DEHLER 28
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 27.89 ft |
| LWL | 22.31 ft |
| Beam | 9.19 ft |
| Draft | 4.43 ft |
| Displacement | 5,512 lb |
| Ballast | 2,204.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.3 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 31.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 9.68 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 34.77 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 12.47 ft |
| FLforestay | 9.7 ft |
| Mainsail | 386.6 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 152.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 259.2 sq ft |
Engine
| Volvo Penta | 20019 hpSee all 11 parts → |
| Volvo Penta | MD201010 hpSee all 22 parts → |
About the DEHLER 28
Designed by E. G. van de Stadt and built by Dehler, the Dehler 28 is a compact fractional sloop with a production run of 520 hulls constructed between 1987 and 1997. With a displacement of 5512.0 lb and a beam of 9.19 ft, this vessel represents a significant portion of the late-80s to late-90s German cruiser market.
- Best for:
- This boat is well-suited for coastal cruising and weekend sailing, appealing to owners who prioritize manageable size and performance over heavy bluewater endurance. Its fractional rig and relatively light displacement make it responsive and easier to handle for smaller crews or single-handers.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.08 and a comfort ratio of 18.5, the Dehler 28 is designed primarily for coastal and nearshore use rather than extended offshore passages. Its fin keel and moderate displacement suggest it is best kept within sight of land or well-established coastal routes.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels from this era include the Beneteau First 27 and the O'Day 28, which share similar fractional sloop rigs and target the same market of performance-oriented coastal cruisers. These boats offer similar footprints and sailing characteristics, making them direct competitors in the used market.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(5 certificates)
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 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 3.2 | 4.3 | 5.1 | 5.6 | 6.0 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.3 | 6.3 |
| 60° | 3.4 | 4.5 | 5.3 | 5.8 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 75° | 3.5 | 4.7 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 6.9 |
| 90° | 3.6 | 4.9 | 5.8 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.3 |
| 110° | 3.7 | 5.0 | 5.9 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.6 | 7.9 |
| 120° | 3.5 | 4.8 | 5.8 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 8.0 | 8.5 |
| 135° | 3.0 | 4.3 | 5.3 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.9 | 9.0 |
| 150° | 2.5 | 3.6 | 4.7 | 5.5 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.4 | 8.3 |
| Beat VMG | 2.0 | 2.8 | 3.4 | 3.8 | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.3 |
| Run VMG | 2.2 | 3.2 | 4.0 | 4.8 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.4 | 6.9 | 7.5 |
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 27.89ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
9 reported issues across 7 systems for the DEHLER 28, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a DEHLER 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 9 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 
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Volvo Penta 2001
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Used sails that fit the DEHLER 28
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