ERICSON 28+
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 28.5 ft |
| LWL | 24.17 ft |
| Beam | 10.5 ft |
| Draft | 5 ft |
| Shoal Draft version | 4 ft |
| Displacement | 7,500 lb |
| Ballast | 3,000 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.6 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 35.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 12.83 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 34.75 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11.17 ft |
| FLforestay | 12.8 ft |
| Mainsail | 437.3 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 227.7 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 387.1 sq ft |
Engine
| Commonly | Universal, Kubota, Atomic 4 |
About the ERICSON 28+
The '+', apparently designates the fractional rig version. A masthead rig was also available. Dates and number produced includes both versions.
Designed by Bruce King and built by Ericson Yachts (USA) from 1980–1984, the Ericson 28+ is a compact cruiser with a production run of 90 hulls. It combines a fractional sloop rig with a fin keel, offering a displacement of 7500.0 lb and a beam of 10.5 ft.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize interior volume and ease of handling over high-performance racing. Its moderate displacement and comfort ratio make it ideal for relaxed cruising rather than aggressive offshore passage-making.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.15 and a displacement/length ratio of 237.13, the Ericson 28+ is generally considered suitable for protected coastal waters rather than extended bluewater voyaging.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 2-36 and O'Day 28, which share similar fractional sloop rigs and coastal cruising roles. These vessels offer similar interior layouts and displacement characteristics, appealing to buyers seeking manageable, family-friendly cruisers from the same era.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
5 listings · boat years 1981–1989 · median $17,500
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.
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Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
22 reported issues across 9 systems for the ERICSON 28+, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a ERICSON 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 22 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 ERICSON 28+?
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Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Universal, Kubota, Atomic 4, Yanmar — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the ERICSON 28+
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