the racking forces of sailing can cause this seal to weep, leading to "mystery leaks" in the cabin during heavy rain or when the boat is heeled.
• Rudder Post and Skeg: Inspect the skeg-to-hull attachment point. While the skeg-hung rudder is a robust design, any significant grounding can stress the fiberglass where the skeg meets the hull, leading to structural cracking.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Coronado 27 CB benefit from a robust cross-over community with Columbia Yachts enthusiasts. The Columbia Yacht Owners Association acts as the primary repository for original brochures, line drawings, and technical manuals for the Coronado line, as many of these boats were produced in the same Virginia or California facilities. There are also informal groups on platforms like Facebook and older email lists where owners share specific modifications for the Crealock-designed hulls.

The Verdict

The Coronado 27 CB is an honest, entry-level coastal cruiser that offers an exceptional amount of living space for its footprint. While it lacks the pedigree of a boutique racer, it serves as a reliable platform for weekend adventures and shallow-water exploration.

Pros

• Exceptional headroom (6'+) and interior volume for a 27-foot boat.
• Shallow draft (3'3" board up) allows access to anchorages closed to other sailboats.
• Robust skeg-hung rudder provides protection and steady tracking.
• Predictable, stable handling characteristics suitable for newer sailors.

Cons

• High freeboard creates significant windage, making docking in crosswinds a challenge.
• Not a competitive performer in light air or tight upwind legs.
• Maintenance of the centerboard mechanism adds complexity compared to fixed-keel models.
• Aesthetic "boxy" profile may not appeal to traditionalists seeking sleek lines.