Lancer 28 Information, Review, Specs

The Lancer 28 was first introduced in 1977, with production continuing until 1985. Lancer Yacht Corporation, established in Irvine, California, in 1974 by Richard Valdez, initially shared its manufacturing facilities with Endeavor Yachts, another of Valdez's ventures. While Lancer's broader design philosophy, often spearheaded by naval architect Herb David, centered on versatile motorsailers capable of impressive speeds under power, the Lancer 28 was a pure sailing yacht designed by W. Shad Turner. 1, 4, Builder Article

During its production run, the Lancer 28 was available with different rigging configurations, including both masthead and fractional rigs. The fractional rig option, featuring the mast stepped further forward, was generally considered to offer better balance and enhanced speed. A variant known as the Lancer 28T Mark V, also designed by W. Shad Turner, emerged in 1982, specifically marketed as a cruiser.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Lancer 28 is characterized by its fin keel and spade rudder, a configuration typically associated with responsive handling. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.3, the Lancer 28 is classified as a light sailboat with reasonably good performance, indicating it can perform well in a variety of wind conditions without being overly sluggish in light air or overpowered in heavier breezes.

A significant aspect of its design is its high ballast to displacement ratio of nearly 45%. This substantial ballast contributes to the boat's stiffness and stability, enabling it to stand up well to wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. Its displacement to length ratio of around 160 suggests a lighter, more performance-oriented hull form for its length, often associated with a livelier sailing experience. Owners have generally rated its reaching and downwind performance as average to above average. The boat's outboard well is noted for being effective, keeping the engine in the water even in rough conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Lancer 28 offers functional accommodations suitable for coastal cruising and extended weekends. It boasts a maximum headroom of 6.17 feet, achieved through a dropped cabin sole, though without this feature, headroom is closer to 5.17 feet. Typical for boats of its size and era, the layout likely includes a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that may convert into berths, a galley area, and a dedicated head compartment. While specific details on finish quality are scarce in public reviews, online discussions suggest the interior layout could be "a little different from the promise", implying some compromises in space or arrangement. Owners have noted the presence of an aluminum pole in the cabin supporting the mast, a common structural element in many sailboats. Storage and ventilation would be typical for a compact cruiser, often requiring owners to maximize available spaces.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Lancer 28 often appreciate its solid construction and generally seaworthy characteristics, particularly in sheltered waters. The sailing performance, especially the responsiveness of the rudder and tiller, is frequently praised. The design of the motor-mount compartment is also considered well-executed, ensuring reliable propulsion.

However, some owners have noted that while the Lancer 28 is suitable for coastal cruising, it may not be ideal for extensive open ocean voyages. Like many boats of its age, potential maintenance issues can arise, with some owners reporting instances of water intrusion through the bilge. While not specifically endemic to the Lancer 28, a common observation for older boats of this type is that original deck fittings may eventually require re-bedding to prevent leaks. Overall, the Lancer 28 maintains a dedicated community of owners who value its distinctive qualities and continued utility.