Impala 28 (Thomas) Information, Review, Specs

The Impala 28's inception was intrinsically linked to the 1977 formation of the Offshore One Design Council, which aimed to encourage fair and competitive racing. Of the thirty designs submitted, the Impala was one of three that garnered the council's support, ultimately becoming the strongest supported class to retain its original form. Hunter Boats Ltd., known for producing practical and well-built vessels during this era, brought Thomas's design to life with a focus on solid construction.

Throughout its production run from 1977 to 1984, the Impala class saw several evolutions, primarily driven by the desire to maintain its one-design integrity and adapt to changing racing rules. Designer David Thomas himself addressed initial I.O.R. rating changes by designing a lead shoe for the keel and incorporating internal ballast, which effectively standardized the boat's rating. While originally designed with an outboard well, the class saw the introduction of a standardized inboard diesel engine (the Yanmar 1GM of 9 hp) in 1988, four years after the main production period, reflecting an upgrade for the existing fleet. Further refinements to the class rules included the adoption of a blade No. 3 in 1989, a full-width mainsheet traveler in 1990, and a new mast from Kemps in 1993, all contributing to the Impala's enduring competitiveness.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Impala 28 is widely celebrated for its excellent sailing characteristics, often described as "viceless" and a "joy to helm". With a well-balanced sail plan, the boat is highly responsive and handles predictably across a range of conditions. Anecdotal accounts frequently highlight its strong upwind performance, noting that it "goes upwind much better than most 28ft boats". In medium winds, specifically between 10 and 20 knots, the Impala proves particularly formidable, being "very difficult to beat on IRC handicap" and holding its own effectively downwind. Its design as an Offshore One Design ensures it is an "excellent all-rounder," blending performance with a forgiving nature.

Accommodations and Layout

Below decks, the Impala 28 offers a practical interior layout designed to accommodate crew for racing and provide basic amenities for cruising. The typical arrangement includes two cabins and five berths, alongside a galley and a toilet facility. The interior finish predominantly features teak, a material known for its durability and classic marine aesthetic. While some owners describe the interior as "a bit basic," it is functional for a performance-oriented 28-foot yacht. Details from class rules suggest features such as a main cabin floor sole board, forepeak berth tops, and provisions for pilot berth mattresses and a two-burner cooker, indicating a traditional layout with sleeping areas forward and in the main salon, suitable for overnight trips. Due to its racing heritage and compact size, the maximum headroom is not designed for full standing height throughout the cabin.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Impala 28 consistently praise its robust construction and dependable sailing performance, particularly its capabilities in competitive racing. The active Impala 28 Class Association further underscores the enduring appeal and community surrounding this model, offering extensive resources and support to owners. Owners frequently commend the boat's ability to remain competitive in one-design and IRC racing, even decades after its initial launch. Common points of discussion among owners often revolve around maintenance, with sealing issues around deck fittings sometimes noted as areas requiring attention. Furthermore, the evolution of engine options, from outboard to the later standardized inboard Yanmar, is a recurring topic within owner communities. Overall, the consensus points to the Impala 28 as a "great boat" that provides a rewarding sailing experience for both racers and cruisers.