Nicholson 27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Unlike the stately Nicholson 26 or the ocean-conquering 32, the Nicholson 27 was designed with a more spirited, contemporary performance profile. Peter Milne utilized his experience in dinghy design to create a hull that was significantly lighter and more responsive than previous "Nics." The boat features a modern fin keel or a twin-bilge keel option for drying moorings, paired with a transom-hung rudder that provides exceptionally direct steering feedback.

The masthead sloop rig is generous for a boat of its displacement (approximately 6,445 lbs), allowing it to perform well in light airs where older Nicholsons might struggle. Owners frequently note that while it lacks the ultimate directional stability of a long-keeled cruiser, it makes up for it with nimble tacking and better upwind angles. It is a stiff boat, thanks to a healthy ballast-to-displacement ratio of nearly 40%, ensuring it remains composed as the breeze freshens. While the 27 was designed to be faster and more "modern" than its siblings, it retains a level of seaworthiness that aligns with the yard’s heritage, often described as a "little big boat" in heavy weather.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 27-foot vessel, the interior volume is remarkably optimized, largely due to the semi-flush deck design and a generous beam of 9' 8". The layout was conceived to accommodate families, offering up to six berths in a two-cabin configuration—a feat for a boat of this size. The forecabin features a standard V-berth, while the saloon utilizes a clever arrangement where the table drops to form a double, complemented by additional single berths and a pilot berth.

The joinery reflects the high standards of Camper & Nicholsons, though the components were often pre-fabricated in Gosport and assembled at the Seabourne Plastics yard. The "Nicholson Blue" accents in the heads and galley are a signature touch of the era. One of the more significant variations in the model run was the keel configuration; the bilge keel version was particularly popular for East Coast and estuary sailing in the UK, offering a shallow draft of just 3' 2" without sacrificing the robust structural integrity required for grounding.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Nicholson 27 with a focus on its specific construction methods and age-related wear:

• Deck Core Integrity: The decks are balsa-cored for stiffness and weight savings. Over four decades, moisture can ingress through hardware fittings, potentially leading to delamination or "soft" spots. A moisture meter and percussion test are essential during surveys.
• Saildrive Gaiter: Many units were fitted with the Volvo Penta MD5 or MD7A engine paired with a saildrive. The rubber hull seal (gaiter) has a recommended replacement interval of seven years; if its history is unknown, it should be the first item on a maintenance list.
• Window Leaks: The aluminum-framed windows are prone to leaking if the original seals have perished. Due to the semi-flush deck, water ingress here can quickly reach the internal cabinetry.
• Hull-Deck Joint: While built to Lloyds standards, the hull-to-deck joint on some C&N models of this era can develop minor leaks under heavy rig tension. Inspect the internal bonding where the bulkheads meet the deck.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Nicholson 27 benefit from an active and technically proficient community. The Nicholson Yachts Owners Association serves as a primary repository for technical manuals and historical data. For those based in Northern Europe, the Nicholson Circle of the Low Countries provides a vibrant forum for sharing refit advice and organizing rallies, ensuring that even these rare models receive the technical support needed for long-term preservation.

The Verdict

The Nicholson 27 is a "gentleman’s pocket cruiser" that successfully bridges the gap between traditional British craftsmanship and modern performance. While its production run was short, its build quality far exceeds most contemporary mass-market boats.

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality for a 27-foot production boat.
• Surprising interior volume and berth count.
• Responsive handling and good light-air performance.
• Available in a capable bilge-keel variant.

Cons:

• Rarity makes finding parts and specific sister-ship advice difficult.
• Original Volvo saildrives can be expensive to maintain or replace.
• Potential for balsa-core moisture issues in the deck.