Witus 27 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Witus 27 are defined by its heavy-displacement profile. With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 274, the boat sits firmly in the "heavy cruiser" category. This weight, combined with a ballast ratio of roughly 37%, results in a high degree of "stiffness"—the boat resists heeling and maintains a steady, upright posture even when the breeze freshens. While this makes for a comfortable and secure experience for the crew, the trade-off is found in light-air performance. With a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio of 15.1, the Witus 27 can feel underpowered in winds below 10 knots, often requiring the assistance of its auxiliary diesel engine to maintain progress.

Handling is characterized by exceptional tracking. The long keel allows the boat to hold a course with minimal helm correction, a trait highly valued by solo sailors and long-distance cruisers. However, this same design makes the boat less maneuverable in tight marina settings; the Witus 27 has a large turning circle and can be challenging to back up under power, as the transom-hung rudder is less effective in reverse compared to spade rudders found on modern hulls. Owners often describe the ride as "dry" and "sea-kindly," noting that the hull’s entry and generous displacement allow it to part waves rather than slam into them.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its modest 27-foot length, the Witus 27 offers a functional and warm interior, traditionally finished with the high-quality mahogany joinery characteristic of Swedish boatbuilding. The layout typically features a standard four-berth configuration: a V-berth in the forward cabin and two settee berths in the main saloon. The headroom is notable for a vessel of this size, measuring approximately 1.80 meters (5'11"), which provides a sense of volume rarely found in 1970s-era 27-footers.

The galley is usually positioned near the companionway for ventilation and ease of access to the cockpit, while a compact head is located between the saloon and the forward cabin. Storage is plentiful, designed for the "weekending" or coastal cruising for which the boat was intended. While the Witus 27 did not see the extensive multi-cabin variations common in larger models, some units may feature slight differences in the galley or navigation station layout depending on whether they were finished at the factory or as kit boats. Its siblings in the Arvid Laurin lineage, such as the Laurin 28 and the larger Laurin 32, share the same design DNA but often feature "Koster" double-ended hulls rather than the transom stern found on the Witus 27.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Witus 27 should approach the vessel as a vintage fiberglass yacht, requiring specific technical inspections:

• Keel Bolts and Joint: As a long-keeled boat with an iron ballast, the seam between the keel and the hull is a primary point of concern. Inspectors should look for "the smile"—a crack at the leading edge of the keel joint that may indicate the need for re-torquing or replacing keel bolts.
• Osmotic Blistering: Like many early-to-mid 1970s GRP hulls, the Witus 27 is susceptible to osmosis if the gelcoat has not been protected with an epoxy barrier coat. A moisture meter test on the hull during haul-out is essential.
• Transom Rudder Pintles: The transom-hung rudder relies on heavy-duty stainless steel pintles and gudgeons. These should be checked for play or metal fatigue, as decades of stress can cause wear in the bushings, leading to "clunking" or vibration in the helm.
• Engine Service Life: Many units were originally fitted with 10hp Volvo Penta diesel engines. Given their age, buyers should verify the state of the cooling system (often raw-water cooled) and check for signs of internal corrosion or manifold failure, as parts for older Volvo models are increasingly difficult to source.

The Verdict

The Witus 27 is a "little ship" for the sailor who values tradition and safety above the trends of modern performance cruising. It is a sturdy, well-built platform that punches above its weight class in terms of offshore confidence.

Pros

• Exceptional seaworthiness and stability for its size.
• High-quality Swedish construction and interior joinery.
• Predictable tracking and ease of handling in a seaway.
• Generous headroom (5'11") compared to contemporary 27-footers.

Cons

• Limited maneuverability in tight quarters/marinas.
• Sluggish performance in light wind conditions.
• Aged original engines may require significant investment or replacement.
• Small tankage limits extended cruising range without modification.