Quanta 28 Information, Review, Specs

Designed personally by Raymond Wall, the Quanta 28 reflects his extensive experience honed through apprenticeships with luminaries like Robert Clark and his instrumental work at CS Yachts, where he designed popular models such as the CS27 and CS33. Wall established Quanta Yachts in 1984, driven by an optimistic outlook for the yacht market, intending to position the company for a post-recession recovery.

History and Design

The story of the Quanta 28 is intertwined with the brief but impactful journey of Quanta Yachts Ltd. Production commenced in 1985 and concluded in 1988, during which time a mere dozen of these sailboats were launched. Raymond Wall's vision for Quanta Yachts was to create enduring, high-quality vessels, a principle clearly manifested in the Quanta 28.

Wall, an English naval architect, moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, to found Quanta Yachts, bringing with him a distinguished background that included designing models for CS Yachts. His optimistic forecast for a market rebound, however, did not materialize as anticipated. Consequently, Quanta Yachts ceased operations in 1987, making the pragmatic decision to close while still financially sound. The Quanta 28 was the company's sole model, designed with an emphasis on seaworthiness and practical performance, eschewing significant variations during its limited production run. The boat features a fin keel and a spade rudder, a common configuration for performance-oriented designs of its era.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Quanta 28 was designed for spirited sailing, a characteristic evident in its performance ratios. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 18.01, she is well-equipped to perform in lighter air conditions, suggesting a responsive and engaging sailing experience. Her high ballast to displacement ratio (Ballast/D) of around 0.446 indicates significant stability and stiffness, allowing her to stand up to a breeze and maintain sail area effectively, providing a comfortable and secure motion even when conditions become more challenging. The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 268 positions the Quanta 28 as a moderate displacement cruiser, striking a balance between light-footed agility and robust offshore capability.

The combination of a fin keel and spade rudder further enhances her maneuverability and responsiveness. Owners have generally described the Quanta 28 as a well-handling boat, quick to reach her hull speed of 6.37 knots, and praised for its construction quality. This design ethos translates into a boat that is both rewarding to sail and forgiving enough for cruising enthusiasts.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its limited production, detailed descriptions and photographs of the Quanta 28's interior layout are not widely available. However, as a 28-foot performance cruiser designed in the mid-1980s, its accommodations would typically feature a functional and practical arrangement suitable for weekend cruising and coastal voyages. Generally, sailboats of this size and era would offer a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that can convert into berths, a compact galley, and an enclosed head.

The emphasis on being a "better built boat" suggests a focus on durable, high-quality materials and craftsmanship within the interior, likely featuring a combination of fiberglass liners and wood trim. Storage would be integrated throughout the cabin to maximize space, and ventilation would be provided through deck hatches and portlights. While specific details on the finish quality or material use beyond general expectations remain elusive, the builder's philosophy implies a robust and well-finished living space, prioritising functionality and longevity for "real sailors".