Back to Search
Westsail 28
Designer: Herb David  ·  Builder: Westsail Corp. (Usa)  ·  First built: 1975
+ Add to Compare
Videos
About the Westsail 28

Building on the legendary reputation of its larger sibling, this compact cruiser emerged from the Westsail design philosophy that prioritized seaworthiness above all else. The Westsail 28 represents a scaled-down version of the heavy-displacement, full-keel approach that made the brand synonymous with ocean-crossing capability during the 1970s cruising renaissance. Like other Westsail designs, this boat features the trademark long keel and robust construction that appeals to sailors seeking serious offshore capability in a smaller package. The design emphasizes stability and directional tracking over speed, making it well-suited for coastal cruising and extended passages where comfort and safety outweigh racing performance. The boat's conservative design philosophy translates to a forgiving sailing experience, particularly valuable for couples or small crews planning extended voyages. While not known for blazing speed, the Westsail 28 offers the confidence-inspiring characteristics that made the brand popular among serious cruising sailors of the era. Today, these boats represent an entry point into the Westsail legacy, offering proven blue-water genetics in a more manageable size for those seeking a traditional, heavy-displacement cruiser with ocean-crossing pedigree.

Market Price Estimate Beta
Small sample size. This estimate is based on fewer than 5 listings and may not be representative of the true market. Use with caution.
$29,500 – $29,500
typical asking price
Median $29,500  ·  1 listing used
All listings
$29,500 – $29,500 1
Rate a listing price
$
About this estimate
  • Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
  • Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
  • Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
  • Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
  • Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
  • Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 28.25 ft / 8.61 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 23.50 ft / 7.16 m
Beam 9.58 ft / 2.92 m
Max Draft 4.33 ft / 1.32 m
Displacement 13,500.00 lb / 6,123 kg
Ballast 4,200.00 lb / 1,905 kg
Sail Area (Reported) Rudder enlarged some time later.
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long keel w/trans. hung rudder
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG solid hull/ply sandwich deck
Designer Herb David
Builder Westsail Corp. (USA)
First Built 1975
Last Built 1979
Number Built 78
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

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
267
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
31.11
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
464.39
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. 4.82 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 13.45
J (Foretriangle Base) 17.00 ft / 5.18 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 475.00 ft² / 44.13 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Volvo
Engine & Accommodations
Horsepower 13
Fuel Capacity 36 gals / 136 L
Water Capacity 79 gals / 299 L
Find a Westsail 28 For Sale