Top Hat 27
Overview of the Top Hat 27
Top Hat 27.
Top Hat 27'
Re-designed by Marine Architect Bill Bollard with Merv Howlett. Moulds (off a Top Hat 25) were widened to 9'0'' at deck level and the bow extended. 30% more sail area. Four were built and they apparently sailed a lot better than the 25' version as well as having a lot more room inside. Noel A. of Lake Macquarie area has one.
Deluxe model sold in 1992 for $50,000 and a demo model for $44,000.
If Top Hat were to be rebuilt again this would be the version built.
Top Hat 32'
Mike Garratt was involved with this. The original moulds were from a yacht called the 'HMG 30' (not an Illingworth/Primrose Top Hat). This had a central cockpit and was called the 31' Top Hat by Formit. The other version had an aft cockpit and was called the 32' Top Hat, even though it was only 30'6'', the same as the 31' Top Hat.
In fact both these(31' & 32') versions are not Top Hat yachts.
(Top Hat 27' & 32' info, kindly supplied by Merv Howlett)