Finesse 27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Finesse 27 is characterized by a high-volume, displacement hull with a distinctive clinker (lapstrake) construction that provides a naturally "dry" ride by deflecting spray away from the cockpit. Most models were equipped with a heavy iron centerboard, which allows for a versatile draft—typically around 3 feet with the plate up and nearly double that when fully deployed. This configuration grants the boat surprising windward performance for a traditional design, while its substantial beam ensures a high degree of initial stability.

On the water, the Finesse 27 is more of a "steady trekker" than a racing yacht. Its handling is predictable and forgiving, a trait often attributed to its balanced sail plan, which was available in either a Bermudan or a traditional gaff rig. According to editorial insights from Yachting Monthly, which has frequently profiled the Finesse range as a quintessential East Coast cruiser, the boat’s weight allows it to carry momentum through a chop, though it requires a freshening breeze to truly come alive. The helm is typically reported as heavy but communicative, providing the sailor with a clear sense of the boat's "groove."

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Finesse 27 is where it most clearly diverges from its smaller counterparts, the Finesse 21 and the Finesse 24. While the 21 is a compact weekender and the 24 a capable cruiser, the 27 offers genuine standing headroom (approximately 6 feet) throughout the main cabin—a significant feat for a wooden boat of this era and style. The layout typically features four berths: a V-berth in the forepeak and two settee berths in the saloon.

The joinery is almost exclusively traditional wood, often finished in brightwork that highlights the iroko and oak construction. The galley is generally located to the port or starboard of the companionway, featuring a cooker and sink, while a separate heads compartment is situated between the saloon and the forepeak. Variations exist based on the original owner's specifications, as Platt’s yard often customized the internal cabinetry. Some 27s were built with a slightly more pronounced coachroof to further increase internal volume, though the classic lines remain consistent across the fleet.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers must approach the Finesse 27 with the understanding that it is a traditional wooden vessel requiring consistent maintenance. Key areas for inspection include:

• Fastenings and "Nail Sickness": As a clinker-built boat, the copper rivets and roves are the lifeblood of the hull. Over decades, these can loosen or "weep," leading to leaks. A thorough tap-test and visual inspection for "blackening" around fastenings are essential.
• Centerboard Case: The pivot pin and the internal surfaces of the iron centerboard case are prone to corrosion and fouling. If the plate has not been dropped and inspected recently, it can jam or cause significant structural rot in the surrounding trunk.
• Deck and Coachroof Joints: Many Finesse 27s featured Cascover sheathing or canvas-covered decks. If this membrane is breached, freshwater can penetrate the plywood sub-deck, leading to localized rot that is often hidden by headliners.
• Engine Installation: Because these boats were built individually, engine access can vary. Buyers should check the stern gland and the condition of the engine beds, as Iroko can occasionally suffer from "acid rot" if iron fittings were used improperly in high-moisture areas.

Community & Resources

The Finesse 27 benefits from an exceptionally dedicated owner base, largely centered around the Finesse Owners Association. This organization provides an invaluable archive of technical drawings, restoration guides, and a register of the boats still in commission. Their annual rallies on the East Coast of England remain the best venue for observing the variations between individual builds and the larger 28-foot experimental models that followed.

The Verdict

The Finesse 27 is an evocative, sturdy, and surprisingly spacious cruiser that appeals to those who value craftsmanship over modern convenience. It is a boat that requires a steward rather than just an owner, rewarding that care with timeless aesthetics and the ability to explore shallow estuaries inaccessible to deeper-draft yachts.

Pros:

• Shallow Draft: The lifting keel makes it ideal for creek crawling and drying out.
• Interior Volume: Exceptional headroom and living space for a 27-foot traditional wooden boat.
• Construction Quality: Robust Iroko-on-Oak build provides a stiff, seaworthy hull.

Cons:

• Maintenance Intensive: Requires the specialized care and seasonal attention inherent to wooden hull ownership.
• Weight: Not a light-airs performer; requires a good breeze to overcome its displacement.
• Vulnerability: Susceptible to freshwater rot if the deck and coachroof seals are neglected.