
CAPE DORY 27
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 27.08 ft |
| LWL | 20 ft |
| Beam | 8.5 ft |
| Draft | 4 ft |
| Displacement | 7,500 lb |
| Ballast | 3,000 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 34 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 11 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 29.75 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11.25 ft |
| FLforestay | 11 ft |
| Mainsail | 367.7 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 187 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 317.9 sq ft |
About the CAPE DORY 27
Designed by Carl Alberg and built by Cape Dory (USA) from 1977–1985, the Cape Dory 27 is a classic full-keel sloop with 277 hulls produced. Its heavy displacement of 7500.0 lb and full/long keel configuration prioritize stability and comfort over speed, resulting in a high comfort ratio of 30.28.
- Best for:
- This boat is ideal for coastal cruisers and conservative bluewater sailors who value seakindliness and ease of single-handed handling over high-performance racing capabilities.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low capsize ratio of 1.74 and a displacement/length ratio of 418.53, the Cape Dory 27 is well-suited for offshore passages due to its stable, motion-dampening hull form.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Island Packet 28 and the Tartan 27, which share similar full-keel, heavy-displacement designs aimed at safe, comfortable offshore cruising.
Performance
Liveaboard Score
How suitable the CAPE DORY 27is for living aboard full-time, by crew. “Not recommended” means the design is too cramped for that crew — not just short on length.
- ✓Sea-kindly & settled at anchor
- ✓Affordable to own & maintain
- ✓Shoal draft — easy anchoring & outdoor living
- —
Estimated Value
Medium ConfidenceAsking price by model year
18 listings · boat years 1974–1982 · median $12,500
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 27.08ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
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Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
26 reported issues across 10 systems for the CAPE DORY 27, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CAPE DORY 27? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 26 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your CAPE DORY 27?
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Used sails that fit the CAPE DORY 27
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