Design and Construction
The hull and deck are both solid fibreglass, while the fin keel is iron rather than lead. A length-to-beam ratio of 2.95 and a ballast ratio of 39 percent mark the Drabant 27 as a moderately loaded cruiser.
Because construction was spread among several yards—and some owners completed their own boats—buyers should expect differences in fit and finish. The quality of an individual boat may depend on who assembled it.
Rig and Performance
The Drabant 27 carries a masthead rig. Its sail-area-to-displacement figure is 15.3 with the ISO reference sail, rising to 18.2 with a 135 percent genoa. That makes the boat slightly overrigged: it carries more sail plan than 58 percent of comparable sailboats. This helps explain its Relative Speed Performance index of 69.
The theoretical displacement-hull speed for its length is 6.3 knots, while the quoted maximum is 6.0 knots. A capsize screening value of 1.97 and a Motion Comfort Ratio of 19.6 to 22.1 place the Drabant 27 among moderate racers with tolerable motion. A wetted surface of about 236 square feet and an immersion rate near 706 pounds per inch describe a boat that responds predictably to loading.
Accommodations
Below, the boat has a teak interior and a toilet facility. Headroom is described as near average for the class. The cabin follows the practical layout of a period Danish cruiser rather than offering a bespoke custom interior. Its near-average standing room points to a pragmatic weekender rather than a full-time liveaboard.
Ownership and Refits
A used Drabant 27 may have non-standard systems or joinery because some hulls were sold for owners to finish themselves. On home-completed examples, the areas that didn’t benefit from a factory process should be inspected for structural consistency. The iron keel also warrants attention for corrosion.
The Verdict
The Drabant 27 is a compact, slightly overrigged Danish cruiser-racer with a solid fibreglass hull and deck, an iron fin keel, and a teak interior. Its low production numbers and history of home completion mean that individual condition matters more than brand uniformity.
Pros
- Slightly overrigged masthead sloop with a strong sail-area-to-displacement figure for its size
- Solid fibreglass hull and deck with a moderate ballast ratio
- Shallow enough draft to enter most marinas
Cons
- Iron keel is susceptible to corrosion
- Home-completed examples may vary in quality
- Fewer than 100 built, limiting fleet support and parts commonality
