Back to Search
Kells 28
Designer: Aborn Smith/Kells Corp.  ·  Builder: Kells Corp.  ·  First built: 1976
+ Add to Compare
About the Kells 28

Designed and built in Ireland, this compact cruiser represents thoughtful European yacht design from an era when seaworthiness took priority over interior volume. The Kells 28 emerged from a tradition of building robust sailing vessels capable of handling the demanding waters around the Irish coast. With its moderate displacement hull and traditional proportions, this boat appeals to sailors seeking a genuine sailing experience rather than a floating apartment. The design emphasizes sailing performance and structural integrity over maximum accommodation, resulting in a yacht that moves well through the water and inspires confidence in challenging conditions. The Kells 28 suits coastal cruising admirably, offering the perfect balance for weekend adventures and extended coastal passages. Its manageable size makes it an excellent choice for couples or small families who prioritize sailing quality over spacious quarters. The boat's Irish heritage suggests careful attention to construction details and weather resistance, traits essential for surviving the variable conditions of Atlantic waters. While not widely known outside of European waters, the Kells 28 represents solid value for sailors who appreciate honest, traditional yacht design. Its compact nature makes it relatively affordable to maintain while delivering authentic blue-water sailing characteristics in a manageable package.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 28.00 ft / 8.53 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 23.50 ft / 7.16 m
Beam 8.67 ft / 2.64 m
Max Draft 5.00 ft / 1.52 m
Displacement 6,800.00 lb / 3,084 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 364.00 ft² / 33.82 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/transom hung rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Aborn Smith/Kells Corp.
Builder Kells Corp.
First Built 1976
Related Sailboats Aloha 28 · Coronado 28 · Grampian 28 · Ranger 28 · Irwin 28
Owner Reviews

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

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
227
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
16.28
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
23.81
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
1.83
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. 6.5
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
2.26
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. 728.0
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 34.5
J (Foretriangle Base) 11.0
P (Mainsail Luff) 29.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 12.0
SA Fore 189.75
SA Main 174.0
How It Compares

vs. Aloha 28, Coronado 28, Grampian 28, Irwin 28, Ranger 28

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Kells 28 ★
28.0 ft
Aloha 28
28.0 ft
Coronado 28
28.0 ft
Grampian 28
28.0 ft
Irwin 28
28.0 ft
Ranger 28
28.0 ft
LWL
Kells 28 ★
23.5 ft
Aloha 28
24.5 ft
Coronado 28
22.2 ft
Grampian 28
24.5 ft
Irwin 28
22.5 ft
Ranger 28
21.7 ft
Beam
Kells 28 ★
8.7 ft
Aloha 28
9.4 ft
Coronado 28
8.5 ft
Grampian 28
9.5 ft
Irwin 28
8.0 ft
Ranger 28
9.6 ft
Displacement
Kells 28 ★
6 lbs
Aloha 28
6 lbs
Coronado 28
6 lbs
Grampian 28
6 lbs
Irwin 28
7 lbs
Ranger 28
5 lbs
Ballast
Kells 28 ★
Aloha 28
3 lbs
Coronado 28
2 lbs
Grampian 28
3 lbs
Irwin 28
3 lbs
Ranger 28
2 lbs
Sail Area
Kells 28 ★
364 sq ft
Aloha 28
373 sq ft
Coronado 28
Grampian 28
Irwin 28
397 sq ft
Ranger 28
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Kells 28 ★
227 s/nm
Aloha 28
195 s/nm
Coronado 28
216 s/nm
Grampian 28
198 s/nm
Irwin 28
234 s/nm
Ranger 28
185 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Kells 28 ★
16.3
Aloha 28
16.8
Coronado 28
Grampian 28
Irwin 28
16.1
Ranger 28
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Kells 28 ★
Aloha 28
44.4 %
Coronado 28
41.2 %
Grampian 28
44.4 %
Irwin 28
Ranger 28
55.0 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Kells 28 ★
23.8
Aloha 28
20.6
Coronado 28
Grampian 28
Irwin 28
31.7
Ranger 28
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Kells 28 ★
1.83
Aloha 28
2.00
Coronado 28
Grampian 28
Irwin 28
1.61
Ranger 28
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Kells 28 ★
Aloha 28
204
Coronado 28
278
Grampian 28
209
Irwin 28
Ranger 28
222
Hull Speed
Kells 28 ★
6.5 kts
Aloha 28
6.6 kts
Coronado 28
Grampian 28
Irwin 28
6.4 kts
Ranger 28
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Kells 28 ★
2.3
Aloha 28
2.6
Coronado 28
Grampian 28
Irwin 28
1.6
Ranger 28
Find a Kells 28 For Sale