King's Cruiser 28 Information, Review, Specs

The King's Cruiser 28 was built between 1957 and 1965, representing Storebro's initial foray into sailboat manufacturing. During this period, the company, then operating under Örnmaskiner, was distinguished by its meticulous construction of wooden vessels, producing approximately 1,000 mahogany boats between 1951 and 1964. The choice of all-mahogany construction for the King's Cruiser 28 aligned with Storebro's manufacturing ethos of durability and quality prevalent during that era.

Tord Sundén's design philosophy, evident in the King's Cruiser 28, often favored seaworthy, traditional lines and a focus on practical sailing. As the first sailing boat built by Örnmaskiner, the King's Cruiser 28 set a precedent for the yard's later, more diverse marine offerings. While the King's Cruiser 28 itself was built of wood with a fractional rig, a later fiberglass version, the King's Cruiser 29, was introduced in 1968 by Åbo Shipyard of Finland, also based on a Tord Sundén design. This indicates the evolution of boatbuilding materials and techniques, though the 28 remains distinct as the original wooden classic.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The King's Cruiser 28 exhibits characteristics typical of a traditional long-keel cruiser, offering a stable and predictable sailing experience. With a displacement-to-length ratio (D/L) of approximately 330, she falls into the heavier category, suggesting a comfortable motion in a seaway but less emphasis on light-air speed. Her ballast-to-displacement ratio (Bal/D) of around 0.435 is quite high, indicating a stiff and stable boat capable of standing up to significant wind without excessive heeling. The sail area-to-displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 16.63 suggests moderate performance, capable of moving well in a breeze but not designed as a dedicated light-wind performer.

Anecdotal reports suggest the boat "will sail well," particularly appreciating its long keel for directional stability. This design choice typically provides excellent course-keeping ability, making her a suitable vessel for coastal cruising or even club racing, especially for one or two crew members. Her hull speed is calculated at 5.84 knots, a respectable figure for a boat of her length overall of 28 feet with a waterline length of 19 feet.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior accommodations of the King's Cruiser 28, with a maximum headroom of 5.25 feet, reflect a more traditional design typical of its era. While specific detailed layouts for the King's Cruiser 28 are not extensively documented, such boats generally featured a practical arrangement. This would typically include a V-berth forward, a compact head, a salon area with settees that may convert into berths, and a small galley.

Given the boat's overall dimensions and traditional construction, the interior is likely to prioritize functional utility over expansive living space. Owners of similar-sized King's Cruiser models have noted that while the interior might feel "relatively small" compared to modern designs of equivalent length, they often feature clever storage solutions and a layout considered "very modern" for their age. The high-quality mahogany construction would have extended to the interior, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere with durable finishes.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the King's Cruiser 28 generally appreciate its solid, traditional construction and the reliable sailing characteristics inherent in a Tord Sundén long-keel design. The "high quality, all mahogany construction" that made it a hit upon its introduction continues to be a point of pride for many owners. These boats are often described as capable and seaworthy, particularly for their size, fitting well into the role of a dependable coastal cruiser or a boat for comfortable, short-handed sailing.

However, as with any classic wooden vessel, the King's Cruiser 28 requires diligent maintenance to preserve its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Common considerations for owners of boats from this era, especially those with composite decks (fiberglass and wood), often revolve around ensuring the continued watertightness of deck fittings and seams, which may require periodic attention to prevent leaks. The interior, while well-crafted, offers a more intimate space compared to the beamier, more volume-focused designs of contemporary sailboats.