Granada 28 Information, Review, Specs

The Granada 28 emerged from the Danish boatbuilding tradition in 1981, a period when Granada Yachts was focused on producing fiberglass sailing yachts with "solid construction and reliable sailing characteristics." 2, 5, builder article The design ethos of Elvstrøm & Kjærulff, known for their deep understanding of performance sailing, aimed to create a yacht that balanced sailing dynamics with comfortable cruising. The designers opted for a "slightly more spacy hull design" than many contemporaries, which contributed to its notable interior volume for a boat of its size. The standard Granada 28 featured a fractional sloop rig, coupled with a fin keel and spade rudder for responsive handling. While the exact end of its production run is not specified, Granada Yachts continued operations into the early 1990s, suggesting the model had a production life spanning several years. Notably, there were variations of the model, including the "Granada 28 Sport," likely indicating a more performance-oriented variant, and the "Granada Nordship 28," characterized as a motorsailer, suggesting a broader appeal within the 28-foot range.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Granada 28's design specifications translate into a distinctive sailing profile. With a reported sail area of 310 square feet and a displacement of 5,511 pounds, its Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 15.78 suggests a yacht with moderate performance capabilities, suitable for general cruising rather than aggressive racing. The Displacement to Length ratio, around 260, places it firmly in the moderate to heavy displacement category for its length, implying a comfortable and forgiving motion in a seaway.

A standout characteristic of the Granada 28 is its exceptional stability. Its Ballast to Displacement ratio of 0.56 is remarkably high, indicating a very stiff and stable boat capable of standing up to significant wind. This high ballast ratio provides a powerful righting moment, surpassing 98% of similar sailboat designs, contributing to a secure and reassuring feel for its crew. While some anecdotal reports suggest it might be "slightly under powered" in very light conditions, its inherent stiffness ensures it can carry sail well when the wind picks up, making it a robust performer in a variety of conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall of 27.23 feet, the Granada 28 is noted for its relatively spacious interior, being "more spacy than 62% of all other designs" in its class. [6, The design objective to create a "spacy hull" aimed to maximize usable interior volume. Typically, a boat of this size would feature a traditional layout comprising a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that may convert into berths, a galley, and a head compartment. Sources indicate the Granada 28 can accommodate up to five berths, though four is often recommended for comfort, with the forward V-berth being less accommodating for taller individuals. 22 in previous search While specific details on material finishes and storage are not widely documented, Granada Yachts generally adhered to a philosophy of solid construction, which would likely extend to interior joinery and fittings.