Sun 28 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Sun 28 begins in 1977, a period when Spencer Boats Ltd. was firmly established as a premier fiberglass yacht builder in Vancouver, British Columbia. While Spencer Boats was renowned for the designs of John Brandlmayr, the "SUN line," including the Sun 28, was a distinct partnership where Spencer was contracted by Specialty Yachts to construct the vessels designed by Robert Perry. During this era, Spencer Boats had already transitioned from plywood to fiberglass construction, focusing on producing diverse range of yachts well-suited for more demanding offshore conditions, a manufacturing ethos that undoubtedly influenced the Sun 28's construction.

Robert Perry, a prolific and highly regarded American yacht designer, brought his signature approach to the Sun 28. Known for creating some of the most successful cruising yachts, Perry's designs often blend performance with practical cruising attributes. The Sun 28 is noted for its "speedy hull design" and is considered a "moderate weight" vessel, reflecting Perry's emphasis on efficiency and sailing enjoyment. The Sun 28 shares similarities with the Sun 27 and Sun 838 models, and a slightly modified version was later marketed as the Sunstar 28.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the Spencer Sun 28 is recognized for its lively sailing characteristics and responsive handling. Robert Perry's design brief evidently aimed for a degree of performance, as evidenced by descriptions of its "speedy hull design." The boat is a masthead sloop with a fin keel, a configuration that generally contributes to good windward performance and "splendid manoeuvrability." Owners and reviewers often describe the Sun 28 as a moderate-weight vessel for its class, which typically translates to a balanced feel at the helm and a capacity to perform well in a range of conditions. The inherent robust construction associated with Spencer Boats Ltd. also suggests a vessel built to handle various sea states with confidence.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior dimensions are not always extensively documented, the Sun/Sunstar 27/28 series is generally noted for offering "proper headroom and spaciousness" for boats of their size, especially for vessels built in their period. Given the common layouts for sailboats of its era and size (28 feet), one can typically expect a V-berth forward, a compact head compartment, a salon with settees that may convert to berths, and a galley area. While detailed interior photographs are scarce in readily available resources, the construction of the Sun/Sunstar 27/28 is considered "typical boat of the period," implying functional and practical arrangements with materials consistent with 1970s fiberglass boatbuilding. Owners engaging in renovations suggest a layout that allows for customization and updating.

Owner's Perspectives

The Spencer Sun 28, along with its sister models in the "SUN line," has fostered a community of owners. Discussions in various sailing forums and the existence of owner groups indicate a sustained interest in these boats. Owners frequently appreciate the solid construction typical of Spencer Boats and the capable designs penned by Robert Perry. While specific anecdotal strengths and weaknesses for the Sun 28 are not extensively detailed in broad public reviews, the general sentiment around boats of this era and builder often revolves around their durability and potential for straightforward maintenance and upgrades. Owners of similar Spencer models often praise their seaworthiness and enduring quality.