Harris & Heacock 27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Harris & Heacock 27 is characterized by its remarkable directional stability. With a displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio typically exceeding 320, it is a heavy-weather specialist that feels significantly larger than its 27-foot LOA would suggest. The full keel allows the boat to track effortlessly, a trait highly valued by single-handed sailors who find it "heaves-to" with minimal fuss. While it is not a light-air performer—often requiring a dedicated cruising chute or reaching sail to keep moving in under 10 knots of breeze—it comes alive when the wind exceeds 15 knots.

The boat was frequently rigged as a cutter, a configuration that Robert Harris championed for its versatility in varying sea states. By splitting the sail area between a small staysail and a jib, the center of effort remains low and manageable. Editorial reviews, such as those found in Yachting Monthly, which evaluates the identical Vancouver hull, emphasize that the boat’s motion is predictable and "seakindly," avoiding the jerky, high-frequency motion common in modern, flat-bottomed fin-keelers. Owners often report that the boat will steer itself for long periods with a simple tiller-tamer or windvane, making it a favorite for long-distance voyaging.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel of its size, the Harris & Heacock 27 offers a surprisingly functional interior, largely due to its generous beam of 8' 8" and relatively high freeboard. The layout is traditional: a forward V-berth followed by a head and hanging locker, a main saloon with opposing settees, and a compact galley and navigation station flanking the companionway. Because these boats were often semi-custom or built in small batches, interior finishes vary from utilitarian white gelcoat with teak trim to fully wood-lined "cabins" that feel remarkably cozy.

The "sibling" relationship with the Vancouver 27 is crucial here; while the original Harris & Heacock version often featured a more open layout suited for coastal cruising, the later European iterations frequently included a quarter berth or modified galley arrangements. Headroom is a notable highlight, reaching nearly 6 feet in the main cabin—a rarity for 27-footers from the 1970s. The heavy layup of the hull also provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, contributing to a sense of security during heavy weather.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Harris & Heacock 27 with an eye toward the aging of 1970s fiberglass and hardware.

• Chainplates: Like many boats of this era, the chainplates are prone to "crevice corrosion" if the deck seals have been neglected. Inspection of the glass-in points behind the settees is mandatory.
• Deck Core: While the hulls are generally solid fiberglass, the decks often utilized balsa or plywood coring. Soft spots around stanchion bases or the mast step are common "gotchas" that may indicate delamination.
• Rudder Gudgeons: The transom-hung rudder is a robust design, but the bronze gudgeons and pintles can wear over decades, leading to vibration or "slop" in the tiller.
• Engine Access: While the engine is located centrally, access can be tight, especially for peripheral maintenance like raw-water pump replacement. Original boats often carried small diesels (like the Yanmar 1GM or Bukh) which may be reaching the end of their service life.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Harris & Heacock 27 often find common ground with the Vancouver Yachts Association, as the designs are fundamentally identical. This group maintains a technical archive of sail plans and original Robert Harris design notes. Additionally, the Robert Harris Design Group on various social platforms provides a space for owners of his various "pocket" designs (including the Vancouver 32 and 36) to share restoration tips and rigging modifications.

The Verdict

The Harris & Heacock 27 remains one of the few true "blue-water" yachts available in the under-30-foot category. It is a boat designed for the sailor who prioritizes safety and stability over raw speed.

Pros

• Exceptional seaworthiness and tracking due to the Robert Harris-designed full keel.
• Robust construction capable of genuine offshore passages.
• Generous interior volume and headroom for a 27-foot boat.
• Simplified systems and a transom-hung rudder make it easy to maintain.

Cons

• Heavy displacement leads to sluggish performance in light winds.
• The full-keel design makes backing under power in tight marinas a challenge.
• Older hulls require careful inspection for deck core moisture and hardware fatigue.