According to the hull number, that boat is # 11, built in June 1981. I have # 12, built in July of 1981. I've heard/seen of up to # 18 from 1983 as being the newest, and the last one I know of.

can these handle rough water or just as good as a pantera 28/ sutphen30 how do they handle over 85 or 100.

yours had a cabin door could you sleep in there, did they chinewalk at high speeds, thanks.

The hull can handle more than the driver, and way more than most passengers - it's a fully bulk-headed race layup - except back then I 'm not sure they knew when to stop layin glass! Bottom is a full 1/2" of glass thick. The large outer strakes and the fact that it weighs much less than a pantera 28 or sutphen 30, means it's a rougher ride for sure - but you're not gonna hurt it. Mine has zero stress cracks, anywhere, after 28 years, with the last 6 being full on abuse...by me........

No experience with the hull above 80mph.......but now that I have a Konrad on it, that may change after this winter......

So where does the rumor that Imperial bought the molds and manufactured more in Indiana? Where was Hawk located?

I don't doubt for a second that Imerial may have ended up with the molds. I've never dug into the details on that. They could have just as well "splashed" the hull - meaning making thier own molds from an existing boat. This was apparently quite common in the 70's and 80's. Of course that only means that the very outside surface of the boat is the same as the the original, whether it be made using the orig molds, or splashing and making thier own. The important factor is how the fiberglass is laid up = what types and # of different weaves as well as type of resin used, how long it sat in mold, whether or not the hull and deck is glassed together, bulkheads, etc. I hear Cigarette's "lay ups" from the period were far different from any other production boats in those days, and were an important part of thier reputation - and based on how mine is built, I believe it. Where are the molds now?? Maybe Dana has them. That would mean they just went farther west after imperial?? I'm convinced Dana is using the same hull for sure, not the deck.....

Now, if someone would just take it and shrink those large strakes back down, and add a step or two, and use the same bulkheading with a modern vacuum bagged layup, and .............

Knowledge of the 1986 27 Imperial?
 

I purchased a 1986 27 Imperial seems to be the exact same boat as they cigarette Squadron 27 but the helm is on the starboard side. Was wondering if anybody has any more information regarding the 27 Imperials where they were manufactured if the mold did come from cigarette or if they made their own mold from a 27 Squadron? Any information would be helpful.

Did you buy the 27 Imperial in Michigan?

That would be my best guess. Looked like a nice boat. When are we going out for drinks...? same town and never crossed paths. WTF.

Yes but the boat was Manufactured in South Florida according to the hull ID