Spacesailer 27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Spacesailer 27 is characterized by its balanced masthead sloop rig and a displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio of approximately 218, placing it firmly in the "moderate" category of cruiser-racers. This weight distribution, combined with a lead fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, grants the boat a predictable and seaworthy feel. With a sail area-to-displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of roughly 16.0, it is not an ultra-light flyer, but it is remarkably efficient in light to moderate air, particularly when equipped with a large overlapping genoa.

Under sail, the boat exhibits a high degree of stiffness, a trait attributed to its healthy ballast ratio and relatively low center of gravity. According to technical assessments often cited by the Spacesailer 27 Association, the vessel carries a Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) value of 1.99, which is just below the threshold of 2.0 commonly used to qualify a boat for offshore racing. This makes it a popular choice for coastal passages where reliability in a blow is prioritized over raw speed. The skeg-hung rudder provides significant tracking stability, reducing the physical effort required at the tiller during long reaches, though it lacks the fingertip sensitivity found in the spade-rudder configurations of its smaller siblings.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 27-foot yacht of its era, the interior of the Spacesailer 27 is notably voluminous, a design feat that earned it the "Space" prefix in its name. The layout typically accommodates five to six berths, including a double V-berth forward, two settee berths in the saloon, and a generous quarter berth to starboard. Unlike the smaller Spacesailer 24, which frequently featured a "pop-top" for standing room, the 27 utilized a fixed coachroof that provides approximately six feet of headroom throughout most of the main cabin.

The interior is usually finished with teak trim and molded GRP liners, which simplify maintenance. The galley is typically an inline or L-shaped arrangement to port, featuring a sink, icebox, and a two-burner stove. A dedicated enclosed head is situated between the saloon and the V-berth, a luxury that distinguishes it from the 20- and 22-foot models in the range. Variations exist primarily in the auxiliary power; earlier models were often fitted with the Volvo MD7A or MD5 engines, while later refurbishments frequently see 15–20 HP modern diesels that significantly improve the boat’s performance under power.

Sibling Models & Evolution

The Spacesailer 27 was the flagship of a comprehensive range designed by Kim Swarbrick to capture different segments of the burgeoning Australian recreational market.

• Spacesailer 18 & 20: These were primarily trailer-sailers, with the SS20 (sometimes referred to as the Maxi 20) featuring both fixed and swing-keel variants.
• Spacesailer 22: A highly popular club racer that traded the 27’s interior volume for a more nimble, "twitchy" performance profile.
• Spacesailer 24: Often considered the "little sister" to the 27, the 24 shared the emphasis on volume but relied on a pop-top for headroom, making it more of a coastal hopper than an offshore-capable cruiser.
• Spacesailer 25: A rarer variant that attempted to bridge the gap between the 24 and 27, though it never achieved the same production numbers or cult status as the 27.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Spacesailer 27 should focus on the following technical areas common to Swarbrick builds of this vintage:

• Chainplates and Bulkheads: Inspect the points where the chainplates meet the wooden bulkheads. Leaks from the deck can lead to localized rot in the structural timber, which is a labor-intensive repair.
• Rudder Skeg Integrity: While the skeg-hung rudder is robust, the pintles and bushings can wear over time. Check for excessive "play" or lateral movement in the rudder stock.
• Deck Core Dampness: Like many GRP boats from the 1970s and 80s, the deck is typically cored (often with balsa or plywood). Ensure there are no soft spots, particularly around stanchion bases and the mast step.
• Engine Serviceability: The original Volvo Penta MD7A engines are reaching the end of their service life. Check for signs of manifold corrosion and verify the availability of parts, or budget for a modern repower.

Community & Resources

The model benefits from a dedicated and active community, primarily centered in Western Australia. The Spacesailer 27 Association is the primary repository for technical drawings, tuning guides, and historical records. The South of Perth Yacht Club (SoPYC) maintains one of the largest racing fleets of the class, ensuring that parts, advice, and a competitive secondhand market remain readily available.

The Verdict

The Spacesailer 27 is an exceptional entry-level cruiser that punches well above its weight in terms of seaworthiness and interior accommodations.

Pros:

• Remarkable interior volume and headroom for its length.
• High stability and predictable handling in heavy weather.
• Strong class association support and resale value in the Australian market.
• Lead ballast provides superior stiffness compared to cast-iron alternatives.

Cons:

• Original engines are often outdated and may require replacement.
• Skeg-hung rudder is less maneuverable in tight marinas than a spade rudder.
• Aged GRP can be prone to deck leaks if fittings are not regularly re-bedded.