Pyramid 660 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The soul of the Pyramid 660 lies in its high-performance hull and efficient sail plan. As a Carl Schumacher design, the boat was engineered to excel in the varied conditions of the San Francisco Bay—capable of handling stiff afternoon breezes while remaining sensitive enough to ghost through light morning air. The boat typically features a fractional rig, which provides the sailor with precise control over mast bend and mainsail shape, a necessity for a vessel with such a high power-to-weight ratio.

Given its light displacement, the Pyramid 660 is exceptionally responsive to trim changes and weight placement. Handling is often described by owners as "dinghy-like," offering immediate feedback through the tiller. While technical data suggests a lean toward the sportboat category, the boat’s ballast-to-displacement ratio ensures enough stability to remain manageable during spirited reaches. It tracks well for its size, though it requires active management of the backstay and vang to keep the flat-bottomed hull from loading up in heavy gusts. Unlike many of its contemporaries that relied on heavy displacement to weather storms, the 660 uses its hull shape and modern (for its era) appendages to plane early and maintain high average speeds.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Consistent with its "Small Vessel Logic," the Pyramid 660 is primarily a performance day-racer or weekend warrior. While it technically features a cabin, the space is minimalist, designed for sail storage and basic shelter rather than extended liveaboard comfort. The interior is characterized by a low overhead and a simple V-berth arrangement.

Variations are rare due to the extremely limited production run. However, the 660 is frequently compared to its "sibling" in spirit, the Schumacher-designed Express 27. While the Express 27 went on to achieve massive commercial success, the Pyramid 660 remains the rarer, more experimental predecessor. Some hulls may feature slight differences in keel configuration—either a fixed fin or a retractable bulb—depending on the original owner’s racing requirements, though most were optimized for PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) competition.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Pyramid 660 must approach the vessel with the mindset of a classic sports car restorer. Because so few were made, common "gotchas" are often related to the age of the fiberglass and the specific hardware used by Pyramid Boat Works.

1. Deck Core Integrity: Like many California-built boats of the 80s, the 660 utilizes a cored deck to save weight. Inspect for soft spots, particularly around the mast step and the chainplates, which are high-stress areas on a performance rig.
2. Rudder Bearing Wear: The high-aspect rudder generates significant lift and pressure. Check for excessive play in the bushings or "slop" in the tiller head, which can diminish the boat's signature precise handling.
3. Keel Attachment: If the boat has been raced hard in shallow areas, the keel-to-hull joint (the "smile") should be examined for stress cracks or evidence of grounding.
4. Rigging Fatigue: As a fractional rig designed for high tension, the standing rigging and spreaders should be meticulously checked for "fish-hooks" or corrosion, especially if the boat has spent its life in saltwater environments.

Community & Resources

Due to its rarity, there is no formal "Pyramid 660 Class Association." However, the boat is a fixture in the Schumacher design community. Information and technical support are often found through the Carl Schumacher Design archive, which maintains records of his various projects and hull lines. Owners frequently congregate in general Schumacher-focused forums or West Coast PHRF racing groups, where the boat’s performance legacy is well-documented.

The Verdict

The Pyramid 660 is a "sailor’s sailboat," offering a level of sophistication and speed that belies its modest 22-foot length. It is not a boat for the casual cruiser, but for the purist who views sailing as a technical discipline and an art form.

Pros

• Exceptional Pedigree: Designed by Carl Schumacher, one of the masters of performance naval architecture.
• High Performance: Extremely fast for its size, capable of outperforming much larger coastal cruisers.
• Exclusivity: A rare find that stands out in any marina or racing fleet.
• Trailerability: Its compact size allows for easy transport to different racing venues.

Cons

• Minimalist Interior: Not suitable for families or those seeking creature comforts.
• Scarcity of Parts: With the builder long out of business, replacement of specific molded parts may require custom fabrication.
• Demanding: Requires an active, attentive crew to sail to its full potential in heavy air.