MERLIN 28 (WESTERLY)

About the MERLIN 28 (WESTERLY)

Also available with twin/bilge keels: Draft: 3.36'/1.025m; Ballast: 3,329 lbs / 1,510 kg With an extended stern it became MERLIN 29 (1990). Sail area: -Main: 19.3² m / 208 ft² -Genoa (#1): 21.9 m² / 235.73² -Genoa (#2): 17.8 m² / 191.6² -Jib: 12 m² / 129.17 ft²

Designed by Ed Dubois and built by Westerly Marine Ltd. (UK) between 1984 and 1990, the Merlin 28 is a robust coastal cruiser with a production run of 151 hulls. Its fractional sloop rig and fin keel configuration offer a balance of performance and stability, making it a enduring choice for owners seeking a manageable yet capable vessel.

Best for:

This boat is ideally suited for coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize ease of handling and a comfortable motion, as indicated by its high comfort ratio of 22.64. It also appeals to single-handers or couples due to its manageable size and the widespread availability of modern electronics and engine upgrades.

Bluewater capability:

With a displacement of 7694.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.02, the Merlin 28 demonstrates strong offshore stability and safety margins suitable for extended coastal passages and protected bluewater cruising. Its heavy ballast ratio and proven hull form support its reputation as a safe, if not high-performance, offshore cruiser.

Comparables:

Comparable vessels include the Hallberg-Rassy 35 and the Nauticat 36, which share similar displacement characteristics and heavy-displacement cruising philosophies from the same era. These boats are comparable because they prioritize sea-kindliness and durability over raw speed, much like the Merlin 28's D/L ratio of 260.65 suggests.