CS 27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The CS 27 is widely regarded for its "stiff" sailing characteristics, a direct result of its generous 2,400-pound lead ballast on a total displacement of approximately 6,100 pounds. This ballast-to-displacement ratio of nearly 40% ensures that the boat carries sail well into freshening breezes, often remaining upright and controllable when lighter 27-footers are forced to reef. According to technical assessments often cited in Canadian Yachting, the yacht’s deep-fin keel and high-aspect spade rudder provide exceptional tracking and responsiveness, allowing it to point higher than many of its contemporary rivals like the Catalina 27 or Tanzer 26.

Under sail, the boat exhibits a classic Raymond Wall trait: a balanced helm that provides enough feedback to keep the sailor engaged without becoming tiring. Because it was designed for the steep chop of the Great Lakes and the unpredictable Atlantic coast, the hull features a relatively fine entry that slices through waves rather than pounding over them. While it is not a dedicated light-air racer, its PHRF rating (typically around 204–210) makes it a competitive club racer. Owners frequently report that the boat feels most at home in 12 to 18 knots of wind, where its momentum and hull shape allow it to maintain speed through heavy seas.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel of its length, the CS 27 offers an interior volume that challenged the standards of the mid-1970s, specifically boasting 6'1" of headroom. The layout is a masterclass in ergonomics, featuring a traditional V-berth forward, a private head to port with a hanging locker opposite, and a main salon with a folding table. The use of warm teak bulkheads and joinery reflects the premium positioning of CS Yachts. Throughout its production run, the interior remained relatively consistent, though later models saw refinements in cabinetry and the transition from the Bukh diesel engines to more common Yanmar units.

The galley is typically located aft, near the companionway for ventilation, featuring a two-burner stove and a deep icebox. One of the unique variations within the CS 27 lineage is the accommodation for different engine configurations; while most were fitted with the reliable Yanmar 1GM or 1GM10, some earlier versions featured the heavy-duty Danish-built Bukh diesels, which are legendary for their longevity but can be more difficult to source parts for today. The CS 27 does not have many "siblings" on the exact same hull, but it served as the design bridge between the smaller, John Butler-designed CS 22 and the larger, more sophisticated CS 30 and CS 33 models that followed.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a CS 27 on the brokerage market, the primary concern is the "CS Smile." This is a hairline crack that can develop at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint. While often a cosmetic issue caused by the flexing of the hull against the lead keel, it should be inspected to ensure the keel bolts are torqued to specification and that no moisture has penetrated the laminate.

The deck is a balsa-cored sandwich construction, which provides excellent stiffness and insulation but is susceptible to rot if hardware has not been re-bedded. Buyers should use a moisture meter or perform a percussion "tap test" around the stanchion bases, chainplates, and the mast step. Additionally, the spade rudder should be checked for signs of "wicking" or delamination; if the rudder feels excessively heavy when the boat is hauled out, it may be saturated with water. Finally, the original electrical panels on older hulls are often undersized for modern electronics and may require a complete overhaul to meet current ABYC standards.

Community & Resources

The CS 27 enjoys one of the most dedicated owner communities in the sailing world, centered largely around the CS Owners Association. This group maintains an extensive technical library that includes original blueprints, wiring diagrams, and manuals that are indispensable for restoration projects. The association’s deep collective knowledge provides a vital resource for sourcing replacement parts that are no longer in production, such as the specific portlights or toerail extrusions used by Canadian Sailcraft.

The Verdict

The CS 27 remains an premier choice for the discerning sailor looking for a "pocket cruiser" that does not sacrifice build quality for size. Its design pedigree and robust construction make it a rare 27-footer that can be trusted for coastal passages and spirited offshore hops.

Pros:

• Exceptional headroom (6'1") for a 27-foot boat.
• High ballast ratio leads to a stable, safe, and "stiff" sailing experience.
• Superior build quality compared to many mass-production contemporaries.
• Strong resale value and a dedicated, helpful owner’s association.

Cons:

• Aged diesel engines (particularly the Bukh models) may require expensive repowering.
• Potential for balsa-core moisture issues if deck hardware was neglected.
• The "CS Smile" at the keel joint often requires structural or cosmetic repair.