Nor'Sea 27 Specs
March 10, 2025 by Byron Coughlin
The Nor'Sea 27 is a well-regarded small bluewater cruising sailboat designed by Lyle Hess and built primarily by Heritage Marine in the late 1970s and 1980s. It has a reputation for being a capable offshore vessel, with several examples having completed circumnavigations.
- Length Overall (LOA): ~27’
- Length at Waterline (LWL): ~23’
- Beam: 8’5”
- Draft: 3’6”
- Displacement: ~8,100 lbs
- Ballast: ~3,300 lbs (lead)
- Sail Area: ~375 sq. ft.
- Keel Type: Full keel with cutaway forefoot
- Hull Material: Fiberglass
- Rigging: Cutter or sloop
For more detailed specifications, visit the Nor'Sea 27 page on sailboatdata.com.
Why It Stands Out:
- True Bluewater Capabilities: Designed for offshore passages, the Nor'Sea 27 is heavily built with a full keel for stability and a well-protected rudder.
- Compact but Efficient: Despite being only 27 feet, it has excellent storage and seaworthiness, making it a favorite for single-handers and couples.
- Trailerable: Some models have been transported overland, though it’s a hefty boat for trailering.
- Proven Design: Lyle Hess was known for designing seaworthy small cruisers (e.g., the Bristol Channel Cutter), and the Nor'S'ea 27 follows that tradition.