Lancer 28 T Mk 5 Information, Review, Specs

The Lancer 28 T Mk 5 began production in 1982 under the craftsmanship of Lancer Yacht Corporation, a company founded by Richard Valdez in Irvine, California, in 1974. While Lancer gained significant recognition for its innovative motorsailers, the company also produced a line of traditional sailing yachts, into which the 28 T Mk 5 falls. Designed by W. Shad Turner, who is known for a diverse portfolio of sailboat designs, the 28 T Mk 5 was conceived primarily as a cruiser. The "T" in its designation likely denotes its trailerable nature, a key feature for many owners seeking flexibility in launching and accessing various waterways. The "Mk 5" suggests a refinement of earlier iterations of a 28-foot model, indicating a continuous development process, though specific details on preceding marks are not widely documented.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Lancer 28 T Mk 5, with a length overall of just under 28 feet and a waterline length of nearly 24 feet, offers a sailing experience that prioritizes stability and ease of handling over blistering speed. Her design ratios provide insight into her characteristics:

• Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/Disp): At approximately 16.28 (SailboatData.com reports 16.52), her SA/Disp ratio is moderate. This suggests a boat that performs reasonably well in moderate wind conditions but might require more effort or larger sails to maintain pace in lighter air.
• Ballast to Displacement Ratio (Bal/Disp): With a robust ballast-to-displacement ratio of 0.50, the Lancer 28 T Mk 5 is notably stiff and stable. This high ratio indicates a boat that can stand up to a good breeze, providing a secure and comfortable motion even in choppier conditions.
• Displacement to Length Ratio (Disp/LWL): An approximate Disp/LWL ratio of 169.8 places her in a relatively light, performance-oriented category for her size. This, combined with a fin keel and spade rudder, hints at a responsive feel at the helm.

Anecdotal reports suggest that while the Lancer 28 T Mk 5 is not built for competitive racing, she excels as a forgiving and enjoyable vessel for day sailing and weekend excursions. Her handling characteristics make her a suitable choice for lake sailing, coastal cruising, and for those who appreciate a stable platform.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite being classified as a trailerable sailboat, the Lancer 28 T Mk 5 offers a surprisingly capable interior designed for comfort during extended trips. She boasts a maximum headroom of 6.17 feet, which is generous for a boat of her size and allows many to stand upright below deck. While specific detailed layout diagrams are not widely available, the interior typically features a functional arrangement. Owners have noted a larger cockpit, which is often outfitted with full bottom-side cushions, making for comfortable sailing with several crew members. Below deck, the layout likely includes a V-berth forward, a compact galley area (often with an ice box and a gimballed stove as an option), a salon with seating, and a marine head. However, it's acknowledged that compared to some less-trailerable peers, the interior may not feel as exceptionally roomy.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Lancer 28 T Mk 5 frequently praise her suitability for trailer sailing, which allows for easy access to diverse sailing grounds such as lakes and different coastal areas. Many find her to be a reliable and comfortable platform for casual day sails and overnight trips.

However, common discussions among owners often highlight specific maintenance considerations. Recurring issues noted by owners include the tendency for original hull-to-deck joints and portlights to develop leaks over time, which can be challenging to address due to interior vinyl liners. It is widely understood that the Lancer 28 T Mk 5 is not a speed-demon, with some sources explicitly stating that one does not acquire this boat for its speed. Many models were originally powered by outboard engines, though an optional 7.5 hp Yanmar Diesel inboard was available, which provides reliable auxiliary power.