Dockrell 27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Dockrell 27 is a heavy-displacement cruiser designed for steadiness rather than outright speed. With its long keel and significant weight, the boat exhibits excellent directional stability, tracking well even in choppy conditions. This "sea-kindliness" is a hallmark of the Ian Anderson hull lineage. The cutter rig is a defining feature of the model, often praised by owners for its versatility; the self-tacking staysail makes short-handed tacking effortless, while the split sail plan allows for easy depowering in heavy weather.

A unique technical aspect is the wing keel. By bolting an iron wing ballast block to the base of a shortened long keel, Dockrell achieved a draft of approximately 3 feet (0.91 meters). While this configuration is highly advantageous for the shallow estuaries of the East Coast of the USA and the UK’s East Coast, it does impact performance compared to deeper-finned vessels. In light airs, the high wetted surface area of the long keel can make the boat feel sluggish. However, once the wind picks up, the Dockrell 27 stiffens and provides a secure, predictable ride. Performance reports often highlight the "dryness" of the cockpit, a result of the raised topsides introduced during the design's transition from the original Bowman lines.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Inside, the Dockrell 27 benefited from John Dockrell's decision to move away from the compartmentalized layouts typical of the 1960s and 70s. The vessel features an "open-plan" interior that maximizes the perception of space within its 8-foot beam. By removing some of the bulkheads found in its predecessor, the Hurley 27, the interior feels significantly larger and more ventilated. The coachroof was also modified to provide better headroom, which is generous for a boat of this era and length.

Accommodations typically include a V-berth in the forepeak and two settee berths in the main saloon. The galley and navigation station are positioned aft, near the companionway, for ease of use while underway. While the Dockrell 27 focuses on cruising comfort, its siblings in the Dockrell range targeted different market segments: the Dockrell 17 and 22 were smaller, often featuring lifting keels for trailering or river use, while the Dockrell 37 (built from Sparkman & Stephens S&S38 moulds) represented the builder's foray into high-performance offshore cruising. The Dockrell 27 remains the "sweet spot" of the range, balancing the manageable size of the smaller models with the offshore capability of the larger hulls.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Dockrell 27 with a focus on its age and unique structural modifications. Technical discussions among the sailing community often point to several key areas for inspection:

1. Keel Bolt Integrity: Because the wing keel is a heavy iron block bolted to the hull, the condition of the keel bolts and the surrounding fiberglass laminate is paramount. Buyers should look for signs of "the smile"—a gap at the leading edge of the keel joint—or rust bleeding around the internal bolts.
2. Osmosis: Like many GRP boats built in the 1970s and 80s, Dockrells are susceptible to osmotic blistering. While rarely structural, a moisture meter test of the hull below the waterline is standard practice.
3. Deck Core Softness: The decks are generally sturdy, but areas around the chainplates and the self-tacking staysail track should be checked for "soft spots," which indicate water ingress into the deck core material.
4. Rigging Age: The cutter rig involves more standing rigging than a standard sloop. If the boat still has its original wire rigging, it is well past its recommended lifespan and should be replaced to ensure mast security.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support and historical data is the Dockrell Yacht Owners Association, which provides a repository of information regarding the various keels and rig configurations used throughout the production run. For historical context on the hull's design origins, the Hurley Owners Association offers valuable insights into the Hurley 27, which shares many structural characteristics with the Dockrell 27.

The Verdict

The Dockrell 27 is a quintessential "pocket cruiser" that prioritizes safety and ease of handling over racing credentials. Its ability to sneak into shallow anchorages while maintaining the offshore manners of a long-keeled yacht makes it a rare find in the secondhand market.

Pros:

• Excellent directional stability and predictable handling in heavy weather.
• The cutter rig and self-tacking staysail make it an ideal platform for solo sailors.
• Shallow draft (wing keel version) opens up cruising grounds inaccessible to most 27-footers.
• Spacious, open-plan interior with good headroom for its class.

Cons:

• High wetted surface area leads to uninspiring performance in light winds.
• The wing keel can lead to increased turbulence and drag compared to a standard fin keel.
• Aging GRP and iron ballast require diligent maintenance and inspection.