LIBERTY 28
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 28 ft |
| LWL | 24.33 ft |
| Beam | 9.58 ft |
| Draft | 4 ft |
| Displacement | 12,000 lb |
| Ballast | 4,800 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.6 kn |
About the LIBERTY 28
Designed by Joe Fennell and built by Liberty Yachts (USA), the Liberty 28 is a compact, heavy-displacement cruiser with a production run of 70 hulls completed in 1978. Its full/long keel and 12000.0 lb displacement provide exceptional stability and seakeeping for its 28.0 ft LOA size.
- Best for:
- This boat is ideal for coastal cruisers and conservative bluewater travelers who prioritize safety, stability, and ease of single-handed handling over high-speed performance. The cutter rig and heavy ballast ratio make it particularly suitable for owners seeking a robust, low-maintenance vessel for protected waters or short offshore passages.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.68 and a D/L ratio of 371.97, the Liberty 28 exhibits strong inherent stability and resistance to capsizing, making it well-suited for offshore passages despite its modest size.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 2-38 and O'Day 28, which share similar beam dimensions and heavy-displacement characteristics from the late 1970s. These vessels are comparable due to their focus on interior volume, stability, and traditional full-keel designs that favor comfort over speed.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the LIBERTY 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
7 reported issues across 5 systems for the LIBERTY 28, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a LIBERTY 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 7 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 LIBERTY 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, Bukh, Atomic 4 — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the LIBERTY 28
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…