WATKINS 27
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 27 ft |
| LWL | 23.67 ft |
| Beam | 10 ft |
| Draft | 3.67 ft |
| Displacement | 7,500 lb |
| Ballast | 3,500.2 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.5 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 34.8 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 11 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 30 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 10.75 ft |
| FLforestay | 11 ft |
| Mainsail | 365.6 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 191.4 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 325.4 sq ft |
Engine
| Yanmar | 2GM15 hpSee all 65 parts → |
About the WATKINS 27
A pilot house version was available, but less than 10 were built. A keel/centerboard version exists but is also rare. Draft BU: 3.0' Draft BD: 7.0'
Designed by Walter Scott and built by Watkins Yachts Inc. (USA) from 1977–1984, the Watkins 27 is a robust coastal cruiser with 500 hulls produced. Its design emphasizes stability and comfort, featuring a displacement of 7500.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 21.88, making it a solid choice for owners seeking a manageable, well-proportioned sloop.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a stable, comfortable ride over high-speed performance, as indicated by its moderate SA/D ratio of 14.54 and capsize ratio of 2.05. It also appeals to owners interested in extensive customization, with high adoption rates for solar panels, biminis, and modern electronics upgrades.
- Bluewater capability:
- While the Watkins 27 has a respectable capsize ratio of 2.05 and displacement of 7500.0 lb, its bluewater capability is limited by reported structural concerns, particularly keel smile/sump cracking and deck core moisture, which require rigorous inspection before offshore passage.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 27 and O'Day 27, which share similar dimensions, production eras, and roles as family-friendly coastal cruisers. These models offer similar masthead sloop rigs and displacement characteristics, providing alternative options for buyers seeking a 27-foot trailerable or dockable cruiser.
Direct variant of the WATKINS 27
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
Estimated Value
Medium ConfidenceAsking price by model year
13 listings · boat years 1978–1989 · median $9,000
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 27ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
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Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
14 reported issues across 8 systems for the WATKINS 27, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a WATKINS 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 14 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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Engine Parts & Maintenance
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Used sails that fit the WATKINS 27
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…