The Cutlass 27 Sailboat

About 200 Cutlass 27 sailboats were built between 1967 and the mid-1980s. The first boats were called just "Cutlass", and later ones were renamed "Cutlass 27" after some design changes in 1974.

The Cutlass 27 sails very well, with a light and sensitive helm, and a good performance in various wind conditions. It is a good sea boat, reasonably quick and easy to handle. It has a sail area of 338ft² for the main and genoa, and a ballast ratio of over 50%.

The Cutlass 27 has a low coachroof line, a spacious cockpit, and a simple deck layout. It has four berths in two cabins, a saloon and a forecabin, but the interior is very plainly finished and small compared to more modern boats. Some boats may have windvane self-steering gear, a modified main hatch, or other customizations for long offshore passages.

The price of a Cutlass 27 may vary depending on the condition, age, location, and equipment of the boat. According to some online listings, the average asking price for a Cutlass 27 in the UK is around £5,000 to £10,000 as of July 2023.

Some similar boats to the Cutlass 27 are the Folkboat, which was the inspiration for the Cutlass hull design, the Contessa 26, which is another classic long-keeled sloop from the same era, and the Albin Vega, which is another popular small cruiser with good sailing qualities.

One of the common problems with the Cutlass 27 sailboat is that the interior is very plainly finished and small compared to more modern boats. Some owners may find the lack of space and amenities uncomfortable or inconvenient for longer cruises.

Another problem is that the boat is significantly under-rigged, meaning that it has less sail area than most similar sailboats. This can affect the boat's speed and performance in light winds and may require more frequent use of the engine.

A third problem is that the boat has a long keel, which makes it more difficult to handle in tight spaces or shallow waters. The boat may also have more drag and less manoeuvrability than a fin-keeled boat.

These problems are not necessarily deal breakers, as they are balanced by the boat's many positive qualities, such as its beauty, stability, comfort, and seakeeping abilities. However, they are worth considering before buying or sailing a Cutlass 27 sailboat.