The Aloha 26, 27, 8.2, 271 are all closely related designs. Although the hulls are identical and were produced in the same mould, the builders used several different sail and mast suppliers during the production run of the designs and specifications for the boats produced varied accordingly. Many of the boats produced have interchangeable sails and other parts.[5][6][7] Despite having so many designations for the vessel, Aloha 27 is colloquially used as the model designation.
The Aloha 27 should not be confused with the slightly larger Aloa 27 which was designed by Frans Maas and built in France by Aloa Marine, starting in 1976.[8]
The Aloha 27 series are all small recreational keelboats, built predominantly of fibreglass, with wood trim. They all have fractionalsloop rigs, internally-mounted spade-type rudders and fixed fin keels. They are fitted with a tiller, although a wheel was a factory option. They all displace 5,200 lb (2,359 kg) and carry 2,000 lb (907 kg) of ballast encapsulated inside a fibreglass keel.[2][3][5][6]
The series all have a draft of 4.33 ft (1.32 m) with the standard keel fitted.[2]
The boat came with an outboard motor provision as standard with the option of an inboardBMW, Volvo Penta or Westerbeke diesel engine powering a saildrive unit. The early versions had the BMW powerplant of 7 hp (5 kW), which some owners found underpowered and that led to the Westerbeke engine of 10 hp (7 kW) being substituted. The fuel tank holds 12 U.S. gallons (45 L; 10.0 imp gal) and the fresh water tank has a capacity of 14 U.S. gallons (53 L; 12 imp gal).[2][5][9]
The original production run boats featured such amenities as Barient winches, tufted crushed velour cushions, oversized spars, pulpit and lifelines, as well as internal halyards.[9]
Of the interior accommodations, reviewer Michael McGoldrick noted:
The Aloha 27 comes with a fairly spacious cabin which carries well forward. It has a comfortable interior that is slightly different from the run-of-the-mill layout found on the average boat in the size range. (Note that what appears to be a truncated settee on the port side of the main cabin actually converts into a full length berth for sleeping.)[5]
The Aloha 27 has a PHRF racing average handicap of 207 and a hull speed of 6.53 kn (12.09 km/h).[3]
Operational history
In an interview in Sail Universe, two Aloha 8.2 owners described the design:
Fast and functional and a mighty vessel for her modest LOA ... built by hand, and the tale of her designer is one hell of a triumphant Canadian immigration story, coming to Canada with just $9 in his pocket. The story goes that Aloha Yachts are about integrity and heart...Handcrafted and made with love to be one of the finest racer/cruisers around, she’s decked out in top to bottom teak, and can turn on a dime. Not all 27’ sailboats are given a full wheel at the helm (most have tillers)...They say that the theoretical hull speed of an Aloha 8.2 is 6.32 knots, but we’ve recently got her well passed 8 without a flinch.[10]
Variants
Aloha 27 showing cockpit dodger and bimini topAloha 27 with 150% genoa fitted. This vessel has the outboard motor option.Aloha 8.2Aloha 8.2
Aloha 26
This model was introduced in 1979, has a length overall of 26.50 ft (8.1 m) and a waterline length of 22.50 ft (6.9 m) and was soon renamed the Aloha 27.[2][3]
Aloha 27
This model was the 26 renamed and was built in the same mould, with a length overall of 26.50 ft (8.1 m) and a waterline length of 22.50 ft (6.9 m).[2][3]
Aloha 8.2
This model was renamed in 1980 when Canada adopted the metric system, has a length overall of 26.75 ft (8.2 m) and a waterline length of 22.19 ft (6.8 m).[7][11]
Aloha 271
This model was introduced in 1987, has a length overall of 26.75 ft (8.2 m) and a waterline length of 22.50 ft (6.9 m).[12][13]
