Swanson 28 Information, Review, Specs

The Swanson 28 emerged from the Swanson Brothers' yard during a period when they were transitioning from timber boat builders to embracing fiberglass construction, while maintaining their core values of strength and seaworthiness. Production commenced in 1977 and continued until the company ceased operations with the founders' retirement in 1985. Ron Swanson, the principal designer among the brothers, was the creative force behind the brand's iconic canoe-sterned, double-ended designs, which were not only aesthetically pleasing but also integral to their vessels' renowned seaworthiness and comfortable motion in challenging conditions. The Swanson Brothers carved out a distinct niche for "sturdy, canoe-sterned cruising yachts" engineered for safety and ease of handling, making them suitable for long-term cruising and liveaboard lifestyles. The Swanson 28 features a modified full keel, a hallmark of their design philosophy, contributing to its stability and offshore capabilities.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.8, the Swanson 28 is generally considered to have moderate light-air performance, suggesting it performs more effectively in heavier wind conditions. Its ballast to displacement ratio of roughly 28.5% indicates a stable boat, though not exceptionally stiff, aligning with its design as a comfortable cruiser rather than a high-performance racer. The displacement to length ratio of around 220.4 places the Swanson 28 in the medium-heavy cruiser category. This suggests a boat designed for solid tracking and a comfortable motion in a seaway, rather than outright speed. Owners often praise the Swanson 28 for being a solid and very seaworthy yacht, capable of performing well when sailed correctly. While not a "round the buoy racer," it is designed to be sailed slightly off the wind, which gives full-keel yachts their power and drive. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the Swanson 28, like other full-keeled yachts, is a great seaboat that handles well in various conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Swanson 28 is noted for having "plenty of room inside," with the hull tapering below the waterline creating a surprisingly spacious feel. While the cockpit space is described as somewhat limited due to the double-ended design, the saloon seating is a nice feature. Owners have described the interior as having a tidy galley and a marine toilet with a holding tank. The boat typically features an auxiliary power unit, such as a 20 HP Bukh diesel engine, with a fuel capacity of 48 gallons. Water capacity is substantial for a boat of its size, at 106 gallons (440 liters), which is beneficial for extended cruising. The interior typically includes a 12V fused master panel and a basic 240V system with an RCD circuit breaker, along with house and engine batteries.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently commend the Swanson 28 for its robust construction and exceptional seaworthiness, often referring to it as an "ideal first offshore/inshore cruising yacht" or a "pocket-sized, strong bluewater cruising yacht." Many view it as a suitable vessel for those looking to move into serious cruising on a limited budget, and it is considered easily handled by a single person or a couple. The boats are well-regarded for their solid build and ability to handle rough seas. Common maintenance activities might involve engine servicing, with some owners opting for repowering with newer, more powerful diesel engines to enhance reliability and performance. While the full keel design means they are not the fastest boats, their stability and comfortable motion are highly valued for cruising. Some owners have noted that the relatively high freeboard and small cockpit are distinctive features. Overall, the Swanson 28 fosters a strong community of owners who appreciate its enduring quality and suitability for its intended purpose as a capable offshore cruiser.