She 27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The She 27 is widely regarded as a "sailor’s boat," characterized by its exceptional balance and stiffness. With a ballast ratio often exceeding 40%, the vessel carries its sail plan with composure even when the breeze freshens. Its underwater profile features a deep fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration that provides excellent tracking and a degree of protection for the steering gear that modern spade-rudder designs often lack.

On the wind, the She 27 is remarkably weatherly. Editorial retrospectives often note that the boat feels like a much larger yacht once the rails are down, exhibiting a "big boat" motion that is predictable and reassuring. While the IOR influence is visible in its relatively narrow beam compared to modern wide-stern cruisers, this contributes to a hull that remains balanced even when heeled, reducing rudder loads and making it an easy boat to steer by hand or with a modest tiller pilot. While it may not be a downwind speed demon compared to modern planing hulls, its ability to claw its way off a lee shore in a gale is where the S&S pedigree truly shines.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 27-foot yacht designed in the 1970s, the She 27 offers a surprisingly functional, albeit compact, interior. The layout typically features a classic four-to-five berth arrangement: a V-berth in the forward cabin, two settee berths in the saloon, and often a quarter berth to port or starboard. The use of high-quality joinery, often in teak or mahogany, was a standard for South Hants Engineering, giving the cabin a warm, traditional maritime aesthetic.

Headroom is approximately 5'10" (1.78m) in the main saloon, which is respectable for the boat's length but may feel cramped for taller sailors. The galley is usually located at the foot of the companionway for optimal ventilation and ease of use while underway. A marine head is situated between the saloon and the forward cabin, often separated by a folding door or curtain.

Regarding siblings, the She 27 was part of a tiered lineup that included the She 31 (a slightly larger, more powerful evolution), the She 33, and the highly successful She 36. While the She 27 did not have multiple interior "variants" in the modern sense (such as 2-cabin or 3-cabin layouts), individual owners often customized the navigation stations or opted for different engine configurations, moving from the original Bukh or Yanmar units to more modern replacements.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the She 27 with an eye toward the common aging pains of 1970s British fiberglass construction. While the hulls are generally robust, three specific areas require scrutiny:

1. Deck Core Integrity: Like many yachts of this era, the She 27 utilized a balsa-cored deck for stiffness. Water ingress through improperly sealed deck fittings (cleats, stanchions, or the mast step) can lead to core rot and delamination. A thorough "tap test" or moisture meter reading is essential.
2. Rudder and Skeg Attachment: While the skeg-hung rudder is a strength, the internal stainless steel tangs within the rudder blade can corrode over decades if water has seeped into the foam core. Additionally, the bushings and the connection point where the skeg meets the hull should be inspected for stress fractures.
3. Original Engine Reliability: Many She 27s were originally fitted with the Bukh DV10 or early Yanmar 1GM engines. While these are "bulletproof" units, their raw-water cooling systems are prone to internal scaling and corrosion. Buyers should check for recent exhaust elbow replacements or consider the value of a boat that has already been repowered.
4. Chainplate Leakage: The chainplates are bolted through the hull/deck joint area. Over time, the sealant can fail, leading to leaks that may damage the interior bulkhead timber.

Community & Resources

The legacy of South Hants Engineering is preserved by a dedicated group of owners across the United Kingdom and Northern Europe. The most prominent resource is the SHE Owners Association, which maintains technical archives, sail plans, and a community forum for sharing restoration tips. While South Hants Engineering no longer exists to provide factory support, the S&S association remains a high-authority repository for the original design blueprints.

The Verdict

The She 27 is a classic cruiser-racer that prioritizes sailing qualities and structural integrity over maximum interior volume. It remains a top choice for solo sailors or couples who desire a seaworthy, aesthetically pleasing yacht capable of coastal hops and cross-channel passages.

Pros:

• Superior Seaworthiness: Exceptional windward performance and stability for its size.
• Timeless Aesthetics: The Sparkman & Stephens lines remain elegant decades later.
• Build Quality: High-quality fiberglass work and traditional interior joinery.

Cons:

• Limited Interior Volume: Narrower beam and lower headroom compared to modern 27-footers.
• Age-Related Maintenance: Potential for deck core issues and aging original engines.
• Cockpit Size: The cockpit is cozy and secure for offshore work but may feel small for entertaining a large crew at anchor.