Back to Search
Cumulus 28 Albin
Designer: Peter Norlin  ·  Builder: Albin Marine  ·  First built: 1978
+ Add to Compare
Videos
About the Cumulus 28 Albin

Designed by renowned Swedish naval architect Peter Norlin and built by Albin Marine from 1978 to 1985, this fractional sloop represents solid Scandinavian craftsmanship with 567 hulls produced during its seven-year production run. The fiberglass construction features a fin keel with transom-hung rudder configuration, delivering responsive handling characteristics typical of Norlin's racing-influenced designs. With a displacement of 7,055 pounds and generous ballast of 2,810 pounds, the Cumulus 28 offers reassuring stability for coastal cruising and weekend sailing adventures. The boat's sail area of 382 square feet provides adequate power in light to moderate conditions, while the SA/Displacement ratio of 16.67 indicates spirited performance without being overly tender. The low comfort ratio of 23.32 reflects a sportier interior layout prioritizing sailing performance over living space. The design's capsize screening formula of 1.94 and substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio make it well-suited for coastal waters and protected offshore passages. Hull speed reaches 6.33 knots, typical for this length, while the modest 12-horsepower auxiliary engine provides reliable backup power. This model appeals to sailors seeking a responsive, well-built coastal cruiser with European pedigree and proven seaworthiness.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 28.08 ft / 8.56 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 22.31 ft / 6.80 m
Beam 9.28 ft / 2.83 m
Max Draft 5.25 ft / 1.60 m
Displacement 7,055.00 lb / 3,200 kg
Ballast 2,810.90 lb / 1,275 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 382.12 ft² / 35.50 m²
Headroom 6.07 ft / 1.85 m
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/transom hung rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Peter Norlin
Builder Albin Marine
First Built 1978
Last Built 1985
Number Built 567
Related Sailboats Maxi 84 · Omega 28 · S2 86 · Ericson 28 2 · Hunter 28
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

Known Issues & What to Watch For

No known issues documented for this model yet.

Own or have surveyed a Cumulus 28 Albin? Submit a known issue

Performance Ratios
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
 16.67
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 39.84
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 283.63
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
 23.32
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
 1.94
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. 6.33 kn
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
 1.78
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. 739.77 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 15.82
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 35.10 ft / 10.70 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 10.82 ft / 3.30 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 35.10 ft / 10.70 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 9.84 ft / 3.00 m
SA Fore 189.89 ft² / 17.64 m²
SA Main 172.69 ft² / 16.04 m²
SA Total (100%) 362.58 ft² / 33.68 m²
Est. Forestay Length 36.73 ft / 11.20 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Yanmar
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 12
Fuel Capacity 9 gals / 35 L
Water Capacity 17 gals / 65 L
How It Compares

vs. Ericson 28 2, Hunter 28, Maxi 84, Omega 28, S2 86

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Cumulus 28 Albin ★
28.1 ft
Ericson 28 2
28.0 ft
Hunter 28
28.0 ft
Maxi 84
28.0 ft
Omega 28
28.2 ft
S2 86
28.0 ft
LWL
Cumulus 28 Albin ★
22.3 ft
Ericson 28 2
23.3 ft
Hunter 28
24.2 ft
Maxi 84
23.6 ft
Omega 28
24.0 ft
S2 86
22.5 ft
Beam
Cumulus 28 Albin ★
9.3 ft
Ericson 28 2
10.0 ft
Hunter 28
10.5 ft
Maxi 84
9.7 ft
Omega 28
9.6 ft
S2 86
9.5 ft
Displacement
Cumulus 28 Albin ★
7 lbs
Ericson 28 2
7 lbs
Hunter 28
7 lbs
Maxi 84
6 lbs
Omega 28
6 lbs
S2 86
7 lbs
Ballast
Cumulus 28 Albin ★
2 lbs
Ericson 28 2
3 lbs
Hunter 28
2 lbs
Maxi 84
2 lbs
Omega 28
2 lbs
S2 86
3 lbs
Sail Area
Cumulus 28 Albin ★
382 sq ft
Ericson 28 2
411 sq ft
Hunter 28
398 sq ft
Maxi 84
387 sq ft
Omega 28
338 sq ft
S2 86
390 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Cumulus 28 Albin ★
16.7
Ericson 28 2
17.2
Hunter 28
16.8
Maxi 84
17.7
Omega 28
16.4
S2 86
16.2
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Cumulus 28 Albin ★
39.8 %
Ericson 28 2
—
Hunter 28
37.8 %
Maxi 84
—
Omega 28
44.0 %
S2 86
—
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Cumulus 28 Albin ★
23.3
Ericson 28 2
21.8
Hunter 28
19.7
Maxi 84
19.9
Omega 28
18.1
S2 86
24.2
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Cumulus 28 Albin ★
1.94
Ericson 28 2
2.05
Hunter 28
2.16
Maxi 84
2.07
Omega 28
2.12
S2 86
1.94
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Cumulus 28 Albin ★
283
Ericson 28 2
—
Hunter 28
233
Maxi 84
—
Omega 28
195
S2 86
—
Hull Speed
Cumulus 28 Albin ★
6.3 kts
Ericson 28 2
6.5 kts
Hunter 28
6.6 kts
Maxi 84
6.5 kts
Omega 28
6.6 kts
S2 86
6.4 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Cumulus 28 Albin ★
1.8
Ericson 28 2
2.1
Hunter 28
2.3
Maxi 84
2.3
Omega 28
2.7
S2 86
1.7
Find a Cumulus 28 Albin For Sale
Y YachtWorld Brokerage listings S Sailboat Listings Sailboats only C Craigslist National search F Facebook Marketplace Local listings B boats.com Global marketplace