H-28 (Herreshoff) Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Herreshoff H-28 begins in 1942 with its original design by L. Francis Herreshoff, the fifth son of the legendary Nathanael Herreshoff. Herreshoff's design philosophy for the H-28 emphasized a vessel "not spoiled by the influence of any rating rule," prioritizing a "lively sea boat" suitable for various trips. He aimed for a design that was simple to build, yet strong and long-lasting, providing maximum usable interior room. This focus on practicality, durability, and a classic aesthetic has allowed the H-28 to maintain its relevance for over 80 years.

Gallart Shipyard, established in Vilassar de Mar, Spain, in 1944, took on the construction of the H-28, aligning with their initial focus on building small wooden boats that quickly earned a reputation for quality and seaworthiness. While Gallart later transitioned to fiberglass production in the 1960s, their early work on models like the H-28 would have leveraged the traditional craftsmanship for which they became known, emphasizing robust construction and intelligent design that characterized their yachts. The H-28 design saw various interpretations across numerous builders worldwide, with modifications sometimes including different doghouse configurations and options for either sloop or ketch rigs. Some later fiberglass versions even featured internal encapsulated ballast.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Herreshoff H-28, with its full keel and traditional lines, is primarily a heavy-displacement cruiser designed for comfort and stability rather than outright speed. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 15.13, the H-28 is not optimized for light-air performance and typically requires moderate to strong breezes to achieve its best speeds. Its ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.266 is relatively low, which is characteristic of older, long-keeled designs, where the keel's form itself contributes significantly to stability. The high displacement to length ratio of roughly 394.57 underscores its heavy build, which translates to a comfortable and "sea-kindly" motion, particularly in choppy conditions.

Owners and reviewers consistently describe the H-28 as a "safe, docile, and easily sailed" vessel, making it a forgiving boat for cruisers. While not a racer, its balanced nature and inherent stability allow it to handle various sea states with confidence. The reported hull speed of 6.4 knots indicates a comfortable cruising pace for its length.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures can vary between individual builds and modifications, the original design philosophy by L. Francis Herreshoff emphasized creating "maximum useable room" within the H-28's length. Many owners report headrooms around 5 feet 10 inches, particularly in models featuring a doghouse. The interior layout typically features a classic arrangement designed for comfortable cruising. This often includes a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that may convert into berths, a galley area, and a dedicated head compartment. The finish quality, especially in traditionally built models like those from Gallart, is often characterized by beautiful woodwork, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere. Storage is generally adequate for its size, catering to the needs of cruisers on extended voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Herreshoff H-28 frequently express deep loyalty to their vessels, praising the boat's solid construction, classic aesthetics, and exceptional seaworthiness. The H-28 is widely regarded as an excellent entry-level cruising boat due to its forgiving nature and inherent stability, making it appealing to both seasoned and newer sailors. Its ability to handle adverse conditions comfortably is a recurring theme in owner reviews, with some even undertaking significant offshore passages.

Common strengths highlighted by owners include the H-28's robust build quality and its comfortable motion in a seaway. While generally well-regarded, some discussions among owners, particularly concerning fiberglass versions, have noted potential issues related to internal encapsulated ballast. However, the strong community of H-28 owners actively shares knowledge and solutions, further enhancing the ownership experience.