Herreshoff 27 Cat Ketch Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The defining characteristic of the Herreshoff 27 is its cat ketch configuration paired with wishbone booms. Unlike a traditional sloop, the 27 distributes its sail area across two smaller sails, which lowers the center of effort and reduces heeling. This leads to a remarkably stable "big boat" feel despite its 27-foot length. Because the masts are freestanding, they lack the windage of wire rigging, allowing the boat to move efficiently in light air.

Handling is characterized by "simplicity by design." Sailors often note the absence of jib sheets and winches; the wishbone booms allow the sails to maintain an aerodynamic shape without the need for complex vang systems or traveler adjustments. On a reach or a run, the boat is exceptionally balanced, often able to steer itself for long periods with the helm lashed or under a light autopilot. However, like many cat-rigged vessels, the 27 Cat Ketch does not point as high as its sloop-rigged contemporaries. The lack of a headsail means that windward progress requires more "tacking through the numbers" than a racing keelboat, though its ability to reef by simply lowering the mizzen makes it a stalwart companion when the weather turns foul.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel of its era, the Herreshoff 27 Cat Ketch offers a surprisingly voluminous interior, facilitated by the lack of mast compression posts interfering with the main cabin's flow. The layout typically features a traditional V-berth forward, followed by a compact head and a main salon with opposing settees. The use of warm teak joinery was standard, reflecting the builder's commitment to the "Herreshoff quality" aesthetic.

Variation within the line is most often found in the sibling models built on similar design philosophies. While the 27 was the quintessential "pocket cruiser," Halsey Herreshoff also designed the Herreshoff 31 and the larger Herreshoff 38 Cat Ketches. These siblings followed the same unstayed mast and wishbone boom logic but offered increased waterline length and standing headroom. The 27-foot model was often favored for its "trailer-ready" potential (with specialized equipment) and its ability to navigate shallow coastal waters, thanks to its moderate draft and high-aspect rudder.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their survey on the unique structural requirements of an unstayed rig. Because the masts are not supported by wires, the entire load is concentrated at the mast partners (where the mast meets the deck) and the mast step.

• Mast Partners and Deck Core: Inspect the deck surrounding both masts for signs of stress cracking or delamination. If water has penetrated the balsa or foam core at these high-stress points, the structural integrity of the rig may be compromised.
• Wishbone Boom Hardware: The hardware connecting the wishbone booms to the masts is a high-wear area. Check for elongated holes in the aluminum or stainless steel fittings and ensure the "crutch" of the wishbone is not showing signs of metal fatigue.
• Rudder Post and Bearing: The 27 utilizes a large, high-leverage rudder to manage the balance of the cat ketch rig. Check for "slop" in the rudder bearings and inspect the fiberglass around the rudder post for any osmotic blistering or stress fractures.
• Engine Access: Many units were powered by small Yanmar or Westerbeke diesels. Access can be tight; buyers should verify that the exhaust riser and raw-water pump have been maintained, as these are difficult to reach in the compact engine compartment.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and historical context is the Herreshoff Marine Museum in Bristol, RI, which maintains archives on Halsey Herreshoff’s production designs. While no longer in production, the boat is a frequent topic of discussion in classic boat circles that value the "Nonesuch-style" simplicity of the cat rig. Technical drawings and original specifications are often sought through the MIT Museum’s Hart Nautical Collection, which houses a significant portion of the Herreshoff design archives.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Ease of Handling: No headsails or complex rigging make it ideal for solo sailors or aging cruisers.
• Safety: Freestanding masts flex in gusts, naturally de-powering the boat during unexpected squalls.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Classic lines and teak-heavy interiors provide a timeless nautical character.
• Cockpit Space: Without stays and shrouds, the side decks and cockpit are remarkably clear of obstructions.

Cons:

• Windward Performance: Will not point as high or climb to weather as quickly as a modern sloop.
• Specialized Rigging: Finding replacement parts for wishbone booms or tapered freestanding masts can be more challenging than standard spar replacement.
• Limited Headroom: While spacious for its size, taller sailors may find the 27-foot ceiling height restrictive compared to modern high-volume cruisers.