US 27-1 CB Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The influence of Gary Mull is evident in the hull’s lines, which favor a relatively high beam-to-length ratio and a flat run aft. This design provides the US 27-1 CB with considerable initial stability, making it a comfortable platform for families. With the centerboard fully extended, the boat tracks surprisingly well for a shallow-draft cruiser, drawing approximately 6 feet, which provides the necessary bite to minimize leeway during upwind beats. When the board is retracted, the draft is reduced to just 3 feet, allowing the vessel to navigate skinny water or be easily trailered with the right equipment.

Owners often report that the boat feels "stiff" initially due to the wide beam, though like many Mull designs of this era, it performs best when sailed relatively flat. The sail area-to-displacement ratio suggests a boat that is capable in light winds, provided the bottom is clean and the centerboard trunk is free of debris. However, the CB model carries its ballast lower in the hull than the fixed-keel version to compensate for the centerboard mechanism, which can result in a slightly different motion in a seaway. While not a blue-water voyager, the US 27-1 CB is a nimble coastal performer that handles predictably under power, thanks to its spade rudder, which offers high maneuverability in tight marinas.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the US 27-1 CB is where the "Bayliner" influence of its parent company is most visible, emphasizing "living room" comfort over traditional nautical aesthetics. By utilizing a beam of over 9 feet, the designer created an expansive salon that feels larger than many 30-footers of the same vintage. The layout typically features a standard V-berth forward, followed by a full-width head—a rarity for this size—and a main salon with facing settees.

The galley is positioned aft, usually to the starboard side, allowing the cook to remain near the companionway for ventilation and communication with the cockpit. One of the notable variations within the 27-foot hull line was the transition from the original US 27 to the 27-1, which saw minor refinements in interior moldings and deck hardware placement. The CB model specifically features a centerboard trunk that is integrated into the cabin table or floor structure; while this takes up some physical space, Mull’s design manages to keep the cabin feeling open. Teak veneers and bulkheads were standard, though contemporary buyers should note that many units utilized "Teak-Eze" or similar synthetic laminates popular in the 1980s to reduce maintenance.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of the US 27-1 CB should focus their inspection on the specific mechanical and structural points unique to this model and its manufacturer’s build style:

• Centerboard Pennant & Pivot: The most critical inspection point is the centerboard assembly. The pennant (the line used to raise and lower the board) and the pivot pin are prone to wear and corrosion. If the board hasn't been serviced, it can become jammed or, in extreme cases, the pivot point can wear through the fiberglass trunk.
• Deck Core Integrity: Like many production boats from US Marine during this period, the decks are balsa-cored. Hardware was not always factory-sealed with epoxy potted holes, leading to potential moisture ingress around stanchion bases and the chainplates. A thorough "tap test" with a phenolic hammer is essential.
• The "Smile" Joint: On the fixed keel versions, a gap can develop at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint. While the CB version has a different ballast arrangement, the trunk-to-hull joinery should still be inspected for stress cracking or evidence of hard groundings.
• Engine Access: Many US 27s were equipped with small inboard diesels or gasoline engines (like the Renault or early Yanmars). Access is often tight, and the cooling systems on these older units should be pressurized to check for leaks.

Community & Resources

While US Yachts is no longer in production, a dedicated community of owners exists, often sharing resources through broader Bayliner and US Marine forums. The US Yachts Owner Association remains the primary informal repository for manual scans and replacement part sourcing. Technical discussions regarding the Gary Mull designs are also frequently found within the archives of general sailing forums like CruisersForum, where the US 27 is often compared to its cousin, the Buccaneer 27.

The Verdict

The US 27-1 CB is a versatile, high-volume coastal cruiser that offers an excellent entry point for sailors who prioritize cabin space and shallow-water access. While it may lack the heavy-duty scantlings of a dedicated offshore cruiser, its Gary Mull pedigree ensures a level of sailing satisfaction often missing from "floating condo" designs.

Pros:

• Exceptional Draft Versatility: The 3-foot "board-up" draft is ideal for gunkholing and shallow coastal regions.
• Interior Volume: Feels significantly larger than its 27-foot LOA would suggest.
• Balanced Handling: Gary Mull's hull design provides a good turn of speed and stable tracking.

Cons:

• Build Consistency: Potential for deck saturation issues common in 1980s mass-production builds.
• Maintenance Complexity: The centerboard mechanism adds a layer of required underwater maintenance.
• Aesthetic Aging: The heavy use of laminates and plastics in the interior may feel dated to traditionalists.