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Ericson 28
Designer: Bruce King  ·  Builder: Ericson Yachts (Usa)  ·  First built: 1980
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About the Ericson 28

Designed by renowned naval architect Bruce King and built by Ericson Yachts from 1980 to 1984, this 28-footer represents a thoughtful balance between coastal cruising comfort and sailing performance. With only 90 hulls produced during its four-year run, the Ericson 28 has earned a reputation as a well-built, seaworthy vessel that punches above its weight class. The boat's fractional sloop rig and fin keel with spade rudder configuration delivers responsive handling and solid upwind performance, making it equally suitable for weekend coastal cruising and club racing. At 7,500 pounds displacement with 3,000 pounds of ballast, she offers reassuring stability while maintaining spirited sailing characteristics. The SA/Displacement ratio of 17.68 indicates lively performance in moderate conditions, while the low Comfort ratio of 19.86 suggests a boat that moves through the water efficiently rather than plowing through it. Bruce King's design emphasizes seaworthiness and sailing ability, with construction quality that reflects Ericson's reputation for solid fiberglass work. The modest 11-horsepower auxiliary provides reliable power for marina maneuvering and calm-weather motoring. For sailors seeking a capable coastal cruiser with good sailing manners and proven offshore credentials, the Ericson 28 offers an appealing combination of performance and practicality.

Market Price Estimate Beta
Small sample size. This estimate is based on fewer than 5 listings and may not be representative of the true market. Use with caution.
$12,500 – $12,500
typical asking price
Median $12,500  ·  2 listings used
All listings
$12,500 – $12,500 2
Rate a listing price
$
About this estimate
  • Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
  • Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
  • Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
  • Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
  • Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
  • Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 28.50 ft / 8.69 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 24.17 ft / 7.37 m
Beam 10.50 ft / 3.20 m
Max Draft 5.00 ft / 1.52 m
Displacement 7,500.00 lb / 3,402 kg
Ballast 3,000.00 lb / 1,361 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 422.00 ft² / 39.21 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Bruce King
Builder Ericson Yachts (USA)
First Built 1980
Last Built 1984
Number Built 90
Associations Ericson Yachts Information
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Known Issues & What to Watch For

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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
 180
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
 17.68
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
 40
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
 237.13
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
 19.86
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
 2.15
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. 6.59 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
 2.31
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. 906.80 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. 17.13
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 33.50 ft / 10.21 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 12.83 ft / 3.91 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 34.75 ft / 10.59 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 11.17 ft / 3.40 m
SA Fore 214.90 ft² / 19.96 m²
SA Main 194.08 ft² / 18.03 m²
SA Total (100%) 408.98 ft² / 38.00 m²
Est. Forestay Length 35.87 ft / 10.93 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 11
Fuel Capacity 25 gals / 95 L
Water Capacity 25 gals / 95 L
Find a Ericson 28 For Sale
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