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Northwest 28
 ·  Builder: Northwest Yacht Constructors Ltd. (Usa)  ·  First built: 1983
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About the Northwest 28

Produced by Northwest Boat Works, the Northwest 28 is a compact cruising sailboat that appeals to sailors looking for an accessible and manageable vessel for coastal and inland water adventures. Designed with simplicity and practicality in mind, this boat reflects the kind of no-frills approach that has made it a practical choice for weekend cruisers and those new to sailboat ownership. While detailed specifications for the Northwest 28 are limited, the boat's general profile suggests it was intended to offer comfortable daysailing and short-range cruising rather than bluewater offshore passages. Its modest size makes it easy to handle for a small crew or even a capable solo sailor, and its straightforward design keeps maintenance demands relatively manageable compared to larger, more complex vessels. For buyers researching this model, the Northwest 28 represents a practical entry point into the cruising market. Those considering a purchase would be well served by connecting with current owners through sailing forums and communities, where firsthand accounts of the boat's handling, comfort, and reliability can provide valuable insight that specifications alone cannot offer.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 27.67 ft / 8.43 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 23.00 ft / 7.01 m
Beam 9.50 ft / 2.90 m
Max Draft 4.83 ft / 1.47 m
Displacement 7,000.00 lb / 3,175 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Builder Northwest Yacht Constructors Ltd. (USA)
First Built 1983
Owner Reviews

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Known Issues & What to Watch For

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Performance Ratios
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
256.84
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. 4.68 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 14.91
P (Mainsail Luff) 340.00 ft² / 31.59 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 256.84
How It Compares

vs. Bahama 28 Islander, Caliber 28, Newport 28

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Northwest 28 ★
27.7 ft
Bahama 28 Islander
27.9 ft
Caliber 28
27.5 ft
Newport 28
27.7 ft
LWL
Northwest 28 ★
23.0 ft
Bahama 28 Islander
23.1 ft
Caliber 28
24.3 ft
Newport 28
25.0 ft
Beam
Northwest 28 ★
9.5 ft
Bahama 28 Islander
9.8 ft
Caliber 28
10.8 ft
Newport 28
9.5 ft
Displacement
Northwest 28 ★
7 lbs
Bahama 28 Islander
7 lbs
Caliber 28
7 lbs
Newport 28
7 lbs
Ballast
Northwest 28 ★
Bahama 28 Islander
3 lbs
Caliber 28
3 lbs
Newport 28
3 lbs
Sail Area
Northwest 28 ★
Bahama 28 Islander
361 sq ft
Caliber 28
428 sq ft
Newport 28
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Northwest 28 ★
Bahama 28 Islander
Caliber 28
186 s/nm
Newport 28
192 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Northwest 28 ★
Bahama 28 Islander
15.8
Caliber 28
18.4
Newport 28
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Northwest 28 ★
Bahama 28 Islander
42.9 %
Caliber 28
43.1 %
Newport 28
45.7 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Northwest 28 ★
Bahama 28 Islander
21.0
Caliber 28
18.4
Newport 28
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Northwest 28 ★
Bahama 28 Islander
2.06
Caliber 28
2.25
Newport 28
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Northwest 28 ★
256
Bahama 28 Islander
254
Caliber 28
223
Newport 28
200
Hull Speed
Northwest 28 ★
Bahama 28 Islander
6.4 kts
Caliber 28
6.6 kts
Newport 28
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Northwest 28 ★
Bahama 28 Islander
2.0
Caliber 28
2.5
Newport 28
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