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Pacific Dolphin 28
Designer: Robert Finch  ·  Builder: Pacific Dolphin Inc. (Usa)  ·  First built: 1975
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About the Pacific Dolphin 28

Designed by Robert Finch and built by Pacific Dolphin Inc. starting in 1975, this 28-footer represents solid American craftsmanship from the era when fiberglass construction was reaching maturity. With her traditional fin keel and skeg-mounted rudder configuration, the Pacific Dolphin 28 offers predictable handling characteristics that inspire confidence in both novice and experienced sailors. At 27.75 feet overall with a displacement of 6,500 pounds, this masthead sloop strikes a practical balance between performance and comfort. Her generous beam of 8.58 feet provides good interior volume and stability, while the substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio ensures she'll stand up well to wind and weather. The moderate draft of 4.67 feet opens up many cruising destinations while still providing adequate windward performance. With a comfort ratio of 24.29 and capsize screening value of 1.84, the Pacific Dolphin 28 falls squarely into the coastal cruising category, though capable sailors have taken her on longer passages. Her SA/Displacement ratio of 16.13 suggests she'll move well in moderate conditions while remaining manageable when the breeze picks up. The hull speed of 6.26 knots provides respectable passage-making ability for weekend cruising and extended coastal exploration.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 27.75 ft / 8.46 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 21.83 ft / 6.65 m
Beam 8.58 ft / 2.62 m
Max Draft 4.67 ft / 1.42 m
Displacement 6,500.00 lb / 2,948 kg
Ballast 2,750.00 lb / 1,247 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 350.00 ft² / 32.52 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Robert Finch
Builder Pacific Dolphin Inc. (USA)
First Built 1975
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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
 16.13
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
 42.31
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
 278.94
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
 24.29
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
 1.84
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. 6.26 kn
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
 1.88
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. 669.25 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 16.56
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 35.00 ft / 10.67 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 11.75 ft / 3.58 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 30.75 ft / 9.37 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 10.00 ft / 3.05 m
SA Fore 205.63 ft² / 19.10 m²
SA Main 153.75 ft² / 14.28 m²
SA Total (100%) 359.38 ft² / 33.39 m²
Est. Forestay Length 36.92 ft / 11.25 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 12
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