G&S 27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

On the water, the G&S 27 is defined by its light displacement of 5,100 lbs and a healthy ballast ratio of approximately 39%, according to technical records preserved via Wikipedia. With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of 199, the boat sits comfortably in the "light racer" category, allowing for rapid acceleration in light air and responsive handling under load. The hull features a raked stem and a plumb transom with a transom-hung rudder, a configuration that provides excellent "feel" through the tiller and allows the helm to stay sensitive even when the boat is pressed.

Performance anecdotes from the 1987 MORC Internationals, documented by Latitude 38, highlight the boat’s dominance; G&S designs claimed the top three slots overall, with the G&S 27 Thunderbolt taking first place. The boat’s 5.0-foot fin keel provides significant lift upwind, while its masthead sloop rig (or occasional fractional variant) allows for a versatile sail plan. Owners report that the G&S 27 tracks exceptionally well for its size, though its light weight requires active sail trimming to maintain optimal heel angles in heavy gusts.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the G&S 27 is best described as functional and "camp-style," prioritizing weight savings for the racecourse. Headroom is limited—typical for MORC designs of this era—offering primarily sitting room (roughly 48 to 50 inches) in the main cabin. The standard layout includes four bunks: a V-berth forward and two settees in the salon. Storage is minimalist, and auxiliary power is almost exclusively provided by a transom-mounted outboard motor to keep the hull free of the drag and weight of an inboard engine.

For those seeking more comfort, the Mariah 27 sibling is the primary variation. Built by Mariah Yachts, this version maintains the G&S performance DNA but incorporates a more complete interior, including an enclosed head, a small galley, and better wood finishing. There were also several custom "turbo-ized" versions of the G&S 27 built for professional racing teams, featuring lighter laminates or modified rigs, such as the famous Bold Forbes, which was a modified Mariah 27 built to high-spec racing standards.

Popular Mentions & Media

The G&S 27 maintains a strong cultural footprint within the Great Lakes racing community and the history of the MORC class. It is frequently cited in retrospectives regarding the "Golden Era" of Midget Ocean Racing. The design’s success was a primary reason for the firm’s subsequent collaborations with S2 Yachts, leading to the creation of the legendary S2 7.9 and S2 9.1 models, which further expanded the G&S design language into the production market.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on the following technical areas, common to high-performance builds from the mid-1980s:

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many fiberglass boats of this era, the G&S 27 used balsa-cored decks. Inspect around stanchion bases, chainplates, and the mast step for soft spots or moisture intrusion, which can indicate core delamination.
• Transom and Rudder Mounts: Since the G&S 27 features a transom-hung rudder and often relies on a removable outboard bracket, the transom is a high-stress area. Check for stress cracking or "spiderwebbing" in the gelcoat around these mounting points.
• Rigging and Chainplates: Many G&S 27s were campaigned heavily in offshore or high-wind environments. A thorough inspection of the standing rigging and the internal chainplate attachments is essential to ensure no fatigue or structural movement has occurred.
• Hull-to-Deck Joint: Evaluate the integrity of the toe rail and the hull-to-deck bond. Hard racing can cause flexing that leads to minor leaks in the joint, especially near the shrouds.

Community & Resources

While there is no longer a dedicated factory support system, the G&S 27 is part of the broader Graham & Schlageter design legacy. Information is often shared through the MORC (Midget Ocean Racing Club) heritage groups and regional sailing associations in the Great Lakes area. Technical details and the firm's history are maintained by enthusiasts of the Graham & Schlageter firm.

The Verdict

The G&S 27 remains a formidable choice for sailors who prioritize speed, tactical handling, and a winning pedigree over luxury accommodations.

Pros:

• Exceptional light-air performance and acceleration.
• Proven championship pedigree in the MORC class.
• Responsive, tiller-driven handling with excellent feedback.
• Trailerable size allows for diverse racing and cruising grounds.

Cons:

• Minimalist interior with limited sitting headroom and basic amenities.
• Requires a skilled crew to keep the boat flat in heavy air.
• Maintenance-intensive balsa-cored construction common to the era.