Salty Dog 27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Salty Dog 27 is characterized by a traditional long keel with a cutaway forefoot, a design choice by Alan Hill that prioritizes directional stability and a comfortable motion over high-speed agility. With a relatively high displacement-to-length ratio, the boat is not a light-air performer; it requires a decent breeze to overcome its inertia. However, once moving, the Salty Dog 27 tracks exceptionally well, a trait often praised in historical assessments by Practical Boat Owner, making it a forgiving choice for single-handed sailors or those navigating turbulent coastal waters.

Handling under power is typical for a long-keeled vessel; it can be predictable in forward gear but requires a learned hand when reversing, as the boat will often follow its own "prop walk" regardless of rudder position until sufficient speed is reached. Under sail, the masthead sloop rig provides a balanced sail plan. While it may not point as high as modern fin-keel racers, its ability to shoulder through a chop without losing momentum is its primary strength. Owners often report that the boat feels "bigger" than its 27 feet, providing a sense of security when the weather turns.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Salty Dog 27 is surprisingly spacious for a vessel of its era, largely due to its generous beam and high topsides. The standard layout typically features a V-berth in the forepeak, a compact heads (toilet) compartment to one side, and a main saloon with two settee berths. A small galley and a navigation station are usually situated at the base of the companionway.

Because many of these boats were home-finished from kits, the interior aesthetics range from professional-grade teak joinery to more utilitarian, DIY plywood finishes. Potential buyers should note that headroom is generally excellent, often reaching nearly six feet, which was a significant selling point compared to other 27-footers of the same period. The Salty Dog 27's smaller sibling, the Salty Pup 23, offers a similar aesthetic in a more compact footprint, while the larger Colvic Atlanta models provide a more motor-sailer-oriented experience.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners of a Salty Dog 27 should focus their inspections on the specific nature of Colvic's kit-built history.

• Osmosis and Hull Blistering: Like many GRP boats produced in the 1970s, Colvic hulls are known to be susceptible to osmosis. While the hulls are thick and rarely suffer structural failure from this, a moisture meter survey is recommended.
• Deck Core Integrity: The deck is typically a sandwich construction. If hardware was poorly bedded by an amateur builder, water can ingress into the core, leading to soft spots and delamination.
• Engine Serviceability: Many original Salty Dogs were fitted with Bukh or early Beta Marine diesels. Given the age of these vessels, the state of the engine, cooling system, and stern gland is a primary concern.
• Chainplates and Rigging: Inspect the points where the shrouds meet the hull. In kit-finished boats, ensure that the reinforcement backing plates were sized correctly and that there is no evidence of "crazing" in the gelcoat around these high-stress areas.
• Windows and Portlights: The large cabin windows are a frequent source of leaks, which can damage the interior joinery over time. Check for water staining behind the headlining.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Salty Dog 27 often find technical support and historical context through the Alan Hill Yacht Design archives and broader Colvic owner associations. While a dedicated "Salty Dog" club is rare, the shared heritage with the Colvic Watson and the Salty Pup means there is a wealth of knowledge available in British classic boat forums regarding the specific laminating schedules used by Colvic Craft during this period.

The Verdict

The Salty Dog 27 is a "proper" little ship, ideal for sailors who value seaworthiness and traditional lines over modern speed and flat-water performance.

Pros:

• Exceptionally robust GRP construction.
• Predictable, sea-kindly motion in heavy weather.
• Excellent headroom and interior volume for a 27-foot boat.
• Affordable entry point into blue-water capable cruising.

Cons:

• Slow performance in light winds.
• Variable interior quality due to kit-building.
• Difficult to maneuver in tight marinas due to the long keel.
• High likelihood of requiring cosmetic or system upgrades due to age.