Pacific Clipper Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Pacific Clipper is defined by its traditional full-keel underwater profile and significant displacement-to-length ratio. As an Arthur Robb design, it emphasizes directional stability and a comfortable motion over raw speed or pointing ability. Its heavy hull and deep forefoot allow it to track exceptionally well, a trait often noted by solo sailors who appreciate a boat that holds its course even in a confused chop. According to technical archives maintained by the Cheoy Lee Association, the boat’s design was intended to provide a "big boat" feel in a compact footprint, making it a capable coastal cruiser.

However, the Pacific Clipper is not a light-air performer. The wetted surface area of the full keel creates considerable drag in drifting conditions, and the original masthead sloop rig requires a sizeable genoa to keep the boat moving in anything under 10 knots of breeze. When the wind picks up, the boat’s stability becomes its greatest asset; it heels to a certain point and then "stiffens up," providing a secure platform for heavy-weather sailing. Owners often report that the boat feels most at home in 15 to 20 knots of wind, where its momentum helps it punch through waves that would stop a lighter, modern fin-keel boat.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Pacific Clipper is a testament to Cheoy Lee’s heritage as a master of timber joinery. Even on later fiberglass hulls, the interior is typically swathed in rich, solid teak, providing a warm and traditional atmosphere that is rare in modern 27-footers. The layout is a standard four-berth configuration: a V-berth forward, followed by a small head compartment and a main salon with two longitudinal settees.

Due to its narrow beam—a characteristic of the era—the cabin feels intimate. Headroom is modest, usually hovering around 5'10" to 6'0" under the main hatch, but tapering forward. The galley is generally located aft near the companionway for ventilation, featuring a simple sink and icebox. The Pacific Clipper was built on the same fundamental lines as several other Arthur Robb designs of the era, most notably the Robb 27. While some iterations featured different deckhouse profiles (including a "doghouse" version with increased headroom aft), the interior remains focused on functional simplicity for a cruising couple or a small family.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Pacific Clipper must navigate the specific challenges associated with mid-century Cheoy Lee construction. While the hulls are notoriously thick, the integration of different materials creates several common "gotchas."

• Teak Deck Saturation: Many Pacific Clippers were built with teak decks screwed directly into a fiberglass sub-deck. Over decades, the thousands of screw holes can leak, leading to core rot in the sub-deck. Checking for soft spots and "weeping" from the overhead inside the cabin is essential.
• Chainplate Corrosion: The chainplates on these models are often glassed-in or tucked behind heavy cabinetry. Since they are prone to crevice corrosion where they pass through the deck, they require rigorous inspection, which may involve removing interior trim.
• Engine Repowering: Most original Pacific Clippers were equipped with small gas engines or early, heavy diesels like the Volvo Penta MD1. Space in the engine bilge is extremely tight, making modern repowering a complex and expensive engineering task.
• Osmotic Blistering: Early Cheoy Lee fiberglass used chopped strand mat and resins that were occasionally prone to "blooming" or blistering. While rarely structural due to the sheer thickness of the hull, a survey should include a moisture meter check of the bottom.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and owner support is the Cheoy Lee Association, which hosts a repository of original brochures, line drawings, and maintenance logs specifically for the Arthur Robb designs. Because these boats share DNA with the larger Robb 35 and the smaller Frisco Flyer, owners often find cross-compatible parts and advice within the broader Cheoy Lee sailing community.

The Verdict

The Pacific Clipper is a "small ship" for the traditionalist who prioritizes aesthetics and seaworthiness over modern interior volume and racing performance.

Pros

• Timeless, elegant lines that attract attention in any marina.
• Exceptional tracking and sea-kindliness for a 27-foot vessel.
• High-quality teak joinery that provides a "yacht" feel.
• Robust construction capable of handling significant offshore conditions.

Cons

• High maintenance requirements, particularly for the extensive exterior teak.
• Slow performance in light winds due to high wetted surface area.
• Cramped interior compared to modern wide-beam designs.
• Potential for expensive deck core repairs if teak overlays were neglected.