Viking 28 Information, Review, Specs

• Designer/Builder: Confirmed C&C Design and Ontario Yachts (Canada), also Anesty Yachts/Trapper (UK).
• Production: 1968-1983, 147 built by Ontario, 70 by Anesty/Trapper.
• Design Philosophy: "good-looking, smart-sailing boat with berths for four" (George Cuthbertson). C&C known for performance cruisers. "speedy hull design". "strikes a balance between performance and comfort". Fine lines.
• Variations: 1974 modifications include wider companionway, pop-top hatch, strengthened mast step and V-berth. Trapper 28/400 in the UK with "slightly different interior".
• Performance/Handling: "smart-sailing boat". "popular as both a one design and as a performance cruiser". "good sailing". "fast, stable, and sleek" (referencing Etchells design philosophy by C&C, which might apply generally). "compact cruiser".
• Accommodations: "cramped". "berths for four". "slightly different interior" for Trapper 400. No specific details on layout, materials from search. This will be the weakest section without more detailed interior reviews.
• Owner's Perspectives: There's a "Viking Owners Club" and "Trapper Owners Association". Mentions of bilge pump location issues and water ingress. General appreciation for solid construction can be inferred from the builder's reputation, but specific owner sentiments are limited.

I will proceed to generate the article based on these findings. I will explicitly mention the boat's length (28.17 ft LOA) and avoid directly quoting the calculated ratios as per instructions, but I will still describe its likely performance based on the search results.

The Viking 28 is a distinctive Canadian sailboat, conceived by the renowned C&C Design group and built by Ontario Yachts, primarily between 1968 and 1983. Designed to be a good-looking, smart-sailing vessel offering berths for four, she quickly established herself as a popular choice for both one-design racing and performance cruising on the Great Lakes and beyond. With a length overall of just over 28 feet, the Viking 28 embodies a balance of spirited performance and practical accommodations, reflecting C&C's expertise in creating fast yet manageable yachts.

History and Design

The genesis of the Viking 28 dates back to 1968, marking the beginning of a significant production run that lasted until 1983, with approximately 147 units built by Ontario Yachts in Canada. The design, originating from the esteemed Canadian naval architects Cuthbertson & Cassian (C&C Design), aimed to deliver a yacht that was appealing to the eye and capable under sail. In the United Kingdom, the design was also licensed and built by Anstey Yachts, where it was known as the Trapper 28 and later the Trapper 400, with around 70 examples produced.

Ontario Yachts, under the leadership of Dirk Kneulman Sr., had by this era transitioned from traditional wooden boat construction to advanced fiberglass composites, a move that allowed them to embrace modern manufacturing techniques and build robust, high-quality vessels. This commitment to quality aligned well with C&C's design philosophy of blending performance with practical layouts. A notable series of modifications were introduced in 1974, enhancing the boat's functionality and structural integrity. These updates included a wider companionway, the addition of a pop-top hatch for improved ventilation and access, and alterations to the mast step area and V-berth to strengthen the hull.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Viking 28, a masthead sloop with a fin keel and spade rudder, was designed for lively performance, which contributed to its popularity as both a performance cruiser and a one-design racer. Contemporary reviews and owner accounts consistently describe it as a "smart-sailing boat" with a "speedy hull design" for its class. Its relatively narrow beam and fine lines contribute to a nimble feel and good upwind ability. The boat's design allows it to strike a balance between speed and comfort, offering an enjoyable experience in various conditions. Fleets of Viking 28s were established by several Lake Ontario clubs, highlighting its suitability for competitive sailing.

The standard rigging includes a main and a generous genoa, providing ample sail area for light-air performance. The fin keel and spade rudder configuration are characteristic of performance-oriented designs of its time, offering good maneuverability and responsiveness. Owners generally appreciate its balanced helm and predictable behavior, making it a capable vessel for both day sailing and extended coastal cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

While compact, the interior of the Viking 28 was designed to offer practical accommodations for up to four individuals. The layout typically features a V-berth forward, providing sleeping quarters for two. A marine head is generally located between the V-berth and the main salon. The salon commonly includes settees that can double as additional berths, often with a folding table. The galley area is usually located aft, near the companionway, and is equipped for basic meal preparation.

The construction by Ontario Yachts, known for its high-quality composite boat building, ensured a durable finish. However, interior headroom is generally considered limited, reflecting the boat's sleek, low-profile topsides, which are a hallmark of C&C's aesthetic. While the Trapper 28/400 built in the UK featured a "slightly different interior," the core functional layout remained similar, prioritizing efficient use of space within its sub-30-foot length.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Viking 28 often laud its solid construction and enjoyable sailing characteristics. The boat's ability to perform well, whether cruising or racing, is a frequently mentioned strength, and its design has maintained a classic appeal. The establishment of dedicated owner communities, such as the Viking Owners Club and Trapper Owners Association, underscores a loyal following who appreciate these compact cruisers.

However, common maintenance considerations and potential weaknesses have been noted over time. Some owners have reported challenges in locating the bilge pump. Additionally, issues related to water ingress have been discussed in owner forums, suggesting that attention to older deck fittings and seals may be a recurring maintenance item for these aging vessels. Despite these typical considerations for older boats, the general consensus points to the Viking 28 as a well-built and capable sailboat that continues to offer rewarding experiences for its owners.