Cormate Utility 27 and Super Utility 27: Style-conscious day cruisers in a comparison test

With the Utility 27 and the Super Utility 27, the Norwegian shipyard Cormate is launching two boats onto the market that deliberately do not fit into any classic category - and this is precisely where their particular appeal lies. Although the name "Utility" initially brings to mind sober, purely functional workboats, the reality shows a completely different picture. The 27-foot models presented themselves as style-conscious, very high-quality day cruisers with sporty genes and a successful combination of Italian sense of style and Norwegian clarity as well as good build quality.

Utility 27 and Super Utility 27: The difference

The only difference between the models is the drive. The normal Utilitys have an outboard motor. The Super Utility models have an inboard engine. Either as a petrol engine or as a 3.0 TDI diesel. For those who are not yet familiar with the Cormate brand or have had little contact with it: The history of this shipyard begins in 1985 with the founding of Hydro-Design, initiated by Egil Ranvig and Tom Martens Meyer. The young company initially specialised in the construction of water ski boats, but quickly developed into high-performance racing boats. The Norwegians were already attracting international attention in the 1990s. In 1993, the team set a UIM world record in the offshore 6-litre class with a Hydrolift CR-28 - a remarkable milestone for a comparatively small company.

But it didn't stop at a single coup. Another technologically remarkable project was the so-called RIBCAT - a revolutionary catamaran powered by a V12 Lamborghini engine and the first RIB in the world to reach a speed of over 100 knots. Over time, this forward-thinking company developed into the Cormate brand with the clear aim of combining performance with elegant lines, a little everyday practicality and excellent seaworthiness. Today, Cormate stands for uncompromising quality, technical precision, luxurious fittings and a very unique understanding of design - all anchored in modern CAD/CAM technology and traditional Norwegian boatbuilding.

Cormate Utility 27 and Super Utility 27 follow the same concept

The two test boats also follow this clear concept. The design remains true to the typical Cormate line: the silhouette shows clear, defined edges, a deep V (24.5 degrees) for the best rough water characteristics. The hull has a narrow cut, the freeboard is deliberately kept low - overall, the boat has a dynamic, sleek and yet classically elegant appearance. Particularly noteworthy is the high-quality workmanship throughout - from the carefully applied gelcoat to the CNC-manufactured fittings. The boat is built from carbon fibre with vinyl ester resin.

The cockpit reflects Scandinavian design standards: simplicity, clarity and functionality go hand in hand. Everything is in its intuitively right place. The seating area at the rear can be transformed into a spacious sun lounger in a few simple steps. The helm station is located in the centre - thanks to the low sides, it offers excellent all-round visibility, which is not only an advantage when mooring, but also when sailing at speed. There is also a small cabin in the foredeck. It can either serve as an emergency berth or provide generous storage space. This flexibility also makes the boat attractive for weekend trips with two people.

The test drive

During our test near Oslo, we were able to drive both the inboard and outboard versions. The deck layout remains identical in both versions, with the main difference being the storage space: the outboard version offers a little more of it, as the stern is not occupied by an engine block. In terms of driving dynamics, both boats offer a few surprises.

The first test boat was equipped with a Mercury Verado V8 with 300 hp. The transition to planing is smooth, almost imperceptible - the bow lifts only minimally. The ideal cruising speed is around 36 knots, while the maximum speed is 59.1 knots - measured in almost smooth water. At a boat speed of under 30 knots, tight bends and sudden manoeuvres are calm and confident. The boats convey a safe, sporty and agile feeling at all times. If you go faster, you have to concentrate more. The boat still handles well, but feels more unstable. The speed should not be underestimated either. After all, 59.1 knots is almost 110 kilometres per hour. So from our point of view, it's not for beginners.

Test drive with the inboard version

The inboard version is completely different - but by no means worse. A Mercruiser 6.2L V8 with 350 hp and Bravo 1 drive is installed here. The engine is also a petrol engine. Here, the boat is generally calmer, more relaxed and somewhat slower to accelerate - but no less confident. The difference in driving behaviour is clearly noticeable, but is not negative. On the contrary, the inboard version feels like a slightly more comfortable boat that is more suitable for everyday use. The economic planing speed is 29.1 knots at 3,000 revolutions per minute, while the top speed was measured at 49.1 knots. You could almost say: a "tamer cannonball", but with just as much character. The shipyard states a maximum speed of 59 knots. At 49.1 knots, we are still a long way from that. However, this can be explained by the missing 900 revolutions to the maximum speed. The propeller needs to be changed again.

The control of the Cormate models

The ranges in economic planing mode are 200 nautical miles for the inboard version and 198 nautical miles for the outboard version. That is almost identical. So it's more about the driving. You have to decide in favour of the tamer or the wilder version. With the latter, however, you really have to be careful who moves the boat. A characteristic detail of all Cormate boats is the two-part throttle control. The boatyard remains true to itself here: one lever is used exclusively for gear selection, the other exclusively for throttle control. This system originates from racing and offers noticeable advantages, especially in rough seas. For example, you can reduce the throttle without unintentionally engaging reverse gear. It remains to be seen whether you will ever find yourself in a situation where this is crucial in normal sailing - but it shows the racing genes and the high level of technical precision that Cormate supplies in every boat.

Despite its sporty orientation, the Utility 27 remains a boat with a high level of user-friendliness. The steering is direct but never nervous, the trim is manual via two classic flaps (instead of automatic systems such as Zipwake), which nevertheless allows precise readjustment. Thanks to the clear layout on deck, you can quickly find your way around without having to familiarise yourself with the boat.

The equipment

Anyone who is often travelling alone or with a changing crew will quickly appreciate this well thought-out design. The shipyard's premium standards are also evident in terms of equipment. The standard equipment is already extensive and includes many features that other manufacturers charge extra for, such as two 9-inch Simrad plotters, hydraulic steering, a powerful sound system with four loudspeakers and a subwoofer as well as a soft-grip deck covering. Optional extras include a classic teak deck, larger battery capacity and an electric anchor winch - all useful additions. Anyone who wants to discover different areas with their own boat will also appreciate the practical width of 2.29 metres and the low unladen weight of 1,740 kilograms. This makes the Utility 27 or Super Utility 27 easy to trailer.

Technical data

• CE category: C
• Length over everything: 8,20 m
• Width: 2,29 m
• Displacement: 1,740 kg
• Draught (bottom drive): 0,95 m
• Clearance height: 2,00 m
• Fuel tank: 260 l
• Max. motorisation: 316 kW (430 hp)
• Test motorisation: Mercruiser 6.2L V8 350 hp and Mercury Verado V8 300 hp
• Price: from € 147,676
• Distribution test boat: cormate.com

Measurement results

Super Utility 27

Utility 27

Conclusion

The Cormate Super Utility 27 is more than just a powerhouse. It combines style with high-quality workmanship and is reduced to the essentials. It is certainly not the first boat that most people start their hobby with. The outboard version is too sporty for that. The inboard version would then be the right choice.

Advantages

Very sporty

Good construction quality

Vinyl ester infusion construction

Disadvantage

(-) The outboard version is not for beginners

Note from the shipyard:

During a test drive under significantly better conditions, the engines of the inboard version were able to be fully extended. They achieved a speed that was around 700 revolutions per minute higher, which corresponds to the engine manufacturer's specifications.

Sverre Haraldsen, CEO of Cormate AS, achieved a top speed of 57.85 knots. A video proves that the boat can be steered easily and without any increased driving demands. Haraldsen was even able to let go of the steering wheel completely at times.

The weather conditions during the test run were as follows: an air temperature of 16 °C, a water temperature of 11 °C, a wind speed of around 7-10 m/s and a wave height of around 30-40 cm.