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Solution 28
 ·  First built: 1976
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About the Solution 28

Designed as a compact and capable sailboat, the Solution 28 appeals to sailors looking for an accessible entry point into keelboat sailing without sacrificing genuine performance on the water. Built around a manageable length that suits coastal and day sailing excursions, this design strikes a balance between ease of handling and satisfying sail dynamics, making it a popular choice for both newcomers developing their skills and experienced sailors seeking a low-maintenance weekend cruiser. While detailed specifications remain limited in publicly available records, the Solution 28 carries a reputation as a practical and responsive boat that rewards attentive helmsmanship. Its modest size makes it well suited to sheltered coastal waters and estuary sailing, where its nimble character can be fully appreciated. Berthing and ownership costs remain relatively affordable compared to larger cruising designs, adding to its appeal for those entering the market on a budget. For anyone considering a boat in this class, the Solution 28 represents a sensible and enjoyable platform, particularly for sailors prioritizing simplicity, weekend adventures, and the pleasure of learning their craft on a forgiving and well-proportioned hull.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 28.54 ft / 8.70 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 26.10 ft / 7.96 m
Beam 10.00 ft / 3.05 m
Max Draft 5.41 ft / 1.65 m
Displacement 6,582.00 lb / 2,986 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 387.00 ft² / 35.95 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
First Built 1976
Related Sailboats ["Ericson 29" · "Columbia 29" · "Pearson 28 2" · "Hunter 285" · "Irwin 28 Mk Iii"]
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 165
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
 17.68
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
 17.65
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
 2.14
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. 6.85
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
 3.24
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. 932.58
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 37.0
J (Foretriangle Base) 12.0
P (Mainsail Luff) 32.2
E (Mainsail Foot) 10.25
SA Fore 222.0
SA Main 165.03
How It Compares

vs. Columbia 29, Hunter 285, Pearson 28 2

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Solution 28 ★
28.5 ft
Columbia 29
28.5 ft
Hunter 285
28.4 ft
Pearson 28 2
28.5 ft
LWL
Solution 28 ★
26.1 ft
Columbia 29
22.5 ft
Hunter 285
23.8 ft
Pearson 28 2
24.4 ft
Beam
Solution 28 ★
10.0 ft
Columbia 29
8.0 ft
Hunter 285
10.5 ft
Pearson 28 2
9.8 ft
Displacement
Solution 28 ★
6 lbs
Columbia 29
7 lbs
Hunter 285
7 lbs
Pearson 28 2
7 lbs
Ballast
Solution 28 ★
—
Columbia 29
3 lbs
Hunter 285
3 lbs
Pearson 28 2
2 lbs
Sail Area
Solution 28 ★
387 sq ft
Columbia 29
388 sq ft
Hunter 285
398 sq ft
Pearson 28 2
384 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Solution 28 ★
165 s/nm
Columbia 29
218 s/nm
Hunter 285
—
Pearson 28 2
192 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Solution 28 ★
17.7
Columbia 29
16.4
Hunter 285
17.5
Pearson 28 2
16.8
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Solution 28 ★
—
Columbia 29
42.2 %
Hunter 285
42.9 %
Pearson 28 2
36.4 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Solution 28 ★
17.7
Columbia 29
29.5
Hunter 285
18.8
Pearson 28 2
20.1
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Solution 28 ★
2.14
Columbia 29
1.64
Hunter 285
2.20
Pearson 28 2
2.06
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Solution 28 ★
—
Columbia 29
290
Hunter 285
233
Pearson 28 2
215
Hull Speed
Solution 28 ★
6.9 kts
Columbia 29
6.4 kts
Hunter 285
6.5 kts
Pearson 28 2
6.6 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Solution 28 ★
3.2
Columbia 29
1.8
Hunter 285
2.4
Pearson 28 2
2.5
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