Hughes-Columbia 27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Hughes-Columbia 27 is characterized by a moderate displacement hull and a relatively high ballast ratio, which contributes to a "stiff" and predictable feel under sail. Unlike the lighter, more agile Farr-designed Northstars, the 27-foot Hughes hull was built with a focus on stability and sea-kindliness. It features a high-aspect masthead sloop rig and a fin keel that provides respectable tracking, though, like many designs of its era with a spade rudder, it requires active helming when running off the wind in a following sea.

The boat’s Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio typically hovers around 15.5 to 16.0, placing it firmly in the cruiser category rather than the performance-racing bracket. In light air, the 27 can feel slightly sluggish, often requiring the use of a large genoa to maintain momentum. However, when the breeze builds to 12-15 knots, the boat finds its stride, demonstrating a balanced helm and a reassuring resistance to heeling. Reports from the period, including retrospective insights from Canadian Yachting magazine, suggest that the boat was well-regarded for its ability to handle the "square chop" common on the Great Lakes where many of these vessels were originally commissioned.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel of 27 feet, the Hughes-Columbia 27 offers a surprisingly commodious interior, largely due to its nearly 9-foot beam and a coachroof design that prioritizes standing headroom—reaching approximately 6 feet in the main cabin. The layout is traditional: a forward V-berth with an overhead hatch for ventilation, followed by a compact head compartment that often included a privacy door or curtain. The main salon typically features a settee to port and a dinette to starboard that converts into a double berth, allowing the boat to technically sleep five, though four is the practical limit for comfort.

Materials used in the interior reflect the late-1970s aesthetic, with extensive use of teak veneers and molded fiberglass liners. The galley is located aft, usually equipped with a two-burner stove and a deep icebox. Because Hughes-Columbia often offered their boats in "kit" form or with varying levels of factory finish, the interior quality can vary significantly between hulls. Some owners opted for more extensive cabinetry, while others maintained a more utilitarian, easy-to-clean fiberglass-heavy finish. The sibling Hughes 26 (derived from the Northstar 600) offers a similar aesthetic but significantly less volume, making the 27 the clear choice for those intending to spend nights aboard.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of the Hughes-Columbia 27 should prioritize an inspection of the deck’s structural integrity. Like many Canadian-built boats of this era, the 27 utilized a balsa-core sandwich construction for the decks. Over decades, water intrusion through improperly bedded stanchions, chainplates, or the mast step can lead to core rot and "soft spots."

The "keel smile"—a visible crack at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint—is a common find. While often a cosmetic issue in the fiberglass fairing, it can indicate the need for tightening or replacing keel bolts if the movement is significant. Additionally, the spade rudder should be checked for moisture ingress and delamination, a common occurrence in older fiberglass rudders. Finally, because many of these boats were powered by the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine or early Yanmar diesels, the cooling system and exhaust manifold should be scrutinized for corrosion, particularly if the boat has been used in saltwater environments.

Community & Resources

Owners of these vessels are primarily supported by the Columbia Yacht Owners Association, which maintains a repository of technical manuals and historical data for boats built during the Hughes-Columbia merger. While the original factory in Huron Park was destroyed by fire in 1991, the community of "Hughesies" remains active on regional sailing forums, sharing specific maintenance tips for the Howard Hughes-designed hulls.

The Verdict

The Hughes-Columbia 27 is a stout, honest cruiser that offers a low-cost entry point into the world of keelboat sailing. While it lacks the pedigree of the Sparkman & Stephens-designed Hughes 38, it provides a more modern interior and easier handling for the novice sailor.

Pros:

• Impressive headroom and interior volume for its length.
• Solid, heavy-weather performance suitable for coastal cruising.
• Strong community support and availability on the used market, particularly in Canada.

Cons:

• Vulnerable to deck core rot if deck hardware has not been maintained.
• Moderate performance in light wind conditions.
• Interior finish quality can be inconsistent due to the historical availability of kit versions.