1978 Heritage Yacht Nor'Sea

Designed by the late Lyle Hess, the Nor'Sea 27 was conceived by company founder Dean Wixom to be capable of sailing anywhere in the world yet be reasonably transportable from one destination to another, if one chose to do so. Of only several vessels that could be said to fit this niche market, none is more highly regarded than the Nor'Sea 27. The model is best described as "transportable" because, although the eight-foot beam allows trailering without special permit.

The more popular center cockpit model allows for a slightly more functional interior arrangement and greater storage volume. Over the years there were slight changes in arrangements, but generally the main saloon features a dinette forward that converts to a comfortable double berth when the table is lowered. There are a fully enclosed head and chart table to the port side and the galley to starboard with gimbaled stove and oven, stainless steel sink, and ice box. The aft cabin is accessed from the cockpit and is for storage and sleeping only. It features two comfortable sea berths and lots of volume for storage. The aft cockpit version has a similar arrangement forward, although the trunk cabin is slightly longer, and there are port and starboard quarter berths.

Boats of this type should not be evaluated on sailing performance alone but on a combination of sailing performance and comfort. When both are considered, the Nor'Sea 27 is quite impressive indeed. Her "Comfort Ratio," 32, is the highest of any 27-foot boat I have ever calculated. The hull is narrow, easily driven, and tracks well.

If you actually enjoy offshore passages in small boats, the Nor'Sea 27 has proven capable on many offshore passages and at least a handful of circumnavigations.