CAVALIER 28
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 28 ft |
| LWL | 25 ft |
| Beam | 9.25 ft |
| Draft | 5.25 ft |
| Displacement | 9,000 lb |
| Ballast | 2,727 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.7 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 35 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 11.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 30 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 10.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 11.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 371.4 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 201.3 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 342.1 sq ft |
About the CAVALIER 28
Based on and very similar to the DAVIDSON 28, (mostly built in New Zealand).
Designed by Laurie Davidson and built by Cavalier Yachts in Australia, the Cavalier 28 is a compact cruiser with a production run of 100 hulls starting in 1975. This Australian-built vessel offers a solid foundation for coastal cruising but requires diligent maintenance of its structural components.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a manageable 28-foot footprint and are willing to invest in structural repairs. It is less ideal for novice buyers seeking a turnkey vessel due to the high frequency of reported structural issues.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 9000.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.78, the Cavalier 28 is primarily designed for coastal cruising rather than serious offshore passage-making. Its comfort ratio of 27.74 suggests a motion that is manageable in moderate seas but may feel heavy in rough offshore conditions.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other 1970s Australian-built cruisers like the O'Day 28 or early Beneteau models, the Cavalier 28 shares a similar masthead sloop configuration and displacement range. Its fin keel and 9.25 ft beam offer a balance of stability and interior volume typical of that era's coastal designs.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 5.1 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 6.7 |
| 60° | 5.3 | 6.1 | 6.4 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 6.8 | 6.9 |
| 75° | 5.5 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 7.1 | 7.2 |
| 90° | 5.3 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.5 |
| 110° | 5.2 | 6.2 | 6.6 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.8 |
| 120° | 5.0 | 6.0 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 8.0 |
| 135° | 4.5 | 5.5 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 8.0 |
| 150° | 3.8 | 4.8 | 5.7 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.6 |
| Beat VMG | 3.4 | 4.1 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.9 |
| Run VMG | 3.3 | 4.2 | 4.9 | 5.6 | 6.2 | 6.6 | 7.2 |
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 28ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
11 reported issues across 7 systems for the CAVALIER 28, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CAVALIER 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 11 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
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