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Nova 28
Designer: Alan Wright  ·  First built: 1975
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About the Nova 28

Designed as a compact cruising sailboat, the Nova 28 offers an approachable entry point for sailors seeking a capable and manageable vessel for coastal and near-shore adventures. Though detailed specification data is limited, the Nova 28 has earned a modest following among sailors who appreciate a boat that balances simplicity with practical liveability. Built with weekend cruising in mind, the Nova 28 suits couples or small crews looking to explore coastal waterways, anchorages, and harbors without the complexity of a larger passage-maker. Its size makes it relatively easy to handle short-handed, and the manageable platform appeals to those stepping up from smaller daysailers or those seeking an affordable entry into cruising. For prospective buyers, the Nova 28 represents a practical choice rather than a performance-oriented one. Sailors researching this model would be well advised to inspect available examples carefully, as build quality and condition can vary considerably in the used market. Connecting with owners through sailing forums and clubs can be an invaluable way to uncover first-hand accounts of how this boat performs in real-world conditions.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 28.00 ft / 8.53 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 22.50 ft / 6.86 m
Beam 9.00 ft / 2.74 m
Max Draft 4.75 ft / 1.45 m
Displacement 6,500.00 lb / 2,948 kg
Ballast 2,800.00 lb / 1,270 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 365.00 ft² / 33.91 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction Wood or FG
Designer Alan Wright
First Built 1975
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
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
16.82
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
22.28
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
1.93
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. 6.36
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. 723.55
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