Wasa 270 Information, Review, Specs

Despite its high-quality construction and favorable performance, the Wasa 270 remained a niche model with a very limited production run of fewer than 20 hulls. It follows the classic Scandinavian design ethos of the era: a narrow beam, a deep fin keel, and a powerful fractional rig. While many of its siblings like the Wasa 360 and the Wasa 38 were designed for offshore cruising and IOR racing, the 270 was optimized as a fast coastal day-sailer or weekender that could hold its own on a racecourse.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Wasa 270 is defined by a exceptionally high ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 48% to 52%, a figure rarely seen in modern production cruisers. With nearly half its 4,630-pound weight concentrated in a 1.65-meter deep lead fin keel, the boat is remarkably stiff and capable of carrying its full mainsail well into the upper teens of wind speed. This stability is paired with a speedy, low-drag hull that features a high Sail Area/Displacement ratio of roughly 19.1, indicating a boat that accelerates quickly in light air.

Handling is characterized by the responsiveness of its spade rudder and fractional sloop rig. Unlike the larger, more directional-stable Wasa models, the 270 is agile and rewards active trim. The use of a lead keel rather than iron further lowers the center of gravity, allowing for a slimmer, more efficient foil that reduces drag. While the narrow beam (8.36 ft) limits initial stability, the boat "locks in" once it heels, providing a predictable and secure feel for the helmsperson.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Wasa 270 is unique among its peers for its use of a white fiberglass inner liner, which the manufacturer notes was intended to provide a "bright and clean" atmosphere under deck. This deviates from the dense, dark teak often found in the larger Wasa 370 or 530 models. To maintain the brand’s identity, Wasa utilized teak bulkheads and cabinetry to provide a warm contrast against the white molded surfaces.

The layout is compact but functional for a 27-foot boat, typically featuring a V-berth forward, a small galley area, and salon settees. Because it was designed as a performance "entry-level" boat, headroom is limited compared to modern "fat-hull" cruisers of the same length. There are no major layout variations noted in production history, as the limited run focused on a singular, optimized configuration for weight savings and racing utility.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

As a rare, high-performance vintage yacht, the Wasa 270 requires a specific focus during pre-purchase inspections:

• Keel Attachment: Given the very high ballast ratio and deep fin keel, the keel bolts and surrounding fiberglass grid must be inspected for signs of stress or "the Wasa smile" (stress cracking at the leading edge), though the lead keel itself is highly resistant to the corrosion found in iron keels.
• Outboard vs. Inboard: Many 270s were equipped with outboard motors to maximize sailing performance. If an original inboard (like a Yanmar 1GM10) is present, check for saltwater corrosion and the integrity of the sail-drive seal, if applicable.
• Plastic Liner Bonding: As the only Wasa with a plastic inner liner, buyers should check for delamination between the liner and the hull, especially in high-load areas like the chainplates or the mast step.
• Rigging Tension: The fractional rig places significant stress on the backstay and mast gate. Inspect the mast step for compression and the standing rigging for age-related fatigue.

Community & Resources

The primary resource for technical data and historical support is the original boatyard, which still operates as a service center in Södertälje, Sweden. They maintain a repository of information for owners and continue to provide parts and rigging expertise for the vintage fleet.

The Verdict

The Wasa 270 is a rare "sailor's boat" that offers the pedigree of a premium Swedish shipyard in a compact, manageable package.

Pros:

• Exceptional stiffness and stability due to a 50%+ ballast ratio.
• High-quality lead keel and fiberglass construction.
• Quick and responsive performance in light-to-moderate winds.
• Easier to maintain than larger, wood-heavy Scandinavian yachts.

Cons:

• Extremely limited availability on the used market.
• Narrow beam results in less interior volume and headroom than modern 27-footers.
• Weight-sensitive design requires disciplined loading of cruising gear.