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Trapper 28
Designer: Cuthbertson & Cassian  ·  Builder: Anesty Yachts, (Uk)  ·  First built: 1968
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About the Trapper 28

Produced by the British builder Trapper Yachts during the 1970s, the Trapper 28 is a compact fiberglass sloop that earned a modest but loyal following among weekend sailors and coastal cruisers in the UK. Designed with accessibility in mind, it sits comfortably in the category of family daysailers and light cruisers, making it a practical choice for those looking to explore sheltered coastal waters and estuaries without the complexity of a larger offshore vessel. The Trapper range was built to offer affordable sailing at a time when fiberglass construction was making boat ownership increasingly accessible to everyday enthusiasts. The 28 reflects this philosophy, prioritizing ease of handling and straightforward maintenance over high-performance racing credentials. Its modest size makes it manageable for a small crew or even a couple sailing short-handed. For buyers researching a first cruising boat or a manageable weekend escape vessel, the Trapper 28 represents an entry point into keelboat sailing with a certain vintage charm. Availability of parts and specialist knowledge may require some research, but a well-maintained example can still offer rewarding sailing.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 28.17 ft / 8.59 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 22.00 ft / 6.71 m
Beam 8.33 ft / 2.54 m
Max Draft 4.75 ft / 1.45 m
Displacement 4,775.00 lb / 2,166 kg
Ballast 2,250.00 lb / 1,021 kg
Ballast Type Iron
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG solid laminate
Designer Cuthbertson & Cassian
Builder Anesty Yachts, (UK)
First Built 1968
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Performance Ratios
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
47.12
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
200.2
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. 3.93 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 17.94
J (Foretriangle Base) 10.50 ft / 3.20 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 317.00 ft² / 29.45 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 200.20
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