A recent PHRF of the Chesapeake listing shows 23 27s currently racing on the Bay with six different configurations. Each engine, rig and keel combination performs slightly differently. In general, the Catalina 27 has a reputation as a well-mannered lady with decent speed for daysailing and friendly competition between piers. Demand for Catalina 27s in good condition remains strong among first time buyers and sailors moving up to their first cruising boats. Even by today's standards, these boats are quite roomy for a 27-footer.
Construction tends to be on the light side.
The solid fiberglass lay-up of the hull is not overbuilt, particularly above the waterline and may fracture from impacts that would leave a heavier built boat with only a scratch. Early boats lacked proper backing plates on hardware, through-hull fittings were poorly installed and secondary bondings of attachments in some cases were poor. Leaking chain plates have caused the bulkheads, to which they are attached, to deteriorate raising the possibility of rig failures. Fuel tank installations were poor on early inboard models. With more than 6,600 produced, there are plenty of Catalina 27s around.