Designed by A.S. Pendell and built by Wayfarer Yacht Corp. beginning in 1969, this compact cruiser represents solid American boatbuilding from sailing's popular era. The Islander 27's moderate proportions and traditional masthead sloop rig make it an ideal choice for weekend coastal cruising and day sailing adventures. With its fin keel and spade rudder configuration, the boat offers responsive handling while maintaining the stability needed for comfortable family sailing. The 4,100-pound displacement provides a reassuring feel in moderate conditions, while the 1,700 pounds of ballast ensures adequate stability for coastal waters. Her fiberglass construction has proven durable over the decades, with many examples still actively sailing today. The boat's sail area of 325 square feet delivers adequate performance for recreational sailing without being overwhelming for smaller crews. Her beam of 8 feet creates reasonable interior volume for a boat this size, making weekend trips comfortable for couples or small families. The Islander 27's design strikes a practical balance between sailing ability and livability, characteristics that have kept these boats popular in the used market. This is primarily a coastal cruiser best suited for protected waters and day sailing, rather than serious offshore passages.
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What is the Islander 27's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Islander 27 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 20.36. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Islander 27's comfort ratio?
The Islander 27 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 18.07. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Islander 27 safe for offshore sailing?
The Islander 27 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Islander 27?
The theoretical hull speed of the Islander 27 is 5.99 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Islander 27 weigh?
The Islander 27 has a displacement of 4,100.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 26.58 ft.
How much does a used Islander 27 cost?
Based on 2 recent market listings, used Islander 27 sailboats typically sell for between $1,500 and $1,500, with a median asking price of $1,500. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Islander 27?
The Islander 27 was designed by A.s. Pendell, first built in 1969.