Back to Search
Merit 28
Designer: Nelson/Marek  ·  Builder: Merit Marine Inc.  ·  First built: 1985
+ Add to Compare
About the Merit 28

Built during the late 1970s and early 1980s, this compact cruiser represents Merit Yachts' approach to affordable family sailing. The Merit 28 emerged from a Canadian builder known for producing practical, well-built boats that prioritized value and functionality over flashy features. With its moderate beam and traditional lines, the Merit 28 suits coastal cruising and weekend sailing perfectly. The boat's design emphasizes comfort and livability in a compact package, making it an attractive option for couples or small families looking to explore protected waters and nearby anchorages. Her sturdy construction and sensible proportions inspire confidence for sailors transitioning from smaller boats or those seeking a manageable cruiser that won't overwhelm a shorthanded crew. The cockpit provides adequate space for entertaining while maintaining an intimate feel that enhances the sailing experience. Below decks, the layout maximizes every inch of available space, offering surprisingly comfortable accommodations for her size. Merit's reputation for solid construction quality means many of these boats continue sailing decades after launch, testament to their enduring appeal among practical-minded sailors who value reliability and seaworthiness over cutting-edge performance.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 27.92 ft / 8.51 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 24.25 ft / 7.39 m
Beam 9.00 ft / 2.74 m
Max Draft 5.33 ft / 1.62 m
Displacement 4,000.00 lb / 1,814 kg
Ballast 2,100.00 lb / 953 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 405.00 ft² / 37.63 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Nelson/Marek
Builder Merit Marine Inc.
First Built 1985
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
117
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
25.79
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
13.06
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
2.27
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. 6.6
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
5.02
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. 779.83
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 37.8
J (Foretriangle Base) 11.0
P (Mainsail Luff) 32.8
E (Mainsail Foot) 12.0
SA Fore 207.9
SA Main 196.8
How It Compares

vs. Dehler 28, S2 86, Tanzer 85

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Merit 28 ★
27.9 ft
Dehler 28
27.9 ft
S2 86
28.0 ft
Tanzer 85
27.9 ft
LWL
Merit 28 ★
24.3 ft
Dehler 28
22.3 ft
S2 86
22.5 ft
Tanzer 85
23.8 ft
Beam
Merit 28 ★
9.0 ft
Dehler 28
9.2 ft
S2 86
9.5 ft
Tanzer 85
9.5 ft
Displacement
Merit 28 ★
4 lbs
Dehler 28
5 lbs
S2 86
7 lbs
Tanzer 85
7 lbs
Ballast
Merit 28 ★
2 lbs
Dehler 28
2 lbs
S2 86
3 lbs
Tanzer 85
3 lbs
Sail Area
Merit 28 ★
405 sq ft
Dehler 28
369 sq ft
S2 86
390 sq ft
Tanzer 85
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Merit 28 ★
25.8
Dehler 28
19.0
S2 86
16.2
Tanzer 85
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Merit 28 ★
Dehler 28
40.0 %
S2 86
Tanzer 85
40.5 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Merit 28 ★
13.1
Dehler 28
18.5
S2 86
24.2
Tanzer 85
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Merit 28 ★
2.27
Dehler 28
2.08
S2 86
1.94
Tanzer 85
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Merit 28 ★
Dehler 28
221
S2 86
Tanzer 85
246
Hull Speed
Merit 28 ★
6.6 kts
Dehler 28
6.3 kts
S2 86
6.4 kts
Tanzer 85
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Merit 28 ★
5.0
Dehler 28
2.7
S2 86
1.7
Tanzer 85
Find a Merit 28 For Sale