Shannon 28 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Shannon 28 began production in 1978, a few years after Walter Schulz established Shannon Yachts in 1975. As designer, Schulz envisioned the Shannon 28 as a vessel capable of ocean sailing and comfortable coastal cruising in all wind and sea conditions, a testament to its design for serious offshore sailing. This focus aligned perfectly with Shannon Yachts' broader manufacturing ethos of building high-quality, offshore-capable yachts with robust construction techniques and "old-school craftsmanship." The company is noted for avoiding features like bolted-on keels, emphasizing long-term integrity, a philosophy reflected in the Shannon 28's sturdy build, where the hull laminate is said to exceed that of many larger production boats in quality and strength. While the fundamental design remained consistent, the Shannon 28 was offered with options for auxiliary power and featured at least three distinct interior layouts during its production run, including an offshore configuration with an aft quarter berth.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Shannon 28's design ratios provide insight into its performance characteristics. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio of approximately 16.09, the Shannon 28 exhibits moderate light-air performance, indicating it requires a decent breeze to truly come alive. Her Ballast to Displacement Ratio of roughly 38.7% suggests good stability, allowing her to stand up to a respectable amount of wind without excessive heeling. Furthermore, a Displacement to Length Ratio of around 344 firmly places the Shannon 28 in the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser, emphasizing its stable motion and robust build rather than outright speed. The vessel is reported to offer good directional stability, a quality desirable for offshore passages. Its overall handling is praised for being balanced and capable in various sea states, living up to its design as an ocean-going and comfortable coastal cruiser. The Shannon 28 is equipped with a cutter rig, providing versatile sail configurations for different wind conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact size, the Shannon 28 offers a surprisingly accommodating interior, designed to maximize comfort and utility for extended cruising. The boat boasts a maximum headroom of 6.17 feet (or 6 feet 2 inches, according to some reports), providing comfortable standing room for most individuals. The interior layout typically features a V-berth forward, which is generously sized at six and a half feet in length, followed by opposing settees in the main salon. As noted, multiple interior arrangements were available, including an "offshore configuration" that incorporated an aft quarter berth, enhancing sleeping capacity for longer voyages. Owners describe the interior as well-appointed with an "oil teak interior," suggesting a classic, warm finish, and designed for efficient use of space, reflecting its "bluewater pocket cruiser" designation.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Shannon 28 consistently praise its robust construction and its inherent seaworthiness, often referring to it as an "excellent sea boat". Many consider it an ideal long-distance sailboat, appreciating the balance struck between performance, comfort, and safety. The quality of its build and its offshore capabilities are frequently highlighted as major strengths, solidifying its reputation as a serious offshore yacht under 30 feet. However, a commonly noted area for improvement among owners relates to engine access, which can be cramped and challenging for maintenance tasks, such as reaching the water pump impeller. Despite minor inconveniences, the Shannon 28 fosters a strong, dedicated owner community, a testament to the enduring appeal and reliability of this capable cruiser.