Watkins built 514 boats. In 1981, the company also produced seven pilothouse variants, designated W27P. Al G. Larson later reworked the design as the W27 Mk II, adding an outward-flange hull-to-deck joint, a new keel, all-opening portlights, and a revised interior.
Design and Construction
Watkins offered the 27 with a centerboard and stub keel, a shoal fixed keel, or a deep fixed keel. Of the 514 boats built, however, nearly all have the shoal fixed keel. This popular version draws 3 feet 8 inches and carries 3,500 pounds of ballast in a total displacement of 7,500 pounds. The centerboard version draws just 3 feet with the board up and 7 feet with it down.
The long fin keel contains encapsulated lead, and the rudder hangs from a partial skeg. The fiberglass structure uses woven roving and mat, while encapsulated plywood reinforces the deck and hatches.
Early boats through 1978 have a shoebox hull-to-deck joint that was prone to leaking. Post-1979 boats adopted an outward flange, creating a more secure union.
Rig and Handling
The W27 has a masthead sloop rig with double inboard lower shrouds and a mainsheet led to the end of the boom. Stainless steel bow and stern pulpits are connected by single lifelines.
A displacement/length waterline ratio of 252 and a sail area/displacement ratio of 14.8 place the boat in the moderate-displacement family-cruiser range. Most fleets give it a PHRF rating of 234 seconds per mile. The 10-foot beam provides a steady, roomy platform without the extremes of a racing hull.
Cockpit and Accommodations
That 10-foot beam also produces a wide saloon. Watkins fitted long settees wide enough to serve as berths. Because the saloon is so broad, the boat really needs overhead grab rails for safe movement offshore.
The foredeck is quite wide but lacks an anchor locker. The cockpit is roomy yet rather shallow: comfortable for lounging, but less protective in a seaway. On the Mk II, all-opening portlights and a revised interior improved ventilation and livability.
Known Issues
The clearest weakness on early hulls is the leaky shoebox hull-to-deck joint used before 1979. Buyers and owners of these boats should inspect the seam carefully. Later outward-flange boats avoided the weakness through a construction change rather than a repair.
Engines, Variants, and Ownership
Watkins fitted various Yanmar diesels rated at 8, 12, or 22 horsepower. A few boats instead have gas inboards or outboards.
The W27P pilothouse version remains a rare 1981 sub-model for sailors seeking shelter at the helm. The Mk II’s outward flange, new keel, opening portlights, and revised interior represent the most consequential factory revisions and are worth seeking out on the used market.
Verdict
The Watkins 27 is a thoughtfully built small cruiser that punched above its price against better-known contemporaries. Scott’s hull, combined with Watkins’ solid glass and plywood-reinforced decks, makes a durable weekender. Its broad beam provides uncommon cabin volume for a 27-footer.
The shoal keel dominates the fleet and suits gunkholing. On early boats, however, the shoebox hull-to-deck joint is the one clear weak point to survey.
Pros
- Better hardware and construction than the Catalina 27 at the same price
- Encapsulated lead keel and partial-skeg rudder provide straightforward underwater gear
- Wide saloon with berth-length settees
- Post-1979 outward-flange hull-to-deck joint
- Rare pilothouse variant and well-documented Mk II improvements
Cons
- Pre-1979 shoebox hull-to-deck joint is prone to leaking
- No anchor locker on the wide foredeck
- Shallow cockpit provides limited protection for the crew
