Cutlass 27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Cutlass 27 is frequently described by period reviews as a "sailor's boat." Its performance is dictated by its heavy displacement-to-length ratio and its narrow, deep-sectioned hull. Because of the 4'6" draft and a ballast ratio approaching 45%, the boat is notably stiff and capable of carrying sail well into a freshening breeze. On the wind, the Cutlass 27 excels; it tracks with a level of "groove" that modern fin-keelers rarely replicate, requiring minimal input from the helm once the sails are trimmed.

However, the design's narrow beam and low freeboard mean it can be a "wet" boat when punching through a short head sea, as the bow lacks the buoyancy to stay high over steep waves. According to technical notes from the Trident Owners Association, which often stewards information for Marcon-built sister ships, the long keel provides excellent directional stability, though this comes at the cost of maneuverability in tight marinas. Reversing a Cutlass 27 is famously unpredictable, as the transom-hung rudder and long keel make the boat prone to "prop walk" with little response until significant sternway is gathered. Under sail, the boat feels balanced and secure, making it a popular choice for single-handed coastal passages or crossing the English Channel in conditions that might unsettle lighter, flatter-bottomed designs.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Cutlass 27 is a study in compromise, dictated entirely by its slim 7'7" beam. The layout is traditional: a V-berth forward, a small heads compartment (typically featuring a marine toilet and a slide-out washbasin), and a main saloon with two longitudinal settee berths. The galley and a small chart table are located aft, flanking the companionway. Due to the hull's taper, the living space feels intimate, and storage is at a premium.

Marcon produced the Cutlass 27 in two primary variants. The Mark I features a lower, more streamlined coachroof that emphasizes the boat's classic lines but offers limited headroom (approximately 5'8"). The Mark II, introduced later in the production run, features a "stepped" or raised coachroof designed to provide more standing room in the galley and saloon areas. While the Mark II is more practical for cruising, some purists prefer the aesthetics of the Mark I. The hull was also a sibling to the later Marcon Sabre 27, though the two are fundamentally different; while Alan Hill designed both, the Sabre 27 was given a significantly wider beam (9'2") and a fin-and-skeg configuration to appeal to families seeking more interior volume. The Cutlass remained the choice for the traditionalist.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Cutlass 27 should focus on the structural realities of 1960s and 70s GRP construction. While Marcon was known for "over-building" their hulls with heavy laminates, several specific areas require scrutiny:

• Deck Core Saturation: Like many yachts of this era, the Cutlass used a balsa or plywood core in the deck for stiffness. Over decades, leaks from stanchion bases or deck hardware can lead to core rot, resulting in "spongy" sections of the deck.
• Chainplate Attachments: The chainplates on the Cutlass 27 are bolted through the hull/deck join. These should be inspected for signs of weeping or rust streaks, which can indicate that the internal reinforcement requires attention.
• Engine Access and Age: Many original Cutlass 27s were fitted with small Vire petrol engines or early Yanmar/Bukh diesels. Space in the engine bilge is extremely tight due to the narrow hull, making modern repowering a challenge. Check for the quality of any engine mounts and the state of the stern gland.
• Osmosis: Early Marcon hulls are generally robust, but like all fiberglass boats from this period, they are susceptible to osmotic blistering if they have not been epoxied or if they have spent long periods in fresh water.
• Rudder Hangings: The transom-hung rudder is a simple and sturdy design, but the pintles and gudgeons should be checked for excessive play or wear in the bushings.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Cutlass 27 often find a home within the Trident Owners Association. Although the association is named after Marcon's 24-foot flagship, they provide technical support and a community for owners of other Alan Hill-designed Marcon models, including the Cutlass and the Sabre. These boats also have a presence in various "Classic GRP" forums where technical advice on restoring 1960s British cruisers is readily available.

The Verdict

The Cutlass 27 is a "purist's cruiser" that offers timeless aesthetics and exceptional sea-keeping for its size. While it lacks the "caravan-like" interior volume of modern 27-footers, it compensates with a level of sailing dignity and structural honesty that is increasingly rare.

Pros:

• Excellent windward performance and directional stability.
• Classic, attractive lines that stand out in a modern marina.
• Robust, heavy-duty GRP construction.
• Relatively affordable entry point for a capable offshore-ready yacht.

Cons:

• Narrow interior feels cramped compared to contemporary designs.
• Difficult to maneuver in reverse due to the long keel.
• Wet ride in choppy head seas due to low freeboard.
• Restricted engine access makes maintenance a chore.