IMPALA 28 (THOMAS)

About the IMPALA 28 (THOMAS)

Partial history from Class website: The initial design for the IMPALA evolved as a direct result of the formation, in 1977, of the Offshore One Design Council which was set up by a group of leading yachtsmen to encourage One Design racing. There were thirty designs submitted, including the IMPALA, of which three were given the support of the council. The IMPALA remains as the strongest supported class of those craft selected and the only one still in it''s original form. The class pioneered standard ratings within the I.O.R. which has been copied by other classes. The first National Championshipwas held in Cowes in 1979 and was won by David Thomas, the designer. The event has been held every year since. The class rules have changed surprisingly little since the class was formed. The first main change was brought about by the change in the I.O.R. resulting in a rating increase. David Thomas, designed a lead shoe for the keel and some internal ballast which had the desired effect on the rating. Most other changes were to make the rules more rational without altering the meaning too much. One change to follow progress was the allowance of Mylar No 1 genoas. 1988 saw the introduction of the inboard diesel. This has helped bring the class up to date. The engine adopted was the YANMAR 1GM (9 hp), (see rules). In 1989 the blade no 3was adopted along with some other minor changes. The following year saw a full width main sheet traveller, and 250 lbs of lead added to the outboard to standardize both inboard and outboard C.H.S. ratings. 1993 saw the new mast from Kemps, and for 1994 a new full hoist No 2 is allowed,also the Luff Perpendicular rule has been rewritten.

Designed by David Thomas and built by Hunter Boats Ltd. (UK), the Impala 28 is a compact cruiser with a production run of 155 hulls from 1977–1984. Owner reports highlight a specific structural concern regarding keel smile and sump cracking, which is the primary maintenance issue to investigate.

Best for:

This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a manageable 28-foot footprint and fractional sloop rigging for easier single-handed handling.

Bluewater capability:

With a displacement of 4300.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.28, the Impala 28 is best suited for protected coastal waters rather than heavy offshore passages.

Comparables:

Comparable boats include the Hunter 28 and other late-70s British-built fractionals like the Contessa 26, sharing similar displacement and coastal cruising roles.