Hullmaster 27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Hullmaster 27 is characterized by a "heavy" displacement profile, weighing in at roughly 7,400 lbs with over 3,000 lbs of internal lead ballast. This gives the boat a high ballast ratio of nearly 41%, translating to a remarkably stiff and stable platform in heavy weather. Performance analysis from archived editorial reviews suggests that while her waterline is relatively short at 21' 6", she possesses significant reserves of buoyancy in her ends, allowing the waterline to extend as she heels, thus maintaining a respectable hull speed of approximately 6.2 knots.

Under sail, the boat utilizes a masthead sloop rig with a generous sail area of nearly 400 square feet. This sail-area-to-displacement ratio (roughly 16.8) ensures that the boat remains competitive in the light-to-moderate breezes common in the Great Lakes, where most were sold. A distinguishing feature of the Brewer design is the "bite" or notch removed from the trailing edge of the keel before the skeg-mounted rudder; this design choice was intended to reduce wetted surface and improve responsiveness, giving the boat the directional stability of a full-keel cruiser with the maneuverability of a modern fin-keel yacht.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Hullmaster 27 is widely praised for its high-quality joinery and efficient use of space, reflecting its mission as a dedicated cruising vessel. The layout typically features a traditional V-berth forward, followed by an enclosed head with a pull-out vanity sink—a luxury for a boat of this size. The main salon provides approximately six feet of headroom and includes a settee that converts into a double berth, along with a functional galley. Notably, the original manufacturer’s specifications highlighted an exceptionally large icebox with three inches of insulation, a feature often overlooked in more racing-oriented 27-footers.

Hullmaster Marine also produced a smaller sibling, the Hullmaster 22, and a larger, more offshore-capable Hullmaster 31. The 27-foot hull served as the middle ground, offering enough volume for extended coastal cruising without the maintenance overhead of the larger 31. While most HM-27s were finished as standard sloops, some later hulls were marketed as the "HM-27" by DS Yachts after they acquired the molds, though internal configurations remained largely consistent with the original Brewer & Wallstrom vision.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

For prospective buyers, the Hullmaster 27 presents a few specific areas for technical scrutiny:

• Keel and Skeg Integrity: Because the rudder is mounted on a skeg behind a notched keel, any history of hard groundings can lead to structural stress at the skeg-to-hull joint. Inspectors should look for "stress crazing" or delamination in the fiberglass around the rudder post.
• Deck Core Condition: Like many fiberglass boats from the 1970s, the Hullmaster 27 utilized a balsa or plywood core for the deck. Moisture ingress around the chainplates, stanchions, or the mainsheet traveler (located on the cabin top or in the cockpit) is a common point of failure that can lead to soft spots.
• Engine Maintenance: Many units were originally equipped with the Farymann 10 HP single-cylinder diesel or the ubiquitous Atomic 4 gasoline engine. While the Farymann was prized for its ability to be hand-started, parts are increasingly difficult to source, and many owners have since repowered with Yanmar or Beta Marine units.
• Internal Ballast: The lead ballast is encapsulated within the hull. While this eliminates "keel smile" issues, any breach of the hull skin can allow water to seep around the lead, potentially causing localized delamination if not addressed.

Community & Resources

While there is no longer a formal factory association, the Hullmaster 27 maintains a loyal following among Canadian and Great Lakes sailors. Technical data and historical discussions are often preserved through the Edward S. Brewer design archives and regional sailing organizations like the Ontario Sailing Association.

The Verdict

The Hullmaster 27 is an overbuilt, honest cruising boat that trades the "nimbleness" of modern ultra-light designs for safety and comfort in a seaway.

Pros:

• High ballast ratio provides exceptional stability and stiffness.
• Thoughtful, high-quality interior woodwork and abundant storage.
• Capable of "pocket offshore" cruising in conditions that would sidelong lighter 27-footers.

Cons:

• Heavy displacement can make the boat feel sluggish in very light air without a large genoa.
• The skeg-mounted rudder design is more vulnerable to damage during groundings than a full keel.
• Replacement parts for original Farymann engines can be difficult to find.