PUMA 27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The influence of Kim Holman is immediately apparent in the Puma 27’s underwater profile. Featuring a moderate-to-heavy displacement of approximately 2,600 kg and a traditional fin keel, the boat exhibits the steady, predictable motion characteristic of 1970s IOR-influenced designs. With a sail area-to-displacement ratio hovering around 19, it is not a "light-air flyer," but it comes alive when the breeze exceeds 12 knots.

The yacht’s handling is defined by its skeg-hung rudder, which provides exceptional tracking stability and protection against debris. Owners frequently report that the boat feels "larger than its length" when beating into a head sea, thanks to its high freeboard and relatively wide beam of 2.8 meters. Unlike many modern fin-keelers that can feel skittish, the Puma 27 maintains a comfortable groove, making it an ideal platform for coastal passage-making. The rig is a sturdy masthead sloop, often paired with a large genoa that provides the primary driving force. While the "pinched" stern—a hallmark of the IOR era—can lead to some rhythmic rolling when sailing dead downwind in heavy seas, the overall sensation is one of security and robustness.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel designed in 1976, the interior of the Puma 27 was considered remarkably spacious. The layout was optimized for a crew of four or five, featuring a traditional V-berth forward, a central salon with a folding table, and a dedicated navigation station to starboard. One of the most significant improvements over the earlier Puma 26 was the increase in standing headroom, which reaches approximately 1.78 meters in the main cabin, accommodating taller sailors who previously struggled with the "crouch" required in smaller European cruisers.

The joinery typically consists of mahogany or teak veneers, reflecting the high-quality craftsmanship of the Barcelona shipyard. Variations of the model primarily focused on the galley arrangement; while most featured a linear galley to port, some later versions saw minor adjustments to storage lockers and engine access. The Puma 27 also shared its hull DNA with its siblings, notably the Puma 26 (which focused on a more compact, nimble profile) and the later Puma 29, which further expanded the beam and modernized the transom. The 27 occupies the "sweet spot" in the range, balancing the ease of handling a sub-30-foot boat with the genuine cruising amenities required for multi-day trips.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Puma 27 with a checklist focused on the vulnerabilities of mid-century fiberglass construction. While the hulls are thick, the use of balsa-coring in the deck can lead to delamination if deck hardware—such as stanchion bases or cleats—has not been re-bedded. Spongy sections underfoot or brown "tea-staining" weeping from fittings are primary indicators of core saturation.

The original powerplants were often Sole Diesel "Mini" units or Yanmar YSE series engines. Many Puma 27s on the market today have been repowered; if the original engine remains, a thorough sea trial is essential to check for overheating and exhaust manifold integrity. Furthermore, the rudder skeg should be inspected for structural cracks at the hull joint, a common stress point on yachts of this age. Finally, because these boats were built before the widespread use of vinylester resins, a survey for osmotic blistering is highly recommended, though the Puma’s thick gelcoat often makes these hulls better candidates for treatment than their thinner-skinned contemporaries.

Community & Resources

The Puma 27 enjoys a fervent following, particularly in its home waters of Spain. The most prominent hub for technical data and historical documentation is the Club Puma (Asociación de Propietarios de Puma), which maintains a registry of hulls and hosts technical wikis regarding refits and original blueprints. While the builder, Nao-Glass, ceased operations under that name in the late 1970s, the design’s legacy is preserved by these owner associations who organize annual regattas and social gatherings in the Balearic and Mediterranean regions.

The Verdict

The Puma 27 is a "honest" sailboat—a sturdy, well-engineered cruiser that prioritizes seaworthiness and build quality over modern aesthetic trends. It remains one of the best entry-level options for sailors seeking a classic aesthetic with the capability to venture beyond the harbor.

Pros:

• Exceptional Stability: A high ballast ratio and skeg-hung rudder make for a very safe, forgiving ride.
• Build Quality: Constructed during an era of "over-building," the hull laminate is significantly thicker than modern equivalents.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Classic Holman & Pye lines that remain handsome decades after launch.

Cons:

• Light Air Performance: The heavy displacement and IOR hull shape struggle in winds below 8 knots.
• Age-Related Maintenance: Buyers must be prepared to address potential deck delamination and aging original engines.
• Dated Cockpit Ergonomics: The cockpit is safe and deep but can feel cramped when sailing with a full crew of four adults.