Finngulf 28 E Information, Review, Specs

Finngulf Yachts, founded in 1981 by Stig Nordblad, established a strong reputation for crafting robust, high-performance sailing yachts with exceptional finishes. The company's "FG Performance" philosophy emphasized a blend of seaworthiness, comfortable cruising, and excellent sailing characteristics, a ethos clearly evident in the Finngulf 28 E. While an earlier Finngulf 28 model was designed by Håkan Södergren in 1985, the Finngulf 28 E represents a distinct and later evolution, shaped by the design sensibilities of Karl-Johan Stråhlmann. Stråhlmann's design philosophy for the 28 E aimed for a "spacy hull design," contributing to a more voluminous interior compared to many contemporary sailboats of its size. The yacht was constructed with a solid fiberglass hull and a solid fiberglass deck, reflecting Finngulf's commitment to durable and resilient builds during its production run from 1998 to 2005.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Finngulf 28 E is designed for spirited sailing, evident in its performance ratios. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 17.77, she is poised to deliver good performance in a range of wind conditions, indicating a responsive and engaging sailing experience. Her Displacement to Length ratio of around 191.9 classifies her as a lighter, more performance-oriented vessel, aligning with Finngulf's reputation for agile cruisers. While her Ballast to Displacement ratio of 0.285 is on the lower side, suggesting less initial stiffness than some heavier cruisers, this can contribute to a more forgiving motion in a seaway. Anecdotal evidence and professional reviews consistently praise the Finngulf 28 E's sailing performance as "above average," with no significant criticisms regarding its construction standard. With a theoretical hull speed of 6.73 knots, the Finngulf 28 E offers respectable speed for a boat of its size.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its under-30-foot length, the Finngulf 28 E surprises with a comparatively spacious interior, a direct result of Karl-Johan Stråhlmann's design emphasis on maximizing internal volume. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the design is noted for being "more spacy than 62% of all other designs" in its category. Typically, the interior would feature a functional layout common to cruising yachts of its size, including a forward V-berth, a main salon with settees and a table, a compact galley, and an enclosed head compartment. The Finngulf reputation for quality finishes suggests a well-appointed interior, likely with well-integrated fiberglass components and possibly some wood trim, offering a comfortable and practical living space for weekend trips or extended coastal cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners and reviewers generally hold the Finngulf 28 E in high regard. Its "Yacht of the Year" award in 1999 was followed by positive assessments, indicating that the boat lived up to its initial praise. Owners consistently commend its robust construction and above-average sailing performance, which are hallmarks of the Finngulf brand. The comfortable and relatively spacious interior for a boat of its size is also a frequently appreciated aspect, making it suitable for both day sailing and longer excursions. While general owner feedback on older vessels often points to routine maintenance items, no widespread, recurring systemic problems are prominently reported for the Finngulf 28 E, underscoring its reputation for solid build quality and reliability.