Sun Way 28 (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Sun Way 28 in the late 1980s marked an evolution in Jeanneau's popular cruising line, serving as an updated version of the earlier Sun Dream 28. During this period, Jeanneau, a company that began its journey from a hardware store in 1957, was firmly established as a leader in fiberglass boat production, having embraced the material early in its history. The shipyard's ethos during the 1980s emphasized diversifying its offerings and maintaining a focus on creating "liveable boats" that balanced performance with onboard comfort, a philosophy evident in the Sun Way 28.

The design by Tony Castro, known for his background in racing yachts, contributed to the boat's appealing characteristics. While the standard model featured a fin keel, Jeanneau also offered a versatile trunk centerboard version, which notably came equipped with twin rudders, catering to different sailing preferences and shallow water access.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Jeanneau Sun Way 28 exhibits a design optimized for a balance of cruising comfort and lively performance. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 18.4, she is indicative of a boat that should perform well in lighter air conditions, being able to move efficiently when the wind is soft. Her Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 191 places her in the lighter, more performance-oriented cruiser category, suggesting an agile and responsive feel at the helm rather than the heavy, ponderous motion of a traditional displacement cruiser.

The Ballast to Displacement ratio of about 33.3% indicates a moderate level of stiffness, allowing the boat to stand up to a reasonable amount of canvas in varied wind conditions without excessive heeling. Anecdotal descriptions praise the Sun Way 28 for its robust construction and elegant lines, affirming its ambitions as a capable small offshore cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact size, the Jeanneau Sun Way 28 was designed to maximize interior volume and provide comfortable accommodations, aligning with Jeanneau's philosophy of creating "liveable boats" with clever layouts. The typical interior arrangement generally includes a forward V-berth, a main saloon area, a galley, a dedicated head compartment, and an aft cabin. While specific details on the finish materials are limited, Jeanneau yachts of this era typically featured a practical blend of molded fiberglass and often warm wood trim to create a welcoming interior. The design of its predecessor, the Sun Dream 28, was noted for its spaciousness for a 28-foot sailboat, suggesting a similar focus on interior volume for the Sun Way 28. Some examples of the Sun Way 28 may also be fitted with hot air heating systems, enhancing comfort for extended season cruising.