Fantasi 27 (Jeanneau) CB Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Fantasia 27 is characterized by its balance and surprisingly stiff nature for a light-displacement cruiser. Philippe Harlé, known for his success in offshore racing designs, imbued the hull with a relatively wide beam that is carried well aft, providing significant form stability. According to technical archives from Jeanneau, the centerboard version utilizes a cast iron ballast plate fixed to the hull, through which the pivoting foil descends. This configuration results in a draft that varies from a shallow 0.80 meters (2’7”) with the board up to 1.72 meters (5’7”) when fully deployed.

While the fin-keel version offers slightly better tracking upwind, the CB variant is remarkably capable, provided the sailor manages the board depth to balance the helm. In light air, the boat’s modest displacement of approximately 2,300 kg allows it to move easily, though it truly finds its stride in a Moderate Breeze (Force 4). Handling is described by owners as "vibrant," and the transom-hung rudder provides immediate feedback. Owners often note that the boat feels larger than its 27 feet when tackling a chop, a byproduct of its high freeboard and robust construction. However, when sailing off the wind with the board up, the boat requires an attentive hand on the tiller to prevent rhythmic rolling in a following sea.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The Fantasia 27 revolutionized the interior expectations of the 1980s cruising market. It was one of the first production boats of this size to move away from the traditional "quarter berth" in favor of a genuine, enclosed aft cabin situated under the cockpit sole. This layout provided a level of privacy previously reserved for 30-to-34-foot yachts. The main saloon is an open-plan design that enhances the sense of volume, featuring a central folding table and a u-shaped settee that can double as additional berths.

The galley is surprisingly functional, typically featuring a two-burner stove and a stainless steel sink, located to the port side of the companionway. Opposite the galley, a dedicated forward-facing chart table provides a workspace that is often sacrificed in modern boats of this length. In terms of siblings, the hull was produced in three distinct keel configurations: the standard fin keel, the twin-keel (bilge keel) version popular in the UK, and the centerboard version. While the interior remains largely consistent across these variants, the CB version features a small housing for the lifting mechanism that is cleverly integrated into the saloon table assembly, minimizing its impact on living space. High-quality woodwork, typical of 1980s French manufacturing, gives the interior a warm, classic feel, though the headlining is a known area of wear over four decades of use.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Fantasia 27 CB should prioritize the inspection of the lifting keel mechanism. Over time, the pivot pin and the centerboard itself can suffer from galvanic corrosion or swelling (if made of cast iron), leading to the board becoming jammed in the "up" or "down" position. It is essential to verify that the lifting cable and winch are in good working order and that there is no significant play in the pivot.

Like many Jeanneau models from this era, the windows are prone to "crazing" and seal failure. Leaks from the large coachroof ports can lead to the degradation of the interior woodwork and the delamination of the vinyl headlining—a common "gotcha" that is labor-intensive to repair. Furthermore, the engine—most commonly the Yanmar 1GM10—is generally reliable but should be checked for exhaust elbow carbon buildup and raw-water cooling blockages. Finally, buyers should inspect the deck for soft spots, particularly around the chainplates and stanchion bases, where moisture can ingress into the balsa core if the sealant has perished.

Community & Resources

The Fantasia 27 benefits from a robust European owner community. Technical support and original manuals are frequently shared through the Jeanneau Owners Network, a prominent independent organization that archives the technical history of the brand’s legacy models. In France, the boat maintains a cult-like status among coastal cruisers, with numerous local associations dedicated to the preservation of Philippe Harlé’s "Fantasia" and "Love-Love" designs.

The Verdict

The Jeanneau Fantasia 27 CB is a masterclass in space efficiency and coastal versatility. It remains a top choice for small families or couples who require a beachable boat that does not compromise on the essential comforts of a cruising yacht.

Pros:

• Innovative Layout: The inclusion of an enclosed aft cabin in a 27-foot boat was decades ahead of its time.
• Versatility: The centerboard configuration allows for exploration of shallow bays and cheaper drying moorings.
• Build Quality: Solid fiberglass hull construction that has aged well over forty years.

Cons:

• Maintenance: The centerboard mechanism requires more attention and periodic hauling for inspection than a fixed keel.
• Aesthetics: The high freeboard, while providing headroom, creates a somewhat "boxy" profile compared to sleeker Swedish contemporaries.
• Age: Common issues with window seals and headlining are likely present in examples that have not been recently refitted.