CAPE DORY 28
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 28.1 ft |
| LWL | 22.21 ft |
| Beam | 8.87 ft |
| Draft | 4 ft |
| Displacement | 9,000 lb |
| Ballast | 3,500.1 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.3 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 35.25 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 11.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 31.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 12.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 11.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 415.3 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 202.7 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 344.6 sq ft |
About the CAPE DORY 28
Some were fitted with Farymann or Universal diesels.
Designed by Carl Alberg and built by Cape Dory Yachts (USA) from 1974–1988, the Cape Dory 28 is a classic full-keel sloop with 388 hulls produced. Its heavy displacement of 9000.0 lb and full/long keel configuration prioritize stability and seakeeping over speed, resulting in a comfort ratio of 31.68 and a low capsize ratio of 1.71.
- Best for:
- This boat is ideal for conservative coastal cruisers and those seeking a stable, safe platform for short offshore passages, particularly single-handers who value the self-righting stability of the full keel and the ease of handling associated with the masthead sloop rig.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 9000.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.71, the Cape Dory 28 is well-suited for protected offshore cruising, though its narrow beam of 8.87 ft and lack of modern maneuvering aids limit its appeal for aggressive bluewater racing.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 2-28 and the Island Packet 28, as they share similar full-keel, heavy-displacement characteristics and target the same market of safe, comfortable coastal cruising.
Performance
Estimated Value
Medium ConfidenceAsking price by model year
17 listings · boat years 1974–1987 · median $19,000
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 28.1ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
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Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
19 reported issues across 8 systems for the CAPE DORY 28, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CAPE DORY 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 19 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
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Used sails that fit the CAPE DORY 28
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