GREAT DANE 28
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 28 ft |
| LWL | 21.33 ft |
| Beam | 8.16 ft |
| Draft | 4.5 ft |
| Displacement | 8,500 lb |
| Ballast | 3,967.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.2 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 35.7 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 9.98 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 30.4 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11.88 ft |
| FLforestay | 10 ft |
| Mainsail | 373.2 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 178.1 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 302.8 sq ft |
About the GREAT DANE 28
Designed by Aage Utzon and Klaus Baess and built by Klaus Baess/Sandersens Plasticboats, the Great Dane 28 is a classic Danish cruiser with 300 hulls produced between 1965 and 1989. Its heavy displacement of 8500.0 lb and full keel design reflect a robust, seakworthy construction typical of mid-century European boatbuilding.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and conservative bluewater sailors who prioritize stability and comfort over speed, particularly those willing to manage older mechanical systems.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 8500.0 lb, a capsize ratio of 1.6, and a full/long keel, the Great Dane 28 is well-suited for offshore passages, though its age requires diligent maintenance of critical systems.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other heavy-displacement, full-keel cruisers from the 1960s-80s such as the Valiant 32 or O'Day 32, due to similar displacement ratios and traditional cruising layouts.
Performance
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 28ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
19 reported issues across 9 systems for the GREAT DANE 28, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a GREAT DANE 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 19 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 GREAT DANE 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: Yanmar, Westerbeke, Universal, Perkins — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the GREAT DANE 28
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…