CATALINA 28
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 28.5 ft |
| LWL | 23.83 ft |
| Beam | 10.17 ft |
| Draft | 5.25 ft |
| Displacement | 8,300 lb |
| Ballast | 3,199.6 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.5 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 39.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 10.8 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 34 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 10.75 ft |
| FLforestay | 10.8 ft |
| Mainsail | 377.1 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 197.1 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 335.1 sq ft |
Engine
| Universal | M-25XP23 hpSee all 12 parts → |
| Universal | M-25XPB25 hpSee all 13 parts → |
| Universal | M-2520 hpSee all 12 parts → |
About the CATALINA 28
Winged Keel vers. disp.:8600 bal.:3500 draft:3.83'. CATALINA 28 MKII introduced in 1995. Tall mast version: I: 39.50' / 12.04m J: 10.80' / 3.29m P: 34.00' / 10.36m E: 10.75' / 3.28m
Designed by Gerry Douglas and built by Catalina Yachts (USA), the Catalina 28 is a compact coastal cruiser with a production run of 620 hulls starting in 1991. This model is widely recognized for its comfortable interior and manageable size, making it a popular entry point for cruising enthusiasts.
- Best for:
- This boat is ideally suited for coastal cruising and weekend getaways, appealing to couples or small families who prioritize interior comfort and ease of handling over high-performance racing.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 8300.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.01, the Catalina 28 is generally considered suitable for protected coastal waters rather than extended offshore passages due to its moderate stability and fin keel design.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from this era include the Cal 25 and O'Day 23, which share similar displacement and beam dimensions, offering alternative layouts for buyers seeking a sub-30-foot trailerable cruiser.
Performance
Estimated Value
Medium ConfidenceAsking price by model year
26 listings · boat years 1975–2006 · median $25,000
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 28.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
30 reported issues across 9 systems for the CATALINA 28, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CATALINA 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 30 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
Engine Parts & Maintenance
The engines most commonly fitted to this model. “All parts” opens the engine's full catalogue; each part links to a matching listing on 
or 
matched to its part number.
Universal M-25XP
All parts →Universal M-25XPB
All parts →Don't see your engine listed? Search all engines → to find parts for the exact engine fitted to your boat.
Prices are reference figures — confirm the current price on Amazon. Always confirm fitment against your engine's model and serial before ordering. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Used sails that fit the CATALINA 28
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…