San Juan 28 Information, Review, Specs

Built by the esteemed Clark Boat Company, a Washington-based builder known for its innovative use of fiberglass and value-driven vessels, the San Juan 28 embodies the builder's ethos of creating "well made, easily sailable boats that provided a solid value for the family sailor." Its robust fiberglass construction and thoughtful design reflect a period when Clark Boat Company, under the leadership of Bob Clark and with significant contributions from his son Don as a designer, was at the forefront of accessible performance sailing.

History and Design

The San Juan 28 debuted in 1977, emerging from the design talents of Don Clark, son of company founder Bob Clark. Clark Boat Company, which had expanded its manufacturing significantly by 1972, including a plant in New Bern, North Carolina, was known for a philosophy that emphasized both performance and quality construction. The company's owners were described as "performance-oriented and used to sailing boats to their limits," a sentiment reflected in the design of the San Juan 28. This era saw Clark transition from primarily one-design racers to a broader range of recreational sailboats, including popular trailerable cruiser-racers, built with common manufacturing methods such as gelcoat applied to a hull mold, followed by hand-laid fiberglass for robust and durable boats.

The San Juan 28 shared its design lineage and many similarities with the San Juan 29; the primary distinction often being the manufacturer, with the 28 built by Clark Boat Company and the 29 by its successor, San Juan Manufacturing, often with only cosmetic changes. Approximately 300 San Juan 28s were produced, solidifying its place as a significant model for the builder.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The San Juan 28, with its fin keel and spade rudder, is designed for responsive handling and good performance. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 18.27, the San Juan 28 suggests a boat that is capable of respectable performance in lighter air conditions, while still having enough sail to be lively in a breeze. Its high Ballast to Displacement ratio (B/D) of 0.50 points to exceptional stiffness and stability, indicating the boat can stand up well to wind and provide a comfortable motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length ratio (D/L) of around 249.27 places it in the medium-light displacement category, contributing to its "good performer" reputation.

Owners consistently praise the San Juan 28 for being "very well balanced and tracked very well upwind". It is generally considered "reasonably quick and goes upwind really well," although some owners note it can be "a handful downwind with a spinnaker". The design reflects the performance-oriented mindset of the Clark Boat Company, delivering a vessel that "displays good performance" and offers "splendid manoeuvrability" thanks to its fin keel.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its performance focus, the San Juan 28 offers a practical interior designed for cruising comfort, particularly for its size. The maximum headroom of 6.17 feet provides a comfortable living space for most occupants. While specific interior diagrams require further investigation, typical layouts for boats of this era and size often include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert to berths, a compact galley, and an enclosed head.

Online discussions and reviews suggest that the interior typically features a "white liner accented by a teak-and-holly sole," providing a bright yet classic marine aesthetic. The design prioritizes functional living spaces, with adequate storage for provisions and gear, making it suitable for weekend trips and extended coastal cruising. The 22-gallon fuel capacity and 25-gallon water capacity further support its cruising ambitions.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the San Juan 28 generally appreciate the boat's "solid value" and robust construction, a hallmark of Clark-built vessels. They frequently highlight its "good performance," particularly its ability to track well upwind and its inherent stability. The reliable nature of the auxiliary engine, often an Atomic 4, is also a commonly mentioned strength, provided it has been well-maintained. Furthermore, a Practical Sailor survey of owners found "few blister problems" reported with the hulls.

However, some owners point to potential challenges, such as the boat being "a handful downwind with a spinnaker". Like many boats of its vintage, an "ongoing need for inspection" of various systems is noted, and common maintenance issues, such as the potential for original deck fittings to develop leaks, are sometimes mentioned by owners of older boats. Despite these considerations, the San Juan 28 maintains a strong following, with active online communities discussing maintenance, modifications, and shared experiences.