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20data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this FOLKDANCER 27 buyer’s report
FOLKDANCER 27

FOLKDANCER 27

Russel Marine Ltd.🇬🇧· Design: F. Parker
$8,068 avg$8,068 – $8,068 (1 listings)from 1965
$1.2K – $3.2K est. annual maintenance
Offshore CruisermonoMasthead SloopFull/Long

Specifications

Hull

LOA27 ft
LWL19.67 ft
Beam7.5 ft
Draft4 ft
Displacement5,040 lb
Ballast2,800.2 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL5.9 kn

About the FOLKDANCER 27

FOLKDANCER 27 ancestry: WARSASH ONE-DESIGN > HAMBLE ONE-DESIGN(6 built) > FOLK DANCER 27. Also available with fin keel.

Sailpages Buyer's Take

The Folkdancer 27 is a classic British cruiser designed by F. Parker and built by Russel Marine Ltd. (UK) in 1965. While the exact build count is unknown, this single-year production run represents a distinct era of full-keel, masthead sloop design with a displacement of 5040.0 lb.

Best for:
This boat suits coastal cruisers and traditionalists who value a comfortable, stable ride over high-speed performance, making it ideal for relaxed weekend sailing or shakedown cruises.
Bluewater capability:
With a high D/L ratio of 295.64, a low capsize ratio of 1.75, and a full/long keel, the Folkdancer 27 is inherently stable and seaworthy for offshore passages, though its age requires careful structural assessment.
Comparables:
Comparable boats include other 1960s British full-keel designs like the Contessa 26 or Hallberg-Rassy 26, as they share similar displacement, beam, and traditional cruising characteristics.

Performance

Comfort24.3
Capsize1.75
SA/Disp14.4
Disp/Len296
Bal/Disp55.6

Market Price

Low
$8,068
Average
$8,068
High
$8,068
Based on 1 listings across 1 marketplace

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Based on 27ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$1.2K – $3.2K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
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Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

8 reported issues across 5 systems for the FOLKDANCER 27, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

3 critical3 major2 minor
Structural3Rudder2Plumbing1Rigging1Keel1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a FOLKDANCER 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 8 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

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Which engine powers your FOLKDANCER 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 — is it one of these?

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Used sails that fit the FOLKDANCER 27

Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…