Trump 27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Trump 27 was designed with a conservative hull form that prioritizes stability and tracking over raw speed. Given Aborn Smith’s design ethos—which emphasized ease of use for the solo sailor—the 27 displays a high degree of "stiffness," meaning it resists excessive heeling even when caught in the gusty conditions typical of Long Island Sound. While technical ratios from the builder are scarce, the boat’s behavior mirrors that of classic heavy-displacement cruisers: it takes a bit of breeze to get her moving, but once under way, she carries significant momentum through a chop.

The steering is typically described as heavy but communicative, a byproduct of the robust rudder assembly and the underwater profile. Owners of Smith’s designs often note that the boats are remarkably "quick to rig," a feature that transitioned from the Trump 25 to the 27. While the 25-foot version was occasionally seen with a ketch or cutter rig, the Trump 27 most commonly appears as a masthead sloop, providing a balanced sail plan that is easily reefed. It is not a light-air flyer, but it excels in 15–20 knots of wind, where its structural weight allows it to out-sail lighter, more modern "bleacher" boats that might be forced to head for port.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel designed in the early 1970s, the Trump 27 offers a straightforward and functional layout that maximizes the 27-foot footprint. The interior reflects the builder’s background in practical craftsmanship, featuring a traditional New England aesthetic with extensive use of fiberglass liners for durability, often accented by teak trim. The cabin typically follows a standard four-to-five berth arrangement: a V-berth forward, a central settee that can double as a berth, and a compact galley located near the companionway for optimal ventilation.

Headroom is adequate for a boat of this size and era, though taller sailors may find the transition from the companionway to the main cabin somewhat tight. The Trump 27 was built in very small numbers—estimated at fewer than a dozen hulls—which led to minor variations in interior finishes depending on the original buyer's preferences. Its sibling, the Trump 25, was known for being exceptionally spartan to maintain simplicity; the 27, by contrast, was outfitted for longer stays, featuring more dedicated storage lockers and a more substantial enclosed head area.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Trump 27 should approach the vessel with the understanding that they are purchasing a "niche" boat with limited factory documentation. Key areas for inspection include:

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many Connecticut-built boats from the 1970s, the Trump 27 utilized a sandwich construction for the decks. Buyers should use a phenolic hammer or moisture meter to check for soft spots around the stanchion bases and the mast step, as water intrusion over forty years can lead to significant delamination.
• Chainplate Anchors: Because Trump Yachts operated on a semi-custom scale, the secondary bonding of the chainplates to the bulkheads should be inspected for signs of "weeping" or rust streaks, which indicate movement or seal failure.
• Engine Serviceability: Many of these boats were originally fitted with small Atomic 4 gasoline engines or early-generation diesels. Given the age of the fleet, the state of the cooling manifolds and fuel lines is critical. Many existing units have been repowered, which significantly adds to the boat’s value.
• Orphan Brand Logistics: Since Trump Yachts transitioned into Atlantic Yacht Services and subsequently closed in 1991, there is no factory support for proprietary parts. Replacement hardware (rudders, hatches, or ports) will likely require custom fabrication or adaptation from generic marine suppliers.

Community & Resources

There is no formal national class association for Trump Yachts due to the limited production run. However, the legacy of Aborn Smith Jr.’s designs is preserved through regional sailing forums in the Northeast and among the maritime history community in Stonington and New London. Technical discussions regarding these hulls often surface in broader New England cruising groups, where the Trump 27 is respected as a "hidden gem" of the Connecticut boat-building tradition.

The Verdict

The Trump 27 is an overbuilt, honest cruiser for the sailor who values local maritime history and structural integrity over modern amenities and high-speed performance.

Pros

• Robust, hand-laid fiberglass construction capable of handling heavy weather.
• Predictable and forgiving handling characteristics for solo sailors or beginners.
• Exclusivity; a conversation starter in any New England harbor.

Cons

• Limited availability of model-specific technical data and spare parts.
• Sluggish performance in light wind conditions.
• Market resale can be slower due to lack of brand recognition outside of Connecticut.