Designed by W. Shad Turner and built from 1977 to 1985, this 28-footer represents solid American craftsmanship from an era when builders focused on creating affordable yet seaworthy cruising boats. The fiberglass construction features a fin keel with spade rudder configuration that delivers responsive handling and respectable performance under sail. With a displacement of 4,900 pounds and generous ballast of 2,200 pounds, the Lancer 28 offers reassuring stability for coastal cruising and weekend adventures. The masthead sloop rig provides 309 square feet of sail area, creating a well-balanced sail plan that's manageable for small crews while still offering spirited performance in moderate conditions. The boat's moderate beam of 8 feet maximizes interior volume while maintaining good sailing characteristics, and the shallow 2.83-foot draft opens up access to shoal waters and smaller harbors. Turner's design philosophy emphasized practical cruising over racing performance, evident in the comfortable motion and forgiving handling characteristics. While production numbers were relatively modest during its eight-year run, the Lancer 28 developed a loyal following among sailors seeking an honest, unpretentious boat for coastal exploration. The design strikes an appealing balance between sailing ability and cruising comfort, making it well-suited for weekend getaways and short-range coastal passages.
- 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.
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vs. Caliber 28, Crown 28, Lancer 28T, Newport 28, Tanzer 28