Caliber 28 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Caliber 28 began in 1981, marking the start of Caliber Yachts' operations under the guidance of brothers George and Michael McCreary. As the company's very first design, the Caliber 28 embodied Michael McCreary's core philosophy of building vessels capable of meeting the "rigorous demands of the sea." Caliber Yachts quickly became synonymous with a commitment to robust construction, utilizing solid fiberglass for its hulls to ensure exceptional strength and durability, a characteristic that defined their manufacturing ethos from the outset.

The Caliber 28 features a masthead sloop rig and a fin keel with a spade rudder, a configuration chosen for a balance of performance and control. While specific Mark I or Mark II designations are sometimes mentioned by owners, suggesting potential minor refinements or a shoal draft option, the fundamental design principles remained consistent throughout its production.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Caliber 28, with its dimensions and displacement, offers sailing performance characterized by a sturdy, comfortable motion rather than extreme speed. Its Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 17.53 suggests that while it is not a light-air speed demon, it performs decently in a range of conditions, falling into a category considered to have good performance. The boat's Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 43% is notably high, indicating excellent stiffness and stability, allowing it to stand up to more wind and maintain a comfortable angle of heel in a seaway.

With a Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 223.3, the Caliber 28 falls into the moderate displacement category. This places it on the lighter side compared to many similar sailboat designs of its era, contributing to reasonable acceleration without sacrificing the solid feel of a cruiser. Owners generally find the Caliber 28 easy to sail short-handed and capable of handling various weather conditions. While some describe it as not being as responsive as ideal, its fin keel and spade rudder configuration still provide a reasonable degree of maneuverability for a cruising vessel of its size.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall of 27.5 feet, the Caliber 28 is noted for having a significantly spacy hull design, offering a more generous interior volume compared to some contemporary models. Designed primarily for couples, the interior layout provides comfortable accommodations suitable for overnighting or weekend trips. While specific detailed layouts can vary slightly between individual boats, the general arrangement typically includes a V-berth forward, a functional galley, and a salon area. Given Caliber Yachts' reputation, the interior generally reflects a commitment to durable, practical finishes suitable for cruising. The water capacity of 25 gallons and fuel capacity of 22 gallons further support its capability for extended trips.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Caliber 28 often express appreciation for its robust construction and reliability, contributing to the model's solid reputation and helping it retain its value over time. Many praise its ability to handle adverse weather conditions and its suitability for short-handed sailing, aligning with Caliber's ethos of building seaworthy cruisers. The boat is frequently highlighted as a well-built vessel, with a dedicated owner base that continues to foster an active community. While one owner mentioned addressing hull blisters, this does not appear to be a universally reported problem. The enduring quality and design philosophy ensure that the Caliber 28 remains a sought-after option for those seeking a dependable and comfortable cruising yacht.