Designed by Carl Schumacher and built by Alsberg Brothers Boatworks starting in 1982, this 27-footer represents a compelling blend of racing performance and coastal cruising capability. With 116 hulls produced, the Express 27 carved out a solid reputation in the competitive small boat market of the 1980s. Schumacher's design philosophy shines through in the boat's aggressive sail area to displacement ratio of 24.36, marking it as a genuine performance-oriented vessel. The fractional sloop rig combined with a fin keel and spade rudder configuration delivers responsive handling and impressive upwind performance. At 2,450 pounds displacement with 1,100 pounds of ballast, the boat achieves an excellent balance between stability and speed. The Express 27 excels in coastal racing and spirited day sailing, where its light displacement and efficient sail plan truly shine. While the extremely low comfort ratio of 9.57 clearly indicates this boat prioritizes speed over creature comforts, it remains a viable option for weekend coastal cruising with a small crew. The moderate beam of 8 feet keeps the boat manageable while maintaining good initial stability. For sailors seeking an affordable entry into performance sailing or one-design racing, the Express 27 offers proven Schumacher design DNA in an accessible package.
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What is the Express 27's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Express 27 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 24.36. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Express 27's comfort ratio?
The Express 27 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 9.57. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Express 27 safe for offshore sailing?
The Express 27 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.38. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Express 27?
The theoretical hull speed of the Express 27 is 6.53 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Express 27 weigh?
The Express 27 has a displacement of 2,450.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 27.25 ft.
How much does a used Express 27 cost?
Based on 2 recent market listings, used Express 27 sailboats typically sell for between $22,500 and $22,500, with a median asking price of $22,500. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Express 27?
The Express 27 was designed by Carl Schumacher, first built in 1982.