Design and Construction
The Stiletto measures 26 feet 10 inches overall and 13 feet 10 inches in beam. It displaces just 1,100 pounds in base form, rising to 1,570 pounds with options.
Its defining structural feature is epoxy-saturated fiberglass over a Nomex honeycomb core. This nylon-based material, also used in helicopter blades and other aircraft parts, forms both the hulls and the bridgedeck. Each hull weighs only 220 pounds, while the bridgedeck weighs 125 pounds.
Force Engineering achieved this low weight with prepreg fiberglass cloth, vacuum-bagged to the core and cured at 250 degrees for 90 minutes. The builder used a blotter and 16 spigots to pull an even vacuum. Because gelcoat couldn’t withstand the molding process, every boat was faired with putty and finished in polyurethane paint.
The builder claimed that, at a given weight, a Nomex panel is stronger, stiffer, less brittle, and more puncture-resistant than one made with a foam or wood core. Force Engineering also said the core material is impervious to water, so moisture cannot migrate between cells if the outer skin is breached.
A solid bridgedeck joins the hulls aft of the mast, while a polypropylene mesh trampoline spans the area forward. Conical, vacuum-formed polycarbonate companionway canopies provide access and admit light to the sleeping spaces.
Rig, Foils, and Handling
The Stiletto carries a rotating aluminum mast, a fractional sloop rig, and conventional crossbeams. Except on the six GT models, a single centerboard sits on the centerline and passes through a slot in the bridgedeck. With the board raised, the boat draws only 9 inches, making it a true ramp-launchable trailer sailer.
Early centerboards were wooden airfoils. Later boards were molded fiberglass and more resistant to damage. The rudder gear is robust, with strong aluminum heads and double lower pintles that test sailors found worked smoothly and positively.
Early masts had only athwartships diamond shrouds. Later boats gained a third diamond forward to control fore-and-aft mast bend in a strong breeze. A ball-bearing mainsheet traveler was standard, although the original 6-to-1 mainsheet purchase was modest.
Accommodations and Versions
Most of the roughly 500 boats built were Special Edition models. This was the only version supplied with standard running and interior lights, as well as bridgedeck cushions. It also added a galley with a sink, hand-pump faucet, and two-gallon tank, plus a self-contained head beneath one berth.
There is one berth in each hull. Each measures 31 inches wide and 14 feet long. Molded benches run along both sides of the bridgedeck, and the conical hatches bring light into the sleeping areas. The original Special Edition interior was carpeted throughout, from ceiling to sole.
The Standard, Championship, and GT versions lacked this pocket-cruising trim. Only six GTs were built, making them the rare variants; the Special Edition is the common cruiser-oriented model.
Known Issues and Refit Considerations
Early wooden centerboards are the one component noted as more vulnerable than the later fiberglass ones. Later mast diamonds and fiberglass boards are worthwhile upgrades when refitting an early boat.
The fully carpeted interior of the Special Edition can obscure hull-access details and make structural inspection more difficult. The centerboard-trunk slot is another distinctive feature to evaluate.
Because of the light displacement and Nomex construction, repairs require epoxy-compatible methods rather than polyester filler. The outboard bracket hangs from the aft crossbeam, a simple and serviceable arrangement.
The Verdict
The Stiletto 27 is a lightweight, thoughtfully designed performance catamaran. Its aircraft-derived core, 9-inch raised-board draft, and trailable format make it a distinctive used-market choice for sailors who value speed and simplicity more than creature comfort.
Pros
- Nomex honeycomb construction is light and stiff, with a core described by the builder as water-impervious
- 9-inch draft with the centerboard raised allows easy trailer launching
- Rotating rig and positive rudders provide lively multihull handling
- Special Edition offers genuine pocket-cruiser amenities
Cons
- Early wooden centerboards are less damage-resistant than later fiberglass boards
- Original 6-to-1 mainsheet purchase is lightly powered
- Special Edition carpeting can obscure structural inspection
