HYDRO 28
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 27.92 ft |
| LWL | 23.75 ft |
| Beam | 10.01 ft |
| Draft | 5.58 ft |
| Displacement | 5,401 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.5 kn |
About the HYDRO 28
Designed by David Thomas and built by Seaglass (UK), the Hydro 28 is a compact cruiser with a production run starting in 1978. While the exact hull count is unknown, the fleet is characterized by a fractional sloop rig and a displacement of 5401.0 lb.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a manageable 27.92 ft LOA and a comfortable 10.01 ft beam for interior space. Its moderate comfort ratio of 15.52 makes it suitable for those seeking a balance between performance and stability in protected waters.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low capsize ratio of 2.29 and a D/L ratio of 179.98, the Hydro 28 is generally considered a coastal cruiser rather than a dedicated bluewater passagemaker, though its fin keel and fractional rig offer decent windward performance for short offshore trips.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include other late-1970s British fractional sloop cruisers of similar length, such as the Hallberg-Rassy 35 or Oyster 28, which share similar displacement and beam characteristics. These vessels offer similar coastal cruising capabilities with comparable interior volumes.
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° | 4.7 | 5.5 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.4 | 6.4 |
| 60° | 4.9 | 5.7 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.4 | 6.5 | 6.6 |
| 75° | 5.0 | 5.8 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 6.9 |
| 90° | 4.9 | 5.8 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 7.1 |
| 110° | 4.8 | 5.8 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.6 |
| 120° | 4.6 | 5.6 | 6.2 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.8 |
| 135° | 4.1 | 5.1 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.6 |
| 150° | 3.5 | 4.5 | 5.3 | 6.0 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 7.3 |
| Beat VMG | 3.1 | 3.7 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.7 |
| Run VMG | 3.0 | 3.9 | 4.7 | 5.3 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 6.9 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the HYDRO 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
10 reported issues across 7 systems for the HYDRO 28, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a HYDRO 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 10 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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Used sails that fit the HYDRO 28
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