Santana 27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Santana 27 is defined by its nimble, responsive nature, largely a result of its fin keel and spade rudder—features that were relatively progressive for a production boat in the late sixties. With a displacement of approximately 4,000 pounds and nearly half of that (1,800 pounds) concentrated in the lead ballast, the boat possesses a remarkably high ballast-to-displacement ratio of 45%. This makes the boat inherently "stiff," allowing it to stand up to its canvas in the stiff afternoon breezes common to the California coast.

Under sail, the boat is known for its ability to point high and maintain momentum through a chop. According to historical technical reviews from the era, the boat feels more like a large dinghy than a small keelboat, offering immediate feedback through the tiller. While it lacks the sheer waterline length of modern cruisers, its sail area-to-displacement ratio (typically hovering around 18 depending on the rig) ensures it remains lively in light air. Owners often report that the boat tracks well but requires active trimming to stay on its lines once the breeze exceeds 15 knots. Its balanced helm is a hallmark of Mull’s design philosophy, ensuring that even when heeled, the rudder retains sufficient bite to prevent rounding up.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 27-foot boat designed over half a century ago, the interior of the Santana 27 is surprisingly functional, though it reflects the "pocket cruiser" standards of its time. The layout typically features a classic V-berth forward, followed by a compact head compartment (often featuring a marine toilet and a small privacy curtain). The main salon utilizes two long settees that double as berths, with a small galley area located aft near the companionway to maximize ventilation while cooking.

W.D. Schock utilized a significant amount of teak trim against white fiberglass liners, creating a cabin that feels warmer and more traditional than the "chlorox bottle" interiors of later decades. Headroom is modest—roughly 5' 10"—which was standard for the era but may feel cramped for taller modern sailors. While there were no major structural siblings built on the exact same hull mold, the Santana 27 served as the design bridge between the smaller Santana 22 and the later, more voluminous Santana 28. Prospective buyers should note that throughout its production run, slight variations in cabinetry and the inclusion of either an inboard engine (often the Atomic 4) or an outboard well were the primary configuration choices.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a Santana 27, the primary concerns are related to age and the construction techniques of the 1960s and 70s. Insights from long-term owners on forums like CruisersForum suggest that the most critical area of inspection is the deck-to-hull joint and the deck core itself.

• Deck Delamination: Like many boats of this vintage, the Santana 27 uses a balsa-cored deck. Moisture ingress around stanchion bases or chainplates frequently leads to soft spots and core rot. A thorough percussion test (tapping with a phenolic hammer) is essential.
• Keel Bolt Integrity: The external lead keel is attached via steel bolts. Owners should inspect the bilge for signs of "keel smile" (a gap at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint) or weeping rust, which indicates the need for bolt replacement or re-bedding.
• Bulkhead Attachment: The structural integrity of the rig depends on the bulkheads. Check for rot at the base of the main bulkhead where it meets the bilge, as well as the fiberglass "tabbing" that secures the bulkhead to the hull.
• Rudder Post and Bearings: The spade rudder is a high-load component. Excessive play in the tiller or visible "slop" in the rudder post suggests worn bushings or internal corrosion of the rudder's stainless steel skeleton.

Community & Resources

The Santana 27 benefits from a dedicated following, particularly in the Pacific Northwest and Southern California. While it does not have a formal active national one-design class association today, it is frequently supported by the W.D. Schock Corporation, which maintained many of the original archives for their Santana line. Local yacht clubs in the Newport and San Francisco Bay areas often have "Santana Rows" where owners share technical advice and spare parts.

The Verdict

The Santana 27 remains a premier choice for the sailor who values aesthetics and performance over "condo-on-the-water" volume. It is a purist’s boat that rewards good sail trim and offers a tactile connection to the water.

Pros

• Exceptional Aesthetics: One of Gary Mull’s most attractive early designs with a timeless profile.
• Performance: High ballast ratio and efficient hull shape make it a joy to sail in a variety of conditions.
• Build Quality: W.D. Schock’s early fiberglass work was robust, often over-engineered compared to modern entry-level boats.

Cons

• Age-Related Maintenance: Buyers must be prepared to address decades of potential water ingress and hardware fatigue.
• Limited Living Space: Headroom and storage are tight for extended cruising with more than two people.
• Engine Access: Models equipped with inboard engines often have cramped access, making routine maintenance a challenge.