Santana 28 Information, Review, Specs

The W.D. Schock Corporation, founded by William "Bill" D. Schock, became a prominent builder known for its commitment to quality fiberglass yachts and a design philosophy emphasizing practical design, robust construction, and performance. During the Santana 28's production, W.D. Schock had already established itself as one of the largest builders of sailing yachts on the U.S. West Coast, with its Santana series further cementing its reputation in the racing and performance cruising segments.

The Santana 28 was introduced in 1976 and had a relatively short production run, concluding in 1978. Designed by W. Shad Turner specifically as a cruiser, the boat reflected W.D. Schock's ethos of crafting accessible yet competitive sailing vessels. The company was known for specializing in fiberglass sailboat construction from its inception, which contributed to the Santana 28's robust build.

Notably, after just two years in production, the Santana 28 was replaced by the Santana 228 in 1978. The Santana 228 shared the exact same hull as its predecessor but featured a taller rig and a more streamlined coachroof, indicating an evolution towards enhanced performance and aesthetics within the Santana line.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 15.12, the Santana 28 is characterized as a sailboat that is slightly underpowered, suggesting it performs best in moderate to stronger winds. Its displacement to length ratio (D/L) of around 275.17 places it in the moderate-heavy displacement category for a vessel of its size, hinting at a comfortable motion in a seaway typical of a cruiser rather than a light, agile racer.

The ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of 34% indicates moderate stability, providing a reasonable amount of stiffness but suggesting that the boat might feel tender in very heavy conditions, potentially requiring earlier reefing. Despite this, owners frequently praise the Santana 28's handling, describing it as a very well-balanced boat that tracks straight, even when the helm is released. It is considered a very capable and solid boat, with anecdotal evidence suggesting good performance in windy conditions and the capability for ocean-going voyages. Its hull speed is calculated at 6.43 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the Santana 28 is known for offering surprisingly ample accommodations for its size. Below deck, the interior is generally described as roomy. Typical for cruisers of its era, the layout likely includes a V-berth forward, a head, a main salon with settees, and a galley area, designed to maximize liveable space within its 28-foot length overall. Available reviews highlight that many Santana 28s are well-equipped with amenities such as chartplotters, depth sounders, VHF radios, cabin heaters, and even solar panels, enhancing their cruising comfort. While one owner expressed dislike for the layout, this often comes down to personal preference and does not detract from the boat's overall functional design.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Santana 28 consistently commend its solid construction and overall build quality. Many appreciate its versatility, noting its suitability as an attractive cruiser/racer for both competition and family sailing with groups of four or more people. The boat's balanced nature and ability to track straight are frequently highlighted as significant strengths, contributing to a pleasant sailing experience. Owners also describe the Santana 28 as a very capable and solid boat, performing well in windy conditions and even being suitable for offshore passages.

However, the boat is often characterized as slightly underpowered, meaning it may require a decent breeze to truly come alive. Despite this, its reasonable stability and good righting capability are generally well-regarded. While most feedback is positive, some owners have expressed subjective opinions regarding the interior layout, suggesting that specific arrangements may not appeal to everyone. Overall, the Santana 28 maintains a reputation as a durable and versatile sailboat, evidenced by its continued presence and popularity in the used boat market.