Sea Pearl 28 Information, Review, Specs

Production of the Sea Pearl 28 began in 1990. Designed by Ron Johnson, the sailboat features a double-ended hull form, constructed from balsa-cored, hand-laid fiberglass, emphasizing both lightness and strength. While Marine Concepts, founded in 1979, later transitioned to specializing in composite tooling for the wider marine industry, the Sea Pearl 28 represents a limited but significant chapter in their direct boat-building history, following their successful Sea Pearl 21. Only a small number of these vessels were built, with some reports indicating as few as 16 hulls produced by Marine Concepts. This limited run occurred during a period when Marine Concepts was still engaged in crafting innovative sailing vessels, drawing on an early appreciation for sensible marine design, as evidenced by their inspiration from L. Francis Herreshoff for the Sea Pearl 21. A key design element of the Sea Pearl 28 is its water ballast system, which, combined with a centerboard, provides an ultra-shoal draft capability. The minimum draft of 1.58 feet allows access to very shallow areas, while the centerboard can be deployed to a maximum draft of 5.5 feet for improved sailing performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Sea Pearl 28's design priorities are reflected in its performance ratios. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of 19.28, she suggests a good ability to perform in lighter air, indicating a relatively efficient rig for her displacement. The Displacement to Length ratio of 112.73 points to a very light displacement boat for its nearly 28-foot length overall, further supporting its design for portability and ease of trailering. The Ballast to Displacement ratio is listed at 32.00. This figure primarily refers to the substantial water ballast (50 gallons or 189 liters) that can be taken on board, which significantly contributes to the boat's stability when deployed. This water ballast system is crucial to the Sea Pearl 28's versatility, enabling a light, trailable boat to become a more stable sailing platform once afloat.

The unstayed cat-ketch rig, featuring super light and strong carbon-fiber masts, offers simplicity and ease of handling, making the boat manageable for single-handed or shorthanded sailing. While offering excellent portability and maneuverability in varied conditions due to its shallow draft, owners have noted that the Sea Pearl 28 is "not a light wind boat," suggesting it performs optimally with a reasonable breeze.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Sea Pearl 28 is designed for practical cruising and can typically sleep four individuals. While offering berths, it does not prioritize privacy in its layout. The boat is equipped with a 50-gallon water capacity, providing a reasonable supply for extended trips, 4]. Marine Concepts offered custom interiors, allowing for some personalization by original owners. Descriptions of the interior often highlight a functional and straightforward arrangement, suitable for weekenders or adventurous coastal exploration. However, some project boats might show signs of delaminating plywood due to past water intrusion, indicating that proper maintenance is important for preserving the interior's condition.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Sea Pearl 28 frequently commend its unique design, particularly its combination of an ultra-shoal draft and the unstayed cat-ketch rig, which contributes to its appeal for adventurous cruising and exploring restricted waterways. The ability to trailer the boat easily and avoid slip fees and high annual maintenance costs is a significant draw for many. While generally appreciated for its solid construction, some owners have noted that the boat may not excel in very light wind conditions. As with any older vessel, potential owners should be mindful of past maintenance, with some instances of plywood delamination mentioned in project boats. The Sea Pearl 28 attracts owners who value versatility, low maintenance, and the freedom to explore beyond the confines of deepwater marinas.