Sailing Performance & Handling
The Islander 27-2 is characterized by a high degree of "pointability" and responsiveness, a hallmark of Robert Perry’s early work for Islander. With a displacement of approximately 6,000 pounds and a ballast-to-displacement ratio hovering around 35%, the boat is notably stiff for a 27-foot yacht. This stiffness allows it to carry full sail longer than the original Gurney version as the breeze freshens. According to design notes from Robert H. Perry Yacht Designers, the hull features a relatively fine entry and a clean run aft, which minimizes drag and improves light-wind performance.
Under sail, the boat tracks exceptionally well for a spade-rudder design. In heavy air, the 27-2 exhibits a predictable weather helm that provides excellent feedback to the helmsperson without becoming exhausting. Because the boat was designed during an era of robust fiberglass construction, it lacks the "oil-canning" or hull flexing often found in lighter production boats of the same size. Sailors often report that the boat feels "larger" than its 26-foot, 10-inch length-over-all (LOA), specifically when punching through a short chop, where its momentum and well-distributed volume prevent it from being easily stopped by waves.
Interior Comfort & Variations
For a vessel of its era and size, the Islander 27-2 offers an interior layout that maximized the available 9-foot beam. Unlike many contemporary "pocket cruisers" that felt cramped, the 27-2 provided approximately 6 feet of headroom in the main salon, a significant selling point for taller sailors. The traditional layout features a V-berth forward, followed by a head compartment (usually to port) and a hanging locker to starboard. The main cabin consists of a settee to port and a dinette to starboard that can be converted into a double berth.
Materials used in the interior typically included an abundance of teak trim and veneer, which, when maintained, provides a warm, classic aesthetic. Variations between individual boats often depend on the engine configuration; earlier models frequently featured the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine, while later units or those destined for specific markets were fitted with small Yanmar or Volvo Penta diesels. The inclusion of a small quarter berth tucked aft on the port side provided additional storage or a snug bunk for off-watch crew, though it is often relegated to sail storage in modern cruising contexts.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of an Islander 27-2 should approach the purchase with a focus on the structural integrity common to 1970s fiberglass builds.
- Deck Delamination: Like many boats from the Wayfarer and Islander era, the 27-2 uses a plywood or balsa core in the deck. Soft spots are common around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast step. A thorough "tap test" with a phenolic hammer is essential during inspection.
- Rudder Integrity: The spade rudder is supported by a stainless steel post. Over decades, water can seep into the rudder blade, causing internal corrosion of the "tangs" welded to the post or causing the rudder to become waterlogged and heavy.
- Atomic 4 Engines: If the boat still carries its original gasoline Atomic 4, buyers must inspect the manifold for cracks and ensure the fuel system meets modern safety standards (blowers, spark-protected alternators). Many owners opt for diesel conversions, which significantly increases the boat's resale value.
- Chainplate Leaks: The design passes the chainplates through the deck to the bulkheads. If the caulking fails, water can rot the main bulkheads, which are structural components for the mast's shroud tension.
- Mast Step Compression: The 27-2 is deck-stepped. If the compression post or the support structure beneath the cabin sole has settled due to moisture or age, it can lead to rig tension issues and a "frown" in the deck around the mast base.
Community & Resources
Owners of the Islander 27-2 benefit from a shared community with the larger Islander models. The Islander 36 Association is the most prominent resource, and while it focuses on the flagship 36, it maintains extensive technical archives, vendor lists, and historical documents that are applicable to the 27-2 and 28 models. This association is widely considered one of the most active "classic plastic" groups in the United States.
The Verdict
The Islander 27-2 remains a premier choice for sailors looking for a "small-big boat" that balances Robert Perry’s performance pedigree with the robust construction of the 1970s.
Pros:
- Excellent handling and windward performance thanks to the Perry design.
- Impressive interior headroom and volume for a 27-foot boat.
- Heavy-duty fiberglass layup provides a sense of security in coastal offshore conditions.
- Strong owner support and technical documentation available through class associations.
Cons:
- High probability of deck core moisture issues in unmaintained examples.
- Original gasoline engines (Atomic 4) require meticulous maintenance and safety awareness.
- Spade rudder design is more vulnerable to debris than a skeg-hung or keel-mounted rudder.
