Single Screw 27

John: I owned a 66 single screw 27 express. I beleive someone repowered it with Chris Craft 350Q as I don't beleive that was it's original power. It most likely had the 327. As far as speed I think 18-20 is alittle high. At 31-3200 RPM I would cruise at between 14-15kts. Granted, with a family of 6 we added some weight to the boat. Trim Tabs are a definate plus for the single screw particularly at the speeds you would like to attain. I believe she was propped right as it would reach around 4200 RPM at WOT. Handling is an issue for the single screw 27. The 27 has a very flat bottom with little to no Keel so she does not want to track well at slow or docking speed. It is alot like driving a beach ball with a point and shoot type of approach. Alot of gear shifting and engine reving to get enough water to flow by the rudder to get her where you want her to go. Not impossible by any means but I would not classify the experience as a delight. As you probably already know,if you are dealing with any type of wind or current you can have your hands full. We went in the opposite direction when we sold her in 2006 and went up in size to a 1971 35 sports cruiser. The difference in docking with the twins is like night and day.