Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
6.5 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 23.7′, the Cape 28 tops out around 6.5 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √23.7′ LWL = 6.5 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Ballast / Displacement
35.0%
Typical cruising ballast — balanced stability and motion underway.
Displacement / Length
336
Moderate-heavy — carries provisions well, deliberate in light air.
Hull Speed
6.5kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
5lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Cape 28 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Ranger 28
Aloha 28
Grampian 28
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Cape 28.
| Cape 28 | Aloha 28 | Grampian 28 | Ranger 28 | S2 86 | Spirit 28 Finch | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 28.0 | 28.0 | 28.0 | 28.0 | 28.0 | 28.0 |
| LWL | 23.7 | 24.5 | 24.5 | 21.7 | 22.5 | 23.0 |
| Beam | 9.2 | 9.4 | 9.5 | 9.6 | 9.5 | 10.0 |
| Displacement | 10 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Ballast | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Sail Area | — | 373 | — | — | 390 | 365 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | 195 | 198 | 185 | — | — |
| SA/Disp | — | 16.8 | — | — | 16.2 | 16.2 |
| Bal/Disp | 35.0 | 44.4 | 44.4 | 55.0 | — | 42.0 |
| Comfort | — | 20.6 | — | — | 24.2 | 20.3 |
| Capsize | — | 2.00 | — | — | 1.94 | 2.10 |
| Hull Speed | — | 6.6 | — | — | 6.4 | 6.4 |