CALIBER 28
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 27.5 ft |
| LWL | 24.33 ft |
| Beam | 10.83 ft |
| Draft | 3.92 ft |
| Displacement | 7,200 lb |
| Ballast | 3,100.3 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.6 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 39.3 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 10.8 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 35 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 10.8 ft |
| Mainsail | 429.6 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 212.2 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 360.8 sq ft |
About the CALIBER 28
Designed by Michael McCreary and built by Caliber Yachts (USA), the Caliber 28 is a compact coastal cruiser with a production run limited to 1981. With a hull count listed as unknown, this single-year model represents a specific snapshot of early 80s American boatbuilding, featuring a 27.5 ft LOA and 7200.0 lb displacement.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a manageable 27.5 ft footprint and easy trailering over long-range offshore passage making. Its 18.43 comfort ratio and 223.18 D/L ratio indicate a responsive, lighter-displacement ride ideal for protected waters.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.25 and a fin keel, the Caliber 28 is primarily a coastal cruiser rather than a dedicated bluewater passagemaker, though its 3100.3 lb ballast provides adequate stability for short offshore trips.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Pearson 28 and O'Day 28, which share similar 28-foot footprints and masthead sloop rigs from the same era. These models offer similar interior volumes and coastal cruising capabilities, though the Caliber's 10.83 ft beam provides slightly more interior width.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
6 listings · boat years 1986–1992 · median $28,000
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 27.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
7 reported issues across 5 systems for the CALIBER 28, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CALIBER 28? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 7 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your CALIBER 28?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Westerbeke, Universal, Atomic 4 — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the CALIBER 28
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…