Back to Search
Yankee 28
Designer: Robert Finch  ·  Builder: Yankee Yachts Inc.  ·  First built: 1971
+ Add to Compare
About the Yankee 28

Built during the 1970s, this compact cruiser emerged from an era when affordable family sailing was gaining tremendous popularity across America. The Yankee 28 represents a thoughtful approach to small boat design, emphasizing seaworthiness and practical accommodations within a modest footprint. Despite limited available specifications, the design reflects classic characteristics of its generation—a moderate beam, traditional lines, and construction methods that prioritized durability over cutting-edge performance. The boat's proportions suggest it was intended primarily for coastal cruising and weekend adventures, offering enough space below for a small family while remaining manageable for a couple to handle. The Yankee 28's reputation centers around its solid construction and dependable sailing characteristics. Owners often praise the boat's ability to handle varied conditions with confidence, making it suitable for those learning to cruise or seeking a reliable vessel for exploring protected waters and nearby coastal areas. While not designed for offshore passages or competitive racing, this sailboat excels in its intended role as an accessible entry point into cruising. Its straightforward systems and forgiving nature have made it a popular choice among sailors transitioning from smaller day sailors to their first cruising boat.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 27.75 ft / 8.46 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 21.87 ft / 6.67 m
Beam 8.50 ft / 2.59 m
Max Draft 4.67 ft / 1.42 m
Displacement 6,500.00 lb / 2,948 kg
Ballast 2,750.00 lb / 1,247 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 366.00 ft² / 34.00 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Robert Finch
Builder Yankee Yachts Inc.
First Built 1971
Last Built 1974
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
222
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
16.87
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
24.57
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
1.82
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. 6.27
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
1.92
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. 664.22
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 36.0
J (Foretriangle Base) 11.8
P (Mainsail Luff) 30.8
E (Mainsail Foot) 10.0
SA Fore 212.4
SA Main 154.0
Find a Yankee 28 For Sale