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Formula 28
Designer: Stephen Jones  ·  Builder: Hunter Boats Ltd. (Uk)  ·  First built: 1984
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About the Formula 28

With limited documentation available, the Formula 28 represents an intriguing entry in the 28-foot sailboat market that warrants closer examination by prospective buyers. This design appears to have flown somewhat under the radar compared to more widely marketed contemporaries, which often makes such boats hidden gems for sailors seeking solid performance without premium pricing. Based on its size class, the Formula 28 would typically serve as an excellent coastal cruiser and weekend getaway vessel, offering enough space for comfortable short-term cruising while remaining manageable for a small crew or even single-handed sailing. The 28-foot length strikes an appealing balance between cabin comfort and sailing performance, making it suitable for both recreational day sailing and extended coastal adventures. While specific design details remain scarce, boats in this category from the era generally featured practical layouts optimized for weekend cruising, with reasonable headroom and sleeping accommodations for four to six people. The limited available information suggests this model may appeal particularly to sailors who appreciate discovering lesser-known designs that offer solid construction and sailing characteristics without the premium associated with more famous marques.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 28.00 ft / 8.53 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 22.33 ft / 6.81 m
Beam 8.20 ft / 2.50 m
Max Draft 5.50 ft / 1.68 m
Displacement 4,200.00 lb / 1,905 kg
Ballast 1,823.00 lb / 827 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Stephen Jones
Builder Hunter Boats Ltd. (UK)
First Built 1984
Last Built 1987
Number Built 26
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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
159
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
43.4
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
168.4
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. 3.92 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 21.57
J (Foretriangle Base) 9.30 ft / 2.83 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 350.00 ft² / 32.52 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 168.40
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