Sunbeam 27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Sunbeam 27 is characterized by a high degree of stability and a balanced sail plan, features necessitated by its Alpine heritage where sudden squalls are common. With a displacement of approximately 2,500 kg and a generous ballast-to-displacement ratio (often exceeding 40% depending on the keel configuration), the boat feels significantly "larger" and more planted than many of its lightweight contemporaries. It tracks well thanks to a well-proportioned fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, which provides a level of steering protection and directional stability that is rare in modern spade-rudder designs.

According to technical retrospectives found in Austrian sailing circles, the vessel was offered in two primary underwater configurations: a deep-draft fixed keel (1.35m) for optimal windward performance and a "Kielschwerter" or keel-centerboard version (0.70m/1.45m) designed for shallow-water lakes and easier trailering. The 2.5-meter beam was specifically chosen to comply with European road transport regulations, allowing owners to move the boat between the Adriatic and the Alps without special permits. While its Displacement/Length ratio suggests a "heavy cruiser" for its size, the Sunbeam 27 remains remarkably nimble in light air, a testament to the efficient hull lines developed by the Schöchl family.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Sunbeam 27 is where the shipyard’s history as a "Tischlerei" (carpentry workshop) is most evident. The use of solid mahogany and high-grade veneers creates a warm, nautical atmosphere that has aged remarkably well. The standard layout features a V-berth in the bow, a central saloon with two settee berths, and a compact galley and navigation station flanking the companionway. Despite its 27-foot length, the cabin offers approximately 1.75 to 1.80 meters of headroom, which was a competitive benchmark at the time of its release.

A significant evolution of this model was the Sunbeam 27.2, which introduced a modified deck mold and an updated interior layout to maximize storage. The "S-version" (Sport) variants sometimes featured a more streamlined rig and adjusted ballast for those prioritizing club racing. Unlike mass-produced yachts of the same era, each Sunbeam 27 was built with a degree of customization; some variants might feature a dedicated marine head compartment located between the saloon and the V-berth, while others utilized a more open-plan arrangement.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on several age-related areas common to Schöchl builds of this vintage. While the hulls are generally overbuilt, the following technical points require inspection:

• Keel-to-Hull Joint: On the keel-centerboard versions, the centerboard trunk and the pivot pin should be checked for wear and lateral play. In the fixed-keel versions, inspect the internal backing plates for any signs of movement or rust weeping.
• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the deck uses a sandwich construction. Areas around stanchion bases and the mast step should be tested with a moisture meter or percussion hammer to identify potential delamination or soft spots.
• Engine Maintenance: Many Sunbeam 27s were originally fitted with Bukh or Yanmar diesel engines. While these are reliable units, spare parts availability for older Bukh models can be more challenging in North America compared to Europe.
• Window Seals: The aluminum-framed windows are known to develop leaks over decades. Re-bedding these is a common maintenance task that is essential to preserving the high-quality interior woodwork.

Community & Resources

The legacy of the 27 is maintained through the Sunbeam Owners Club, which serves as a central hub for technical support and social connection for owners across Europe. Because Schöchl remains a family-run business today under Sunbeam Watersports GmbH, it is often possible to obtain technical advice or original specifications directly from the manufacturer in Mattsee, a level of support rarely available for yachts of this age.

The Verdict

The Sunbeam 27 is an exceptional choice for the sailor who values traditional aesthetics and structural integrity over maximum interior volume. It remains a sought-after model on the secondary market for those seeking a "forever boat" in the sub-30-foot category.

Pros:

• Build Quality: Exceptional joinery and a robust, hand-laid GRP hull that surpasses most production standards.
• Transportability: The 2.5-meter beam makes it one of the largest truly trailerable cruisers available.
• Sea-kindliness: A heavy, stable feel that provides confidence in coastal conditions.

Cons:

• Internal Volume: The narrow beam and traditional lines result in less interior space than modern "beamy" 27-footers.
• Weight: Its heavy displacement requires a powerful towing vehicle and a high-capacity trailer.
• Market Price: Due to its "Austrian Swan" reputation, it often commands a price premium over similar-sized boats from French or American manufacturers.