EXPRESS 27
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 27.25 ft |
| LWL | 23.75 ft |
| Beam | 8 ft |
| Draft | 4.5 ft |
| Displacement | 2,450 lb |
| Ballast | 1,100 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.5 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 32.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 9.75 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 28.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 10.42 ft |
| FLforestay | 9 ft |
| Mainsail | 288.3 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 128.3 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 218 sq ft |
About the EXPRESS 27
Designed by Carl Schumacher and built by Alsberg Brothers Boatworks, the Express 27 is a lightweight, performance-oriented fractional sloop with 116 hulls produced in 1982. Its low displacement of 2450.0 lb and high sail area-to-displacement ratio of 24.36 define it as a nimble coastal racer-cruiser rather than a heavy offshore vessel.
- Best for:
- This boat suits active coastal cruisers and weekend racers who prioritize speed and agility over heavy-weather comfort, making it ideal for single-handers or couples seeking a manageable, trailerable package.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low displacement of 2450.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.38, the Express 27 is not recommended for extended bluewater passages due to its light construction and limited reserve buoyancy.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 27 and O'Day 27, which share similar fractional sloop rigs and coastal cruising roles, though the Express 27 distinguishes itself with a significantly lighter displacement and more performance-focused hull form.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(2 certificates)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 5.1 | 6.0 | 6.4 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 6.7 | 6.7 |
| 60° | 5.4 | 6.2 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 7.1 |
| 75° | 5.7 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 7.8 |
| 90° | 5.8 | 6.5 | 7.1 | 7.7 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 8.7 |
| 110° | 5.5 | 6.4 | 7.0 | 7.7 | 8.4 | 9.3 | 10.5 |
| 120° | 5.2 | 6.2 | 6.8 | 7.5 | 8.3 | 9.2 | 11.4 |
| 135° | 4.6 | 5.8 | 6.4 | 7.0 | 7.7 | 8.5 | 10.8 |
| 150° | 3.8 | 4.9 | 5.8 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.6 | 9.1 |
| Beat VMG | 3.3 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.6 |
| Run VMG | 3.3 | 4.2 | 5.1 | 5.8 | 6.3 | 6.8 | 7.9 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the EXPRESS 27 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 27.25ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
22 reported issues across 9 systems for the EXPRESS 27, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a EXPRESS 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 22 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 EXPRESS 27?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Westerbeke, Volvo Penta, Volvo-Penta — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the EXPRESS 27
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