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Rl 28
Designer: Rob Legg  ·  Builder: Rob Legg Yachts (Aus)  ·  First built: 1978
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About the Rl 28

Designed by Rob Legg and built by Rob Legg Yachts in Australia starting in 1978, this 28-footer represents a practical approach to coastal cruising with versatile sailing capabilities. The swing keel configuration makes the RL 28 particularly appealing for sailors who need shallow water access or want the convenience of trailer sailing, as the retractable keel reduces draft significantly when raised. With a displacement of 2,998 pounds and fractional sloop rig carrying 248 square feet of sail, this fiberglass yacht offers a good balance between performance and stability. The SA/Displacement ratio of 19.13 indicates spirited sailing characteristics, while the comfort ratio of 11.82 suggests a relatively quick motion that prioritizes performance over heavy-weather comfort. The capsize screening formula of 2.2 falls within acceptable limits for coastal sailing applications. At 28 feet overall with a waterline length of 23.62 feet, the design maximizes interior volume while maintaining manageable size for a small crew. The hull speed of 6.51 knots provides respectable passage-making ability for weekend cruising and coastal exploration. This boat suits sailors seeking an affordable, versatile platform for day sailing, weekend cruising, and exploring shallow anchorages where fixed-keel boats cannot venture.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 28.02 ft / 8.54 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 23.62 ft / 7.20 m
Beam 7.91 ft / 2.41 m
Max Draft 4.76 ft / 1.45 m
Min Draft 1.35 ft / 0.41 m
Displacement 2,998.00 lb / 1,360 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 248.00 ft² / 23.04 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Swing Keel
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Rob Legg
Builder Rob Legg Yachts (AUS)
First Built 1978
Associations RL Yachts (AUS)
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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
 19.13
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
 101.56
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
 11.82
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
 2.2
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. 6.51 kn
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. 667.58 pounds/inch
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