Express 27 vs Orion 27-2
How do the Express 27 and Orion 27-2 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Express 27 | Express 27 | Orion 27-2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 27.3 ft8.31 m | 27.3 ft8.33 m |
| Waterline length | 23.8 ft7.24 m | 22.2 ft6.77 m |
| Beam | 8.2 ft2.49 m | 9.2 ft2.81 m |
| Draft | 4.5 ft1.37 m | 4.0 ft1.22 m |
| Displacement | 2,450 lb1,111 kg | 10,000 lb4,536 kg |
| Ballast | 1,100 lb499 kg | 3,300 lb1,497 kg |
| Sail area | 276 ft²25.6 m² | 443 ft²41.2 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 24.30 | 15.27 |
| Displacement / Length | 82 | 407 |
| Comfort ratio | 9.3 | 33.8 |
| Capsize screening | 2.42 | 1.71 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.5 | 6.3 |
Express 27 vs Orion 27-2: the short version
- The Express 27 and Orion 27-2 are close in length (27.3 ft8.31 m vs 27.3 ft8.33 m ).
- The Orion 27-2 is heavier, displacing about 308% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Express 27 carries the more powerful rig (24.3 vs 15.3), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Orion 27-2 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Orion 27-2 rates better for offshore work (1.71 vs 2.42).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.