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Merlin 28 Westerly
Designer: Ed Dubois  ·  Builder: Westerly Marine Ltd. (Uk)  ·  First built: 1984
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About the Merlin 28 Westerly

Built by the renowned British manufacturer Westerly Yachts, this 28-foot sailboat represents the company's commitment to producing sturdy, seaworthy cruising vessels. Westerly earned its reputation throughout the 1960s and 1970s for constructing robust fiberglass boats that could handle the challenging conditions of British coastal waters and beyond. The Merlin 28 follows Westerly's traditional design philosophy, emphasizing practicality and reliability over racing performance. Her moderate beam and sensible proportions suggest a boat designed for comfortable coastal cruising and short offshore passages. The hull design likely incorporates Westerly's characteristic deep, protective cockpit and solid construction methods that made the yard's boats popular among serious cruising sailors. This model would appeal to sailors seeking a dependable platform for exploring coastlines, weekend getaways, and extended cruising adventures. Westerly's reputation for building boats that maintain their structural integrity over decades makes the Merlin 28 an attractive option for those prioritizing seaworthiness over speed. Her size strikes an ideal balance between manageable handling for a small crew while providing sufficient interior space for comfortable living aboard during extended voyages.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 27.06 ft / 8.25 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 23.62 ft / 7.20 m
Beam 9.94 ft / 3.03 m
Max Draft 5.02 ft / 1.53 m
Displacement 7,694.00 lb / 3,490 kg
Ballast 2,987.00 lb / 1,355 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/transom hung rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Ed Dubois
Builder Westerly Marine Ltd. (UK)
First Built 1984
Last Built 1990
Number Built 151
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Performance Ratios
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
38.82
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
260.65
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. 5.03 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 13.88
P (Mainsail Luff) 337.00 ft² / 31.31 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Bukh or Volvo
Engine & Accommodations
Horsepower 20
Fuel Capacity 21 gals / 79 L
Water Capacity 20 gals / 76 L
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