Practical Sailorvideo

Live On A Cheap and Small Sailboat! The Newport 27

28 July 2025 · 8 min · 31K views

What this video covers

The Newport 27, designed by George Cuthbertson and George Cassian, offers a budget-friendly platform for liveaboard sailing with over six feet of standing headroom.0:43 Built between 1971 and 1986, the 6,000-pound masthead sloop features a hand-laid fiberglass hull and lead keel.1:25 While the boat is fast and competitive in racing, prospective owners should prioritize replacing original PVC gate valves on through-hulls, which pose a significant sinking risk.1:33 The vessel’s small six-gallon holding tank makes a composting head a recommended upgrade for full-time living.1:56 The interior layout includes a v-berth, two six-foot settees, and a galley with a sink and two-burner stove.4:41 With a sail area-to-displacement ratio of 17, the boat performs well in light air but requires early reefing to manage weather helm in winds exceeding 20 knots.2:21 When inspecting used models, buyers should specifically check for rotted deck cores, compromised rigging, and water intrusion at the keel attachment.6:50

Watch on YouTube

Boats in this video

Newport 27SReviewed

More from Practical Sailor

The MASSIVE Hunter Deck Saloon 41Sept 2026How To Go Cheap! The Annapolis Sailboat ShowSept 2026Is the Hunter 356 a Bad Boat?Sept 2026Why You Might Regret Buying a WatermakerSept 2026

From Practical Sailor — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.

Report an issue