Precision 28
The Precision 28 achieves her performance objectives of winning speed, safety, and reliable handling by means of a very carefully refined combination of a fine water-line entry, substantial flare to the top sides forward, and powerful sections aft that taper to an only moderately broad transom. This precise fore and aft balance of hull volume avoids the trim and handling problems that less symmetrical hulls suffer when heeled, and it gives reassuring margins of both reserve buoyancy forward and of “knockdown stability.” Much of the popularity of the entire Precision line is due to their delightful characteristics under sail, which the new Precision 28 is certain to share.
The fixed keel of the Precision 28 is a deliberate departure from that of her smaller keel/centerboard sisters, which are all designed to be easily tailored and thus feature draft too shallow for a fixed keel of any kind to give acceptable performance. The Precision 28 is large enough so that trailering on a regular basis is impractical and her standard keel can thus draw a substantial 3.6 feet. (Fixed keels with significantly less draft, even if fitted with wings, have proven to perform poorly upwind). The Precision 28 keel is an external lead casting that features a very carefully developed “end plate effect bulb” at the tip, our well-proven design that provides excellent upwind efficiency and stability, that is less troublesome than wings, and that approaches the all around performance potential of the deep-draft elliptical fin.
The long and careful thought that designer and builder put into the development of the Precision 28 is perhaps most clearly reflected in her meticulous deck and cockpit detailing. Wheel steering is standard, and both main and genoa sheets are led aft near the helm for easy short-handed sailing. Inboard chain plates and genoa tracks allow close-winded sheeting angles and easy passage past the low, sleek cabin house. The cockpit is longer than typical and features reassuringly deep seats and a closed transom to keep both crew and gear securely inside. The high coamings are precisely angled for maximum comfort both upright and heeled, and there is no awkward bridge deck to clamber over when going below. There is a generous anchor locker forward and two huge cockpit lockers aft.
Precision 28 By the Numbers |
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| LOA | 28'0" |
| LWL | 23'0" |
| Beam | 10'0" |
| Draft | 3'8" |
| Displacement | 5,500 lbs |
| Ballast | 1,900 lbs |
| Sail Area | 356 sq ft |
| Engine | Yanmar 2GMF 18hp |
| Mast Height above DWL | 42'0" |