Folkdancer 27 Buyer's Guide
The Folkdancer 27 is a Frederick Parker design of 1967 with Folkboat ancestry visible mainly below the waterline, built as a proper sea-going yacht with the emphasis on handling rather than cabin comfort anchor. Hurley Marine moulded the sound hulls; Russell Marine handled a plain fit-out. For a shopper, she is a modest-displacement 27-footer whose stiffness and sleek lines reward the sailor who wants a sailor's boat rather than a floating apartment.
Layouts on the Used Market
Two interior arrangements were offered when new. The simpler layout pairs a rudimentary galley and a heads set between the forward V-berths with space for five to sleep. The alternative drops one berth to gain an amidships WC compartment and a larger aft galley. Either way the split sheer and short roof provide reasonable headroom, and Yachting Monthly's four-or-five-berth observation matches the period plans anchor.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
A buyer should simply verify what each individual boat carries. The masthead rig and conservative sail plan are original concepts; any added winches, canvas, or navigation gear are owner-era choices worth checking for condition rather than assuming as standard.
What to Inspect
The one structural note that matters is the hull-and-fit-out split: Hurley Marine moulded hulls were sound, but the Russell Marine interior fit-out was plain anchor. On a viewing, look hard at the joinerwork, sole, and bulkheads for the kind of wear a plain fit-out shows early — soft veneers, tired fastenings, and aged locker faces. The hull moulding itself should be assessed for ordinary GRP age, not assumed defective, but the interior is where corners were cut at build.
- Inspect hull-to-deck joint for age cracks
- Test every locker door and drawer for rot
- Confirm masthead rigging terminals are serviced
- Check the galley and WC seals for leaks
- Verify ballast keel bolts are dry
Comparable models
Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.
Similar boats to compare
2 similar designs| Model | LOA | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moody 27 | 27.67' | $ 14,890 | 27 | 11 |
| Great Dane Dane 28 | 28' | $ 12,223 | 7 | 4 |