DAVIDSON 28
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 27.92 ft |
| LWL | 25 ft |
| Beam | 9.33 ft |
| Draft | 5.33 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 DAVIDSON 28
Amateur builders finished off nearly all DAVIDSON 28s. Later became the CAVALIER 28 (mostly built in Australia).
Designed by Laurie Davidson and built by Dave Blundell/Export Yachts (NZ) from 1975, the Davidson 28 is a compact, heavy-displacement cruiser with 120 hulls produced. Its 9000.0 lb displacement and 2727.0 lb ballast provide a stable platform, though owners report significant structural maintenance needs typical of its era.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize comfort and stability over raw speed, particularly those willing to invest in structural repairs and modern engine upgrades like Yamaha or Yanmar.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low capsize ratio of 1.8 and high displacement-to-length ratio of 257.14, the Davidson 28 is inherently stable and suitable for protected offshore passages, provided critical structural issues like deck core rot are addressed.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other 1970s heavy-displacement fin-keel sloops such as the O'Day 28 or Pearson 28, sharing similar dimensions and a focus on safe, comfortable cruising rather than racing performance.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the DAVIDSON 28 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 27.92ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
13 reported issues across 8 systems for the DAVIDSON 28, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a DAVIDSON 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 13 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 DAVIDSON 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: Bukh — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the DAVIDSON 28
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…