Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
6.3 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 22.0′, the Trapper 28 tops out around 6.3 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √22.0′ LWL = 6.3 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Ballast / Displacement
47.1%
Race-oriented ballast ratio — very stiff and powerful.
Displacement / Length
200
Moderate — a good balance of speed and load-carrying ability.
Hull Speed
6.3kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
4lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Trapper 28 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Viking 28
Cape Dory 28
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Trapper 28.
| Trapper 28 | Cape Dory 28 | First 28 Beneteau | Omega 28 | Trapper 400 | Viking 28 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 28.2 | 28.1 | 28.2 | 28.2 | 28.2 | 28.2 |
| LWL | 22.0 | 22.2 | 24.3 | 24.0 | 22.0 | 22.0 |
| Beam | 8.3 | 8.9 | 9.8 | 9.6 | 8.3 | 8.4 |
| Displacement | 4 | 9 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 4 |
| Ballast | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Sail Area | — | 404 | — | 338 | — | — |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | 225 | — | — | — | 185 |
| SA/Disp | — | 15.0 | — | 16.4 | — | — |
| Bal/Disp | 47.1 | 38.9 | 37.1 | 44.0 | 47.1 | 47.1 |
| Comfort | — | 31.7 | — | 18.1 | — | — |
| Capsize | — | 1.71 | — | 2.12 | — | — |
| Hull Speed | — | 6.3 | — | 6.6 | — | — |