Sovereign 28 Information, Review, Specs

The Sovereign 28 first appeared in 1983, emerging from the shipyard of Sovereign Yacht Co., which was established in Port Richey, Florida, in 1978 by Dan Steeg. Steeg's vision was centered on producing practical and versatile fiberglass sailboats for the cruising community. The manufacturing process was closely tied to Custom Fiberglass Products of Florida (CFPF), which was contracted to build the hulls, decks, and liners.

The history of Sovereign Yachts is characterized by various ownership changes, including CFPF assuming control of the molds in 1988 when Sovereign Yacht Co. ceased operations. Despite these transitions, the commitment to producing robust, trailerable fiberglass sailboats remained consistent. A notable practice during Sovereign's production era was the development of multiple models from a single hull design, differentiating them primarily through variations in deck and interior configurations to streamline production and offer diverse options. The Sovereign 28's design, featuring a fin keel and spade rudder with a cutter rig, reflects this ethos of practicality and cruising capability. The design was later expanded upon, evolving into the Sovereign 30 in 1998. While the specific naval architect for the Sovereign 28 is not widely credited, some sources suggest it was an in-house "Sovereign Design Team."

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Sovereign 28, with its 28-foot length overall, is equipped with a fin keel and spade rudder, a combination known for offering a balance of performance and maneuverability. Its cutter rig is particularly well-suited for offshore sailing, as it divides the total sail area into smaller, more manageable sails, making them easier to handle, especially in varying wind conditions. Anecdotal reports suggest that with proper tuning and fairing, the boat performs well. It is often considered a capable vessel, particularly suitable for coastal cruising and sailing in areas like bays. With a calculated hull speed of 6.43 knots, the Sovereign 28 is designed for efficient passage making.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior headroom is not detailed in the provided specifications, the Sovereign 28 is noted for its surprisingly spacious and interesting interior layout for a boat of its size. Owner accounts highlight a layout that includes what has been described as a "queen size bed in the rear," which contributes to a feeling of greater interior volume. This arrangement suggests a thoughtful use of space, potentially including an aft cabin or a very generous quarter berth. The boat is designed with a fuel capacity of 17.0 gallons (diesel) and a water capacity of 19.0 gallons, supporting its cruising aspirations. Based on the builder's reputation for sturdy construction, the interior would likely feature robust, functional materials consistent with fiberglass cruising yachts of its era.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Sovereign 28 frequently commend its spacious interior, often noting that it feels larger than its 28-foot length might suggest. This clever use of space is a recurring positive comment among those who have experienced the boat. Despite its solid construction, the Sovereign 28 is not as widely recognized as some other models, which has historically contributed to a lower resale value. However, this can make it an attractive option for buyers seeking an affordable and capable cruising sailboat. While no widespread common problems are prominently cited in owner forums, some anecdotal remarks suggest that, like many boats of its vintage, proper hull fairing and setup are beneficial for optimizing its sailing characteristics.