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Viking 28
Designer: Cuthbertson & Cassian  ·  Builder: Ontario Yachts (Can)  ·  First built: 1968
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About the Viking 28

A capable and unpretentious coastal cruiser, the Viking 28 earned a reputation as a practical choice for sailors seeking a reliable, manageable boat without unnecessary complexity. Designed with everyday sailing in mind, this vessel appeals to those looking to explore coastal waters and weekend anchorages with confidence and comfort. While detailed specifications are limited, the Viking 28 is generally regarded as a solid entry in the trailerable or marina-kept cruiser segment, offering enough space for a small crew or couple to spend time aboard comfortably. Its proportions make it approachable for sailors stepping up from smaller dinghies or day sailors, while still delivering a satisfying sailing experience for more seasoned hands. The boat's straightforward design philosophy prioritizes ease of handling over complexity, making it well-suited to single-handed or shorthanded sailing. Owners have historically appreciated its durability and low-maintenance character, qualities that tend to define boats built for real-world use rather than showroom impressions. For someone researching an affordable, sensible coastal cruiser with a modest footprint and genuine sailing ability, the Viking 28 is a name worth investigating further.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 28.17 ft / 8.59 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 22.00 ft / 6.71 m
Beam 8.37 ft / 2.55 m
Max Draft 4.50 ft / 1.37 m
Displacement 4,775.00 lb / 2,166 kg
Ballast 2,250.00 lb / 1,021 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Cuthbertson & Cassian
Builder Ontario Yachts (CAN)
First Built 1968
Last Built 1983
Number Built 147
Related Sailboats Tartan 28 · Oday 28 · Cape Dory 28 · Catalina 28 Mkii · Santana 28
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
185
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. 3.95 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
How It Compares

vs. Cape Dory 28, Catalina 28 Mkii, Oday 28, Santana 28, Tartan 28

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Viking 28 ★
28.2 ft
Cape Dory 28
28.1 ft
Catalina 28 Mkii
28.1 ft
Oday 28
28.3 ft
Santana 28
28.3 ft
Tartan 28
28.3 ft
LWL
Viking 28 ★
22.0 ft
Cape Dory 28
22.2 ft
Catalina 28 Mkii
24.2 ft
Oday 28
22.9 ft
Santana 28
23.0 ft
Tartan 28
23.3 ft
Beam
Viking 28 ★
8.4 ft
Cape Dory 28
8.9 ft
Catalina 28 Mkii
9.8 ft
Oday 28
10.3 ft
Santana 28
9.2 ft
Tartan 28
9.9 ft
Displacement
Viking 28 ★
4 lbs
Cape Dory 28
9 lbs
Catalina 28 Mkii
7 lbs
Oday 28
7 lbs
Santana 28
7 lbs
Tartan 28
7 lbs
Ballast
Viking 28 ★
2 lbs
Cape Dory 28
3 lbs
Catalina 28 Mkii
3 lbs
Oday 28
2 lbs
Santana 28
2 lbs
Tartan 28
3 lbs
Sail Area
Viking 28 ★
Cape Dory 28
404 sq ft
Catalina 28 Mkii
385 sq ft
Oday 28
370 sq ft
Santana 28
Tartan 28
408 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Viking 28 ★
185 s/nm
Cape Dory 28
225 s/nm
Catalina 28 Mkii
189 s/nm
Oday 28
203 s/nm
Santana 28
180 s/nm
Tartan 28
177 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Viking 28 ★
Cape Dory 28
15.0
Catalina 28 Mkii
15.6
Oday 28
15.8
Santana 28
Tartan 28
17.2
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Viking 28 ★
47.1 %
Cape Dory 28
38.9 %
Catalina 28 Mkii
42.3 %
Oday 28
Santana 28
34.0 %
Tartan 28
43.0 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Viking 28 ★
Cape Dory 28
31.7
Catalina 28 Mkii
22.8
Oday 28
20.7
Santana 28
Tartan 28
22.0
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Viking 28 ★
Cape Dory 28
1.71
Catalina 28 Mkii
1.97
Oday 28
2.12
Santana 28
Tartan 28
2.03
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Viking 28 ★
200
Cape Dory 28
366
Catalina 28 Mkii
246
Oday 28
Santana 28
275
Tartan 28
264
Hull Speed
Viking 28 ★
Cape Dory 28
6.3 kts
Catalina 28 Mkii
6.6 kts
Oday 28
6.4 kts
Santana 28
Tartan 28
6.5 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Viking 28 ★
Cape Dory 28
1.2
Catalina 28 Mkii
Oday 28
1.9
Santana 28
Tartan 28
2.1
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