RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998 boat specs
RM Yachts
RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998
1998
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RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015 boat specs
RM Yachts
RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015
2015
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RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998 vs RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998 vs RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015 measures 43,2 feet overall (2015), giving it roughly 16,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998 at 26,4 feet (1998). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015 tips the scales at 22 046 lbs — 9 921 lbs less than the RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998 at 12 125 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 55 hp, the RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015 has a 25-hp advantage over the RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998's 30-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015 carries 40 gallons versus 26 gallons in the RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015 is rated for 13 passengers, while the RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015 could be the deciding factor.

Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015 displaces 22 046 lbs — a 9 921-lb difference over the RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998 at 12 125 lbs. That gap separates two entirely different categories of sailing: the heavier boat is built for offshore passage-making and load-carrying, while the lighter hull rewards performance sailing and easier handling in lighter air.

Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015 draws 7,5 ft, compared to 5,2 ft for the RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998. That 2,3-foot difference affects which anchorages you can access, which haul-out facilities will take you, and how carefully you need to read the tide tables in shallower cruising grounds.

The RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998 uses cutter rigging. Helm style differs too: the RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998 uses a 1 tiller versus a 2 wheels on the RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones. For auxiliary power the RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015 carries a 55-hp engine against 30 hp on the RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.

Hull speed is rated at 8,4 knots for the RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015 and 7,6 knots for the RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998 carries 180 gallons versus 127 gallons on the RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.

Bottom line: The RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 22 046 lbs displacement and 43 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998 at 12 125 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.
Measurements / Dimensions
Length overall - Detail26.40 ft
Length overall - Detail43.20 ft
Length - Feet26.4
Length - Feet43.2
Length overall - Meters8.05
Length overall - Meters13.17
Length overall - Inches317
Length overall - Inches518
Beam13.00 ft
Beam14.40 ft
Beam - Meters3.96
Beam - Meters4.39
Beam - Inches156
Beam - Inches173
Draft [max] - Detail5.20 ft
Draft [max] - Detail7.50 ft
Draft [max] - Meters1.58
Draft [max] - Meters2.29
Draft [max] - Inches62
Draft [max] - Inches90
Displacement12125.00 lbs
Displacement22046.00 lbs
Body / Hull
Rudder1 spade rudder
Rudder1 spade rudder (Double as option)
Helm1 tiller
Helm2 wheels
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Gal26.4
Fuel tank capacity - Gal39.6
Fuel tank capacity - Liters99.93
Fuel tank capacity - Liters149.9
Horsepower30 hp
Horsepower55 hp
Drive typeinboard
Drive typeinboard
Performance
Maximum speed7.6
Maximum speed8.38
Maximum speed measureknots
Maximum speed measureknots
Operational Info
Water capacity179.6
Water capacity126.8
Riggingcutter
Riggingcutter
Mast ConfigurationDeck stepped mast
Mast ConfigurationDeck stepped mast
Boat typeSail
Boat typeSail
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal14.5
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters54.89

RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998 vs RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998 or the RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015?
The RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015 is the longer of the two at 43,2 feet overall. The RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998 comes in at 26,4 feet, making it roughly 16,8 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998 or the RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015?
For trailering, the RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998 has the edge at 12 125 lbs dry weight versus 22 046 lbs for the RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015 is rated to a maximum of 55 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998 tops out at 30 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015 is certified for 13. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat has the deeper draft — the RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998 or the RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015?
The RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015 has the deeper draft at 7,5 ft, versus 5,2 ft for the RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998. A deeper draft generally means better upwind performance and stability, but limits access to shallow anchorages and some marina berths. Always check the controlling depth of your home port and favourite cruising grounds before committing.
Is the RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998 or the RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015 better suited for offshore sailing?
For offshore work, displacement and construction are the primary indicators. The RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015 at 22 046 lbs displacement is the heavier, more load-carrying design — generally better suited to extended passages where seakeeping and provisioning capacity matter most. The RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998 at 12 125 lbs will typically be livelier and more responsive in lighter conditions.
Which is the faster sailboat — the RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998 or the RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015?
Based on rated hull speed, the RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015 has an edge at 8,4 knots versus 7,6 knots for the RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998. Keep in mind that actual sailing speed depends heavily on wind conditions, sail trim, bottom condition, and skipper experience — hull speed is a theoretical maximum, not a guarantee.
Which boat is better equipped for long-distance cruising?
For extended passages, fresh water capacity is a key indicator of cruising readiness. The RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998 carries 180 gallons of fresh water compared to 127 gallons on the RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015 — a meaningful advantage when watermaker installations or port stops aren't guaranteed.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015 measures 173" wide, compared to 156" for the RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998 or the RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015?
The RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015 has the bigger tank at 40 gallons, versus 26 gallons on the RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998. That 13-gallon difference translates to roughly 39–66 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998 and RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the RM Yachts RM 1050 Twin keel Twin keel 1998 and the RM Yachts RM 1270 Fin keel Fin keel 2015 are built by RM Yachts. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.