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Alerion Express 28
Designer: Carl Schumacher  ·  Builder: Tillotson Pearson Inc,  ·  First built: 1990
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About the Alerion Express 28

Known for their elegant traditional styling and modern performance capabilities, Alerion sailboats have carved out a distinctive niche in the sailing world. The Express 28 represents the builder's approach to creating a sophisticated day sailor and weekender that balances classic aesthetics with contemporary sailing dynamics. This design emphasizes simplicity and refinement, making it particularly well-suited for coastal cruising and spirited day sailing. The boat's proportions suggest a focus on ease of handling, allowing smaller crews to enjoy confident sailing in a variety of conditions. Alerion's reputation centers on building boats that appeal to sailors who appreciate craftsmanship and thoughtful design details over pure racing performance. The Express 28 likely features the clean lines and quality construction that have become hallmarks of the Alerion brand. These boats typically attract sailors seeking a vessel that performs well without unnecessary complexity, offering an engaging sailing experience whether exploring protected waters or making coastal passages. The design philosophy emphasizes the pure enjoyment of sailing, making it an appealing choice for those who value both performance and traditional yacht-like character in a manageable package.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 28.25 ft / 8.61 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 22.82 ft / 6.96 m
Beam 8.18 ft / 2.49 m
Max Draft 4.50 ft / 1.37 m
Displacement 4,400.00 lb / 1,996 kg
Ballast 2,000.00 lb / 907 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 352.00 ft² / 32.70 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Carl Schumacher
Builder Tillotson Pearson Inc,
First Built 1990
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
168
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
21.03
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
16.92
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
2
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.4
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
3.67
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 666.98
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 30.0
J (Foretriangle Base) 9.75
P (Mainsail Luff) 33.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 12.5
SA Fore 146.25
SA Main 206.25
How It Compares

vs. First 285 Beneteau, Pearson 28 2, Tartan 28 Piper

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Alerion Express 28 ★
28.3 ft
First 285 Beneteau
28.2 ft
Pearson 28 2
28.5 ft
Tartan 28 Piper
28.3 ft
LWL
Alerion Express 28 ★
22.8 ft
First 285 Beneteau
24.3 ft
Pearson 28 2
24.4 ft
Tartan 28 Piper
23.7 ft
Beam
Alerion Express 28 ★
8.2 ft
First 285 Beneteau
9.8 ft
Pearson 28 2
9.8 ft
Tartan 28 Piper
10.9 ft
Displacement
Alerion Express 28 ★
4 lbs
First 285 Beneteau
6 lbs
Pearson 28 2
7 lbs
Tartan 28 Piper
6 lbs
Ballast
Alerion Express 28 ★
2 lbs
First 285 Beneteau
2 lbs
Pearson 28 2
2 lbs
Tartan 28 Piper
2 lbs
Sail Area
Alerion Express 28 ★
352 sq ft
First 285 Beneteau
341 sq ft
Pearson 28 2
384 sq ft
Tartan 28 Piper
385 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Alerion Express 28 ★
168 s/nm
First 285 Beneteau
Pearson 28 2
192 s/nm
Tartan 28 Piper
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Alerion Express 28 ★
21.0
First 285 Beneteau
16.3
Pearson 28 2
16.8
Tartan 28 Piper
18.1
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Alerion Express 28 ★
First 285 Beneteau
Pearson 28 2
36.4 %
Tartan 28 Piper
36.5 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Alerion Express 28 ★
16.9
First 285 Beneteau
17.8
Pearson 28 2
20.1
Tartan 28 Piper
16.2
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Alerion Express 28 ★
2.00
First 285 Beneteau
2.15
Pearson 28 2
2.06
Tartan 28 Piper
2.36
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Alerion Express 28 ★
First 285 Beneteau
Pearson 28 2
215
Tartan 28 Piper
212
Hull Speed
Alerion Express 28 ★
6.4 kts
First 285 Beneteau
6.6 kts
Pearson 28 2
6.6 kts
Tartan 28 Piper
6.5 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Alerion Express 28 ★
3.7
First 285 Beneteau
2.7
Pearson 28 2
2.5
Tartan 28 Piper
2.7
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