Show 27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Show 27 is characterized by a "lively" persona on the water, owing much to its light displacement characteristics and an aggressive sail plan. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 18.97 and a displacement/length ratio of roughly 167, the vessel is technically categorized as a "light racer" by the standards of the late 1970s. This configuration ensures that the boat excels in the light-to-moderate Mediterranean breezes for which it was designed, accelerating quickly and maintaining momentum in conditions that might stall heavier contemporaries.

Under sail, the boat utilizes a fin keel and a spade rudder, providing a high degree of maneuverability in tight quarters and responsive steering on the wind. However, its Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 2.42 indicates that the Show 27 is optimized for coastal cruising and club racing rather than high-latitude blue water voyaging. Owners often report that the boat is "overrigged," meaning it carries a significant amount of canvas for its weight; while this makes it a "gem" in light air, it necessitates early reefing when the breeze exceeds 15 knots to keep the boat flat and minimize weather helm. Giornale della Vela identifies the Show series as a fundamental project in the evolution of Italian yachting, praising its ability to blend IOR speed with family utility.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Show 27 benefited significantly from its 2.98-meter beam, providing a "spacy" feel that outclassed 73% of similar designs from the same period. The layout is a classic cabin cruiser arrangement: a V-berth forward separated by a head and hanging locker, followed by a central salon with two longitudinal settees and a folding table. The use of mahogany and teak veneers was standard, reflecting the shipyard’s roots in traditional craftsmanship.

While the Show 27 primarily existed in a single hull configuration, it was part of a larger family of "siblings" that allowed sailors to scale their experience. The Show 24 served as the entry-level daysailer, while the Show 29 (designed by Alain Jézéquel) offered more substantial volume for extended cruising. Larger iterations, such as the Show 34 and Show 38, introduced more sophisticated layouts with dedicated navigation stations and aft cabins. Despite these larger siblings, the 27 remained popular because it offered almost 1.8 meters of headroom, a rare feat for a boat under 30 feet in the late 70s.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Show 27’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the biography of Giancarlo Barberis, who chronicled the shipyard’s history in his book I Cantieri Barberis. Una storia italiana. The "Show" brand became so synonymous with Italian sailing quality that it was often used as a benchmark in the Italian maritime press. Furthermore, the builder’s ambition, which eventually led to an involvement in the 1983 America’s Cup challenge as noted in Giancarlo Barberis’s other work Dallo Sciacchetrà alla Coppa America, helped elevate the status of production models like the Show 27 to that of "modern classics."

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Show 27 should approach the vessel with an understanding of its age and the specific construction techniques of the 1970s and 80s.

1. Osmosis and Gelcoat: Like many Mediterranean builds of the era, the Show 27 can be susceptible to osmotic blistering if the hull has not been treated with an epoxy barrier coat.
2. Deck Core Integrity: The decks often utilized a sandwich construction that can suffer from delamination or moisture ingress around hardware fittings. Particular attention should be paid to the chainplate attachments and the area around the mast step.
3. Spade Rudder Wear: The spade rudder is effective but can develop play in the bearings over decades of use. Inspection of the rudder stock and internal sleeve is critical during a haul-out.
4. Original Engine Reliability: Many units were originally fitted with Renault Couach or early Yanmar diesel engines (7-15 HP). These are often nearing the end of their service life; buyers should verify if a repower has occurred or if parts for the original block remain available.
5. Rigging Fatigue: Given its "overrigged" nature, the standing rigging and the mast compression post should be professionally surveyed, especially if the boat has been raced frequently.

Community & Resources

The Show 27 remains a staple of the Associazione Armatori Barberis, an informal but dedicated community of owners who share technical advice and maintain historical records of the brand. In Italy, the vessel is recognized as a "Classic Boat" by the influential Giornale della Vela, which provides an archive of performance data and historical context for the entire Show range.

The Verdict

The Barberis Show 27 is a masterclass in Italian IOR-era design, offering a blend of light-air agility and interior volume that few 27-footers can match. It is an ideal vessel for the sailor who prioritizes performance and aesthetic pedigree over heavy-weather ocean-crossing capabilities.

Pros

• Exceptional light-air performance and acceleration.
• Spacious interior with surprising headroom for its length.
• Elegant, timeless Italian lines from Soma and Barberis.
• Active second-hand market and strong community support.

Cons

• High Capsize Screening ratio limits its use to coastal/protected waters.
• Tender in heavy air; requires proactive reefing.
• Age-related maintenance (osmosis and engine wear) is common.