Sea Rover 28 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Colvic Sea Rover 28 commenced in 1966, reflecting Colvic Craft's early and enthusiastic adoption of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) construction. Founded by Colin Burns and Vic Pascoe in 1964, Colvic Craft rapidly became known for its robust GRP work, providing durable and accessible vessels to a growing market. During this era, Colvic's manufacturing ethos, as detailed in the builder's history, centered on practicality, durability, and seaworthiness, which aligns perfectly with the Sea Rover 28's design principles. While a definitive end to its production run is not widely documented, models were still being produced into the late 1970s.

The Sea Rover 28's design features a heavy displacement hull and a distinctive triple keel, allowing the boat to take the ground safely and remain upright when drying out. This shallow draft characteristic, at just 3.0 feet, makes her ideal for navigating estuaries, canals, and other restricted waterways. The design emphasizes interior volume and comfort, with raised decks contributing to generous headroom below. While some sources suggest a connection to Maurice Griffiths' designs, Kenneth Evans is widely credited as the primary naval architect.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Colvic Sea Rover 28 is firmly in the category of a heavy cruiser, a characteristic reflected in its displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 289.35. Her sail area to displacement ratio of about 11.68 indicates that she is a relatively underpowered vessel, meaning sailing performance is not her highest priority and she may struggle in light wind conditions.

However, where she excels is in stability and seaworthiness. With a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.446, the Sea Rover 28 boasts significant stiffness and stability, making her a very safe and comfortable boat in big seas. Owners often describe her as "bomb proof" and "good sea boats." Her triple keel, while providing excellent shallow water capabilities, can contribute to a "slamming noise" when going to windward. Some owners have also reported a tendency for lee helm, with one owner noting that adding a bowsprit helped to correct this issue and improved her aesthetics. Steering problems and a reluctance to tack under sail have also been noted by some owners, suggesting she may be better suited for longer tacks or motoring in certain conditions. Despite these nuances, her hull speed is around 6.56 knots, and owners report she can achieve around six and a half knots under sail.

Accommodations and Layout

The Colvic Sea Rover 28 offers a surprisingly spacious interior for a boat of her size, often noted for her "loads of space." Designed to comfortably accommodate 5 to 6 berths, the layout typically includes two cabins and a single head. The boat boasts ample headroom, generally exceeding 6 feet, contributing to a comfortable living environment below deck. While specific interior finishes can vary significantly due to many Colvic hulls being home-finished, the overall impression is one of a roomy and practical cruising yacht. Online reviews and owner discussions highlight the general comfort and generous volume, making her a viable option for couples or families seeking a sturdy cruiser.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Colvic Sea Rover 28 consistently praise her robust construction and seaworthiness, often describing her as a "bomb proof" vessel capable of handling substantial seas. Her ability to dry out on her triple keel is a highly valued feature, particularly for those with drying moorings or an interest in exploring tidal areas. The generous interior space and solid build are frequently cited as major strengths, aligning with Colvic Craft's reputation for producing durable, no-nonsense cruising platforms.

However, prospective owners should be aware of a few recurring themes. The quality of interior finish can vary considerably, as many Colvic boats were sold as bare hulls for owner completion. Some owners have noted a tendency for lee helm and issues with tacking under sail, sometimes remedied by modifications like adding a bowsprit. Common maintenance points highlighted by owners include ensuring the cockpit floor is properly sealed. Despite these considerations, the enduring appeal of the Colvic Sea Rover 28 lies in her strong, forgiving nature and suitability for extended cruising, leading to an active community of owners who appreciate these classic fiberglass yachts.