Granada 27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Granada 27 is characterized by its stiffness and predictable tracking, largely due to a ballast ratio that exceeds 40%. With a total displacement of approximately 2,300 kg and nearly 1,000 kg concentrated in its fin keel, the boat carries its sail area well into the upper Beaufort scales before requiring a reef. Its underwater profile features a moderately deep fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration that offers a superior compromise between the agility of a spade rudder and the directional stability of a full-keel cruiser.

Under sail, the boat feels balanced and communicative. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio sits in the medium range (approximately 250), which allows it to maintain momentum through waves that would stall lighter contemporary designs. While it lacks the raw acceleration of a pure racing yacht, its performance in a breeze is formidable for its size. Owner anecdotes frequently highlight the boat’s "sea-kindliness," noting that it does not slam in a head sea, a common trait attributed to Jørn Hansen’s conservative hull sections and the gentle entry of the bow.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 27-footer designed in the 1970s, the Granada 27 offers a surprisingly functional interior, largely finished in warm mahogany or teak veneers. The layout follows the traditional European standard: a forward V-berth for two, followed by a heads compartment located between the salon and the forepeak. The main salon features two longitudinal settees; on many hulls, the port settee is designed to convert into a double berth, allowing the boat to sleep five in total.

The galley is typically located to starboard of the companionway, equipped with a two-burner stove and a compact sink, while a small navigation station sits opposite to port. Headroom is approximately 1.75 meters (5'9"), which was generous for its class at the time of production. While the Granada 27 did not see the vast number of factory variations found in larger models like the Granada 31 or 34, there were minor iterations in the cockpit layout and the inclusion of various inboard engine packages, ranging from the Volvo Penta MD5 to the Bukh DV10.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Granada 27 with a technical focus on its aging systems and structural integrity:

• Engine Longevity: Many original units were fitted with the Volvo Penta MD5 series. These engines are now reaching the end of their service life. Buyers should check for excessive vibration, cold-start smoke, and the availability of spare parts, which are becoming increasingly scarce.
• Rudder Bearings and Skeg: The skeg-hung rudder is a robust design, but the bushings and the point where the skeg meets the hull should be inspected for play or stress cracking, which can indicate groundings or decades of wear.
• Deck Delamination: Like many Scandinavian boats of this era, the Granada 27 uses a balsa or foam core in the deck. Using a moisture meter around stanchion bases, chainplates, and the mast step is critical to identify soft spots caused by water ingress.
• Standing Rigging: Many Granada 27s are still sailing with original or significantly aged rigging. Given the boat's stiffness, the loads on the chainplates can be high; these should be inspected for "crevice corrosion" where they pass through the deck.

Community & Resources

The Granada 27 benefits from a dedicated following in Northern Europe. The most prominent resource for technical data and historical documentation is the Granada Owners Club (Granada Klubben), based in Denmark. This association maintains archives of original sail plans and provides a network for sourcing parts and advice specifically for the Jørn Hansen-designed models.

The Verdict

The Granada 27 remains a highly regarded entry-level cruiser for those who prioritize build quality and heavy-weather safety over modern "condo-maran" interior volume.

Pros

• Exceptional ballast ratio leads to a safe, stiff, and stable sailing platform.
• High-quality Scandinavian joinery that has aged better than many mass-produced contemporaries.
• Predictable handling characteristics suitable for short-handed sailing.

Cons

• Interior headroom and beam are tight compared to modern 27-footers.
• Original Volvo Penta or Bukh engines may require imminent and costly replacement.
• Limited availability in North American markets, as production was primarily focused on Europe.