C&C 27

1970–1982 · designed by Robert W. Ball · built by C&C Yachts

The C&C 27 was designed by Robert W. Ball as a fast, competitive one-design racer for the Great Lakes and coastal racing circuits, with enough accommodation for short-distance cruising. It reflects C&C's signature of clean hull lines, moderate displacement, and a performance-oriented fin-keel profile. The boat earned a strong racing reputation and attracted a devoted class association in Canada and the northeastern US. Produced in four marks from 1970 to 1982, it was never intended as an offshore passages boat — its strengths are speed and windward ability in protected to semi-exposed waters.

This is a general read on the C&C 27 class — informed background, not a verdict on any individual boat. Condition, refit history, and how a particular hull was sailed and stored matter far more than class reputation. Use it to know what to look for; for a read on a specific listing, run a free FairKeel report on that boat.

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At a glance

Hull form: Fin Keel
Ballast: Bolt On Lead
Rudder: Spade
Mast step: Keel Stepped
Hull construction: Fiberglass
Production: 1970–1982
Built in: Canada

What the C&C 27 is known for

Excellent upwind performance and clean hull form — one of the faster 27-foot designs of its era, with a well-deserved racing reputation on the Great Lakes and northeast coast.
Strong class association and parts/knowledge community, particularly in Canada, making it easier to find experienced owners, class-specific advice, and used spare gear.
Bolt-on lead keel provides good ballast-to-displacement ratio and can be inspected and rebedded without structural surgery.
Keel-stepped mast gives structural support that offsets some concerns about deck age — the mast is not relying on a deck-stepped partner that may have deteriorated.

Known trade-offs

Balsa-cored deck is now 45-55 years old and frequently wet on surviving hulls — the most common and costly defect found at survey.
Racing heritage means many boats have been driven hard with deferred maintenance on standing rigging, chainplates, and rudder gear; provenance matters significantly.
Minimal tankage (water and fuel) limits range and utility outside of day and weekend racing use.
Accommodation is spartan and purpose-built for racing — galley, head, and berth arrangements reflect a 1960s-70s race boat, not a cruiser.
Original Universal or Atomic Four auxiliaries, where still fitted, are increasingly difficult to support; a repower is often required and adds significant cost to an otherwise low-priced boat.

Age-related quirks to expect

Gelcoat osmotic blistering on hulls built through the mid-1970s Medium 1970–1976

Balsa core decks prone to delamination and water ingress around fittings High 1970–1982

Original aluminum spars on early hulls show corrosion and fatigue at spreader roots and mast step Medium 1970–1974

Chainplate tabbing and backing plates — early construction used limited reinforcement, now 50+ years old High 1970–1975

Rudder bearings and pintles/gudgeons worn or corroded on high-use racing boats Medium 1970–1982

Systems to check before you buy

Deck core and deck hardware priority: coastal, offshore, liveaboard, weekending

Balsa-cored decks are the highest-risk structural zone. Tap-test the entire deck surface methodically; pay close attention around chainplates, stanchion bases, mast partner, and all through-deck fittings. Wet core found here is expensive to repair properly and common on 45-55 year old hulls.

Chainplates and standing rigging priority: offshore, coastal, racing

Original chainplates and their internal tabbing are at or past service life. Inspect for rust staining at deck penetrations and flex cracking in the laminate. Full rig age check required — shrouds, forestay, and turnbuckles on a boat this old should be presumed overdue if provenance is unknown.

Hull-to-keel joint and keel bolt condition priority: offshore, coastal, liveaboard

Bolt-on lead fin keel. Inspect the keel sump for rust weeping, softness, or a visible gap at the hull-keel interface. Keel bolt survey via moisture meter and physical check is essential — neglected keel bolts on a 50-year-old boat are a structural risk, not just a maintenance item.

Engine and exhaust system priority: coastal, liveaboard, weekending

Most surviving C&C 27s have been repowered at least once; original Universal or Atomic Four engines are now rare and parts-challenged. Verify actual engine hours, raw water impeller history, heat exchanger condition, and exhaust elbow corrosion. A tired auxiliary on a racing-focused class is common — owners historically prioritised sails over engine maintenance.

Rudder bearing and tiller hardware priority: offshore, coastal, racing

Spade rudder with tiller. Check for play in the rudder shaft at the bearing, inspect fiberglass rudder skin for delamination (particularly at the lower bearing), and verify the rudder post weld or laminate attachment has not fatigued from racing loads.

How it fits your plans

Offshore: Not recommended for extended offshore passages. The C&C 27 was built for racing on the Great Lakes and coastal circuits — its narrow beam, limited tankage, small cockpit, and light displacement make it a poor choice for heavy-weather passages or long offshore legs. A well-maintained example could handle a coastal hop in benign conditions, but this is not its intended envelope.
Coastal: A natural fit. Fast, responsive, and competitive on coastal race courses. Comfortable for day sailing and weekend racing in protected to semi-exposed waters. The aging deck and rigging deserve attention before sustained coastal use.
Liveaboard: Not practical. Accommodation is minimal — designed as a racer with a quarter berth and basic galley. Tankage is inadequate for liveaboard use. Not recommended.
Weekending: Viable with the right crew. A couple can weekend aboard in reasonable comfort, and the boat's speed makes passages enjoyable. Limited stowage and basic head arrangement are the main compromises.
Racing: Still competitive within class racing. The C&C 27 class association remains active in some regions, and a well-maintained hull with current sails can still race effectively. Age of deck and rig must be addressed before racing use.
Motor: Not applicable as a motor vessel — auxiliary-only propulsion on a light racing hull.

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