MARK I 1971 First boat Gemini. Earliest boat on the books was Earwig
MARK II (1975) – no significant changes. Mast was extended from 28′ to 30′ and from 3/4 to masthead rig during early Mark I’s.
MARK 111 (1977) – skeg now part of GRP hull moulding (was wooden, bolt on previously); central nacelle extended to rear of aft cabin to reduce wave impact on bridge deck under bunks in heavy seas, hatches to aft cabins now hinged, rather than sliding; keels extended forwards by 18″ to ensure level taking of the ground; saloon entrance squared off at top rather than semicircular. NOTE: Many interim HT’s were made with MARK III hulls and rig, and MARK 11 deck.
MARK IV (1981) – Balsa core GRP sandwich to bridge deck, coachroofs and sidedecks for extra stiffness, improved insulation and significant weight savings. Foredeck now part of deck moulding (was hardwood slats before), so drier, lighter, and stronger for bow roller and forestay fittings – single forestay therefore taken to stemhead rather than the earlier twin forestay bridle system; 4″ extra width in aft cabin entrances; under mast stiffening and improved, heavier duty rigging allows tighter rigging/better windward ability; inner forestay with storm jib/cutter rig – roller reefing Genoa standard, with some extra sail area low down; slab reefing now standard on mainsail; rack & pinion steering system – heavier duty and no play; rudder tie bar internal, hence freeing comfortable aft deck area and allowing fitting of pushpits and all round lifelines; buoyancy chambers installed fore and aft in both hulls (earlier versions sink if holed, unless extra buoyancy installed); engine rooms increased in size giving much improved engine access (twin inboards) or massive extra internal stowage space (outboards); GRP cockpit locker lids (plywood previously); folding sprayhood option introduced.
Note i 1982 prototype (Jannerandus) had fiberglass panel on foredeck (but was not part of deck moulding) so not as strong, therefore the forestay was still attached by a bridle.
Note ii 1986 prototype for later HT27 Rozinante designed for Pat Patterson himself with a raised coachroof offering increased headroom. Also had bow sprit and aft stepped mast which were never adopted.
MARK IVA (1987) – Extra 4″ freeboard on hulls, giving extended bow line, additional reserve buoyancy forward, and extra headroom and locker space throughout the boat bridge deck height was raised by 2″ to reduce wave slap at speed; improved specifications, with extra lockers and interior finish to the highest standards. Improved galley with double sink, teak & holly flooring, and insulated coolbox as standard.
HT27 1989 Brand new deck moulding was created, which allowed for introduction of a host of improvements. Many of the improvements had been suggested by existing HT owners. The most important of these changes were:
extra headroom throughout the saloon
larger saloon forehatch
stoopthrough access option to stern cabins
increased headroom in saloon entrance
u shaped saloon option
Please note that what follows has been taken from sales literature of the time and is not intended to reflect the experiences of the HTOWOA members.
 | HEAVENLY TWINS 27 |  |
Galley
This galley would be the envy of many a much larger boat. 8′ long, with a large ‘L’ shaped work surface, it enjoys over 6′ headroom throughout. Double sink, 2 burner cooker with oven and grill and a family sized coolbox are standard, plus a generous selection of deep storage lockers. Situated in the port hull, the galley is not a passageway to another part of the boat, yet open plan layout allows the cook to be fully involved in any social activities in the saloon. Large eye level windows provide an ever changing view which makes even normally tedious chores a pleasure.
| Options: * Refrigerator * Opening portlight * Pressurised hot and cold water system * Extra large (tropical) coolbox |  |
Saloon
As the cockpit and saloon are on the same level, access between the two areas is always quick and easy. Excellent all round visibility allows safe watch keeping in comfort in any weather. With no heeling and luxurious seating for six the saloon offers a reliable haven for adult relaxation or childrens play, even at sea. There is useful extra storage space below the seating, fitted glasses locker, bookshelf etc. and the table can be lowered to form a ‘Queen’ sized double bed when required.
| Options: * U-Shaped seating with removable table (inset) |  |
Chart Table
The navigation area always impresses. More than half Admiralty chart-sized, the fold-down table has generous chart storage space inside. Adjacent lockers and storage space keep navigational instruments close to hand and positioning of extra instruments is carefully arranged to optimise the efficiency of the navigator. The concealed red/white flexible light above the table provides excellent chart illumination without glare and without destroying the navigator’s night vision.
| Options: * VHF * GPS * etc.etc. |  |
Stoopthroughs
Available only with single engine options, the stoopthroughs (approx 5′ headroom) give below deck access to the aft cabins from the saloon area as an alternative to crossing the cockpit. Extra hanging locker space is included. Alternatively, these cavernous hull rooms can be used for storage, of particular value on long passages.
| Heads With full standing headroom the spacious heads compartment is as easy to use at sea as in harbour, even when tacking!. Options:* Shower * Solarvent * Holding tank |  |
Centre Cockpit
This arrangement makes equal sense for circumnavigators as for family sailors. All halyards, sheets etc can be handled without leaving the security of the self draining cockpit (one of the reasons for the ‘Heavenly Twins’ popularity with single or short handed sailors) and the crew enjoy immense actual and psychological security in heavy weather from being tucked in the centre of the boat rather than perched on the back.
| Options: * Sprayhood |  |
Aft Cabins
Situated away from the main living area, the two double aft cabins provide peaceful berths and privacy for off watch crew, or for children when their parents wish to continue socialising at antisocial hours. The 6’7″ long double berths are fitted with luxurious covers with high density fire resistant foam cushions. The aft cabins provide a reassuringly safe, snug playroom for small children at sea, even in bad weather.
| Options: * Single Stateroom – with divider/bulkhead removable |  |
Engine(s)
1. Outboard – very reliable, economical 4 stroke outboard is mounted in a cockpit well, safe from swamping and cavitation. Raises clear of the water for sailing. The moulded removable cover doubles as a high seat or cockpit table. Stoopthroughs are possible with this option.
2. Twin Inboard Diesels – Mounted in the hulls, beneath the cockpit, giving exceptional manoeuvrability and the reliability of two totally separate engine installations. Stoopthroughs are not possible with this option.
3. Central Diesel/Twin hydraulic drives – Provides the same power and manoeuvrability as twin diesels but frees the internal engine rooms for stoopthroughs or internal storage. The neat cover can be removed to provide excellent access to the engine afforded by this option.
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My thanks to Pip Patterson – Multihull Centre – for the use of his copyright material.