KELLS 28
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 28 ft |
| LWL | 23.5 ft |
| Beam | 8.67 ft |
| Draft | 5 ft |
| Displacement | 6,800 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.5 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 34.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 11 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 29 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 12 ft |
| FLforestay | 11 ft |
| Mainsail | 377.7 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 189.8 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 322.6 sq ft |
About the KELLS 28
Promoted as KELLS 28 (OUTRIDER) An adaptation of the earlier TRUMP 27. Neither one built in great numbers. Offered factory finished or as a kit.
The Kells 28 is a 28.0 ft masthead sloop designed by Aborn Smith/Kells Corp. and built by Kells Corp. (USA) in 1976. With a displacement of 6800.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 23.81, this vessel offers a balanced blend of performance and comfort for its era.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a manageable 28.0 ft footprint with adequate interior volume for short passages. Its moderate displacement and fin keel configuration make it well-suited for protected waters and harbor hopping rather than heavy offshore work.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.83 and a D/L ratio of 233.91, the Kells 28 is primarily designed for coastal cruising rather than extended bluewater passages. Its 5.0 ft max draft and fin keel provide adequate stability for nearshore sailing but limit its suitability for heavy offshore conditions.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from the mid-1970s include the Cal 2-36 and O'Day 28, which share similar beam dimensions and displacement ranges. These vessels offer similar masthead sloop configurations and target the same market of entry-level cruisers seeking reliable, trailerable or easily moored yachts.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the KELLS 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 28ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
10 reported issues across 7 systems for the KELLS 28, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a KELLS 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
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your KELLS 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, Universal, Atomic 4 — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the KELLS 28
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…