Evasion 28 (Beneteau) Information, Review, Specs

This compact yet capable vessel quickly established a reputation for its dual-purpose functionality, making it a popular choice for coastal cruising and extended stays aboard. Its design reflects Beneteau's ethos of balancing performance, comfort, and affordability, a philosophy that has defined the French builder throughout its long history.

History and Design

The Beneteau Evasion 28 was introduced to the market in 1975 and remained in production until 1980, with approximately 123 hulls built during this period. Designed by André Bénéteau himself, the Evasion 28 was part of the builder's pioneering "Evasion" range, which aimed to bridge the gap between traditional sailboats and powerboats, offering the best of both worlds. This era marked a significant phase for Beneteau, as the company, under the leadership of Benjamin Bénéteau's grandsons André and François, was fully embracing fiberglass construction after its initial foray into the material in the 1960s. This shift allowed for more efficient production and broader appeal beyond their traditional fishing fleet, laying the groundwork for Beneteau's eventual global leadership in yacht building.

The design philosophy behind the Evasion 28 was to create a vessel that could perform capably under sail while providing the comfort and protected helm of a motorsailer. Beneath its distinctive superstructure, the Evasion 28 houses a "beautiful sailboat hull", signifying its sailing pedigree. While there are no widely documented MkI or MkII variations, the Evasion 28 was part of a larger family of Evasion models, demonstrating a consistent design approach across the range.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its motorsailer designation, the Beneteau Evasion 28 is well-regarded for its sailing attributes. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 17.03, the Evasion 28 suggests a moderate performance profile, capable of handling a variety of wind conditions without being overly sensitive. It is described as "powerful, stiff, stable on its journey, goes well upwind," and an "excellent sailing boat both in the breeze and light winds."

Her Ballast to Displacement (Bal/Disp) ratio of around 0.32 suggests a moderate amount of ballast relative to her overall weight. However, this is complemented by a long keel, which significantly contributes to her inherent stability and tracking ability. The Displacement to Length (Disp/LWL) ratio, calculated at approximately 417, firmly places the Evasion 28 in the category of a heavy, traditional cruiser, indicative of a robust and comfortable motion in a seaway. This robust build, coupled with her long keel and keel-mounted rudder, contributes to a stable ride. While the long keel enhances directional stability, it can make maneuvering in tight quarters somewhat more challenging compared to boats with fin keels and spade rudders. The boat features a fractional sloop rig, which generally allows for smaller headsails, potentially simplifying tacking for cruisers. Power is provided by a Volvo Penta MD11 diesel engine, offering 30 horsepower for reliable motoring.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Beneteau Evasion 28 is designed with comfort and livability in mind, particularly for extended coastal cruises. It features a wheelhouse that offers protection from the elements and often houses the primary steering station. The maximum headroom aboard is approximately 5.77 feet, or up to 5.97 feet in the wheelhouse, providing reasonable standing room for a boat of this size.

Typical interior arrangements often include sleeping accommodations for four individuals, usually comprising a forward double berth and a convertible dinette in the main salon that can transform into an additional double berth. While specific details on materials vary by individual boat and owner modifications, Beneteau's manufacturing ethos during this period generally favored robust, practical finishes. Owners frequently praise the solid construction and functional layout, providing ample storage for provisions and personal gear, essential for cruising. Ventilation is typically achieved through opening ports and hatches, common for boats of this era.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Beneteau Evasion 28 generally regard it as a "good solid boat," appreciating its sturdy construction and seaworthy characteristics. The motorsailer concept is frequently praised for its versatility, allowing for comfortable motoring when winds are light or passages are long, while still offering enjoyable sailing performance when conditions are favorable. Many owners highlight the protected wheelhouse as a significant advantage, providing a warm and dry helm station in inclement weather, a feature highly valued for cruising in diverse climates.

Common points of discussion among owners often revolve around the boat's long keel, which, while providing excellent directional stability and a comfortable motion offshore, can lead to less agile maneuvering in confined marinas. Owners often report having adapted to this characteristic, emphasizing the importance of planning docking maneuvers carefully. Given the age of these vessels, many owners have undertaken comprehensive renovations and continuous updates to their boats, reflecting the enduring appeal and solid foundation of the Evasion 28.