Nova 27

[chrishelen]

I had a look over one of these boats at the weekend with the view to buying,they are based on a Moody 27 hull,

She looked well found and was ok down below,having just sold my wooden boat she ticked some of the boxes for my future boat i.e not too plasticy,

the seller is working abroad and she is being sold by a broker,all her sails have been removed for the winter but i am wondering what she sails like,has anyone any experience of sailing on these boat,

Thanks.
Chris.

 

[Nigel_Ward]

I do not think they are based on a Moody hull. The Nova was a much earlier design and according to this advert, designed by Westall.

http://www.boatshed.com/nova_27-boat-77541.html

 

[michael_w]

A chum has one and I've sailed her a few times.

Brick outhouse construction, though the companionway is rather on the large side. Lots of accomodation bearing in mind her size. Surprising turn of speed from what appears to be a rather clonky looking MAB. Venerable Saab thumper for an engine.

 

[steve350]

There was a test on the Nova 27 in Sailing Today, July 04. They found the Nova "not as close winded as racier and more modern designs, but will tack through a very respectable 95-100 degrees and makes little leeway in moderate conditions. In our test we found we could expect 4Kn or more with the wind forward of the beam and in excess of 5.5Kn with it aft of the beam. During our test, with full sail in 15Kn plus of true wind she was quite heavy on the helm when the boat became overpressed in gusts, although a reef in the main would be enough to reduce the heel and return the balance."
The verdict says "Although less well known than many of her contemporaries the Nova 27 is a solid and safe yacht with a considerable amount of space packed into her 27ft, and she offers excellent value for money.
For: Spacious accommodation, Generous berth lengths, outstanding headroom.
Against: Heavy helm, large main hatch is vulnerable in heavy weather, headroom forward."
According to the article the hull was indeed used on the Moody 27 which was built from 78-80, "although this should not be confused with the all-new Bill Dixon designed Moody 27 which was built by Marine Projects from 1981 onwards.

 

[chrishelen]

Thanks Steve,and everone else who responded,

Negotiations are at an early stage,the vendor living in the far east doesnt help.

 

[mindtheboom]

Hi Chris,

Did you buy that Nova 27 in the end? If so, I'm interested to know what you think of them. I like the look of them and missed out on buying one earlier this year.

Cheers,
Matt.

 

[chrishelen]

Hi matt, sorry for the late reply. I did buy a Nova and sailed her everyday. I owned her for six years. Very solid construction, pretty fast in light airs and in a blow a reef or two in the main made all the difference. Don't be put off by the old Saab diesel, my engine pushed the boat along at 6.5knts all day long. Down below is pretty spacious with full standing headroom. The main hatch is massive and is a weakness in my opinion, check out the wood work on the hatches as it tends to rot. The fire hatch has a weird drain system which easily clogs up and spills into the cabin. Would I buy one again? Probably not.