Sea Ray Pachanga 27 Specs and Review [Video]

Manufactured from 1988 through 1991, the Pachanga 27 was a very cool performance Sea Ray boat powered by MerCruiser sterndrive engines. Her family members were the entry-level Pachanga 19, the midrange 22, and the top-of-the-line 32.

Sea Ray Pachanga 27 Review

Hull and Top Deck

Sea Ray introduced their high-performance Pachanga runabout series in 1987 including the Pachanga 19, 22, and 32.

In 1988, this breed was completed with a new mid-range model labeled the Pachanga 27.

She successfully combined the great maneuverability and handling of her smaller siblings with the larger interior and advanced features of the 32.

As the name suggests, the 27 measured in at an overall length of 27.5 feet and a trailerable beam of 8.5 feet.

Enjoying an excellent design, she was built on a staked deep-V Ray-Tech hull.

The claimed dry weight of the boat was 5,100 pounds with a standard single engine configuration.

Figuring the weight of a full tank of gas (130 gal.) and a full tank of fresh water (11 gal.), the curb weight averaged around 6,000 pounds.

Loaded on a matching trailer, you could expect the gross trailering weight of the Pachanga 27 to be roughly 6,500-7,000 pounds.

Note that these figures refer to the single-engine variant since twin-engine packages increased the weight more than 1,000 pounds.

Hence, with some safety and personal gear, the twin-engine variants could reach a whopping 8,500-9,000 pounds on a trailer.

Sporty and stylish, the boat enjoyed an eye-catching top deck architecture, which never gets old.

The enclosed bow housed a spacious cuddy cabin illuminated by deck hatches and indirect cabin lights.

Unlike smaller models, the cabin of the 27 was fitted with a tiny galley with a sink and refrigerator, a portable head, and a plush V-berth with storage beneath.

Standard features of this interior included upholstered conversation couches, throw pillows, storage compartments, a bow rope locker, a privacy curtain, bottle storage, and a pull-out cocktail table with cup holders.

Wrapped around a curved tinted windshield, the race-inspired cockpit had innovative features and plenty of interior space.

These were completed with a sizeable upholstered sundeck pad and a fully contoured aft bench seat with storage beneath.

Unique and luxurious, the wraparound seats with a drop-out center section allowed the captain and his companion to enjoy riding in either a sitting or standing position.

At the stern, you had a surprisingly narrow integrated swim platform, reboarding ladder, stern shower, and grab handles.

Captains appreciated the cozy helm fitted with a racecar-like tilt steering wheel, power steering system, shift/throttle controls, compass, and an informative dashboard.

The latter utilized switch panels and had an abundance of analog gauges, including a speedometer, fuel gauge, depth finder, voltmeter, trim gauges, oil pressure gauges, and tachometers.

Other standard features of the boat included a self-bailing fiberglass cockpit liner, stainless-steel cockpit grab rails, mooring cleats, eyelets, canvas package, and more.

Keeping entertainment in mind, the cockpit also housed a deluxe AM/FM digital stereo system with 4 speakers, cup holders, indirect cockpit lighting, and an insulated ice chest.

A ski tow eye, snap-in carpet liner, dual battery switch, hourmeter, 110V/12V Refrigerator, 110V/60 cycle shore power system with converter, fresh water system, head pump out, a Lowrance 3400 depth finder, storage cradle, a Titan WHF radio, and painted hull graphics were all available as options.

Engines and Performance

Just like many other Sea Ray runabouts, the Pachanga 27 was also powered by MerCruiser sterndrive engines.

Over the years, she was offered with many different power options, so let’s talk about each in detail.

Unlike her smaller siblings, the 27 could be opted with either single or twin-engine configurations.

In 1988, standard power was a single 7.4L SRX (330hp), that could be opted for a single 7.4L SRXH (365hp) or twin 5.7L SRX (T-270hp) MerCruiser engines.

In 1989, this offering was completed with the “big-block” twin 7.4L SRX (T-330hp) package.

A year later the list of optional engines included a single 454 Magnum (356hp), a twin 350 Magnum (T-270hp), or a twin 7.4L SRX (T-330hp) engine package.

For the last production year, the standard power option was upgraded to twin 350 Magnum (T-270hp).

The only optional variant that year was the twin 7.4L MerCruiser package rated at 2x330hp.

Thanks to the noise-reduced muffler and acoustical foam insulation in the engine compartment, the boat was quieter than expected.

In terms of performance, you could expect the top speed of the Pachanga 27 to be anywhere from the high 50s to the mid 60s, depending on the engine option.

For example, with the far more popular twin small blocks (Twin-350 MAGs), you could expect a not-too-impressive top speed just shy of 60 mph – at least by today’s standards.

This is no surprise since the heavy weight of the boat combined with a 540hp engine converted to a moderate power-to-weight ratio.

In contrast, the twin big block (Twin-7.4L) engine package could increase the top speed into the mid-60s range.

Specifications

The factory specifications of the 1988-1991 Pachanga 27 were as follows:

Dimensions and Capacities

Overall Length (With Platform)	27’ 6”
Hull Length	26’ 0”
Beam	8’ 6”
Draft (stern drive down)	32”
Draft (stern drive up)	20”
Dead Rise	21°
Dry Weight (OB model)	2100 lb.
Fuel Capacity	130 gal.
Usable Fuel	123 gal.
Water Capacity (optional)	11 gal.

Engine Packages

Standard Engine (1988-1990)	7.4L SRX (330hp)
Standard Engine (1991)	Twin 350 Magnum (T-270hp)
Opt. Engines (1988)	7.4L SRXH (365hp) Twin 5.7L SRX (T-270hp)
Opt. Engines (1989)	7.4L SRXH (365hp) Twin 5.7L SRX (T-270hp) Twin 7.4L SRX (T-330hp)
Opt. Engines (1990)	454 Magnum (365hp) Twin 350 Magnum (T-270hp) Twin 7.4L SRX (T-330hp)
Opt. Engines (1991)	Twin 7.4L SRX (T-330hp)

Disclaimer: Specifications are for informational purposes only. For further information, please refer to the operator’s manual.

Takeaways

Sea Ray offered the sporty and eye-catching Pachanga 27 from 1988 through 1991.

It’s a lesser-known fact that Pachanga means “party” in Spanish, and the name was not chosen by chance!

Fitted with many convenience features, this solid Sea Ray performance boat was designed with entertainment in mind.

Her cozy cabin housed a galley, head, V-berth, loungers, bottle holder, and a cocktail table with drink holders.

The cockpit was also fitted with nice loungers and high-quality features.

If you are looking for a classic Pachanga 27 for sale, be prepared to pay anywhere from $15,000 to $35,000.

Asking prices vary greatly depending on the condition, engine package, and location.

Note that the majority of 27s were sold with a single 7.4L or twin 5.7L engines.

Hence, other engines like the 454 MAG or even the twin 7.4Ls are very rarely on the market.