Twister 28 Information, Review, Specs

With a production run spanning nearly two decades, from 1964 to 1983, the Twister 28 quickly earned a reputation as a "modern classic." It appeals to sailors seeking a blend of adventure, reliability, and timeless elegance in a compact package.

History and Design

The Twister 28's journey began in 1964, a product of Kim Holman's design expertise. Holman, who established himself as a yacht designer in the late 1940s, was celebrated for his elegant and practical cruising boat designs, with the Twister 28 often cited among his most desirable creations. His philosophy for the Twister series focused on creating capable cruising yachts that were both aesthetically pleasing and confidence-inspiring in challenging conditions.

Initially, the Twister 28 was offered in wood, reflecting the traditional boatbuilding heritage of yards like J. W. and A. Upham Ltd. Upham's, with a legacy stretching back to 1817, was renowned for constructing robust timber vessels, particularly sailing trawlers, emphasizing strength and practicality—a ethos that would have influenced the early wooden Twisters. However, as fiberglass gained prominence in yacht construction, the Twister 28 evolved. By 1970, an all-glass version became available, with Tyler Boat Co. Ltd. molding the fiberglass hulls, which were then typically finished and fitted out by other yards, including Upham. This transition allowed for greater production, with over 200 Twister Yachts eventually built. While the core design remained consistent, this evolution in construction materials represented a significant variation during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Twister 28's design, characterized by a long keel, underpins its formidable sailing characteristics. This hull form contributes significantly to its excellent directional stability, making it a comfortable and reassuring boat in a seaway. With a displacement of 9,968 pounds set against a waterline length of 21.5 feet, the Twister 28 is a very heavy-displacement vessel for its size, indicating a sturdy and traditional cruiser designed to handle serious offshore conditions rather than prioritize light-air speed.

Further reinforcing its robust nature, the Twister 28 boasts a high ballast-to-displacement ratio of 46.4%. This substantial ballast (4,628 lbs) contributes to a significant righting moment, providing solid stability and allowing the boat to stand up to a considerable amount of wind without excessive heeling. The sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 11.98, while relatively low, suggests that the Twister 28 will perform best with a good breeze, offering a powerful and controlled motion rather than agile light-air performance. Owners consistently praise its ability to handle rough seas, with some suggesting it would fare better in a mid-Atlantic storm than many larger vessels. Its hull speed is estimated at 6.21 knots.

While its long keel provides superb course-keeping, it does impart a particular handling characteristic: maneuvering astern can be "interesting" or challenging, a point often humorously noted by owners. Despite this, the Twister 28 is widely considered to be fast, comfortable, and easily handled, even single-handed, making it an appealing choice for a wide range of sailors.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Twister 28 is designed with practicality and sea-going comfort in mind, reflecting its heritage as a serious cruising yacht. While specific headroom details are not consistently documented, the layout prioritizes functionality over expansive volume, typical of boats of its era and purpose. Based on owner accounts and reviews, the typical interior arrangement provides comfortable accommodation for two people, often featuring up to five berths for occasional guests.

The traditional layout commonly includes a V-berth forward, serving as the primary sleeping area. A head compartment, often equipped with a Jabsco toilet and basin, is usually situated between the V-berth and the main salon. The salon typically comprises settees that can double as berths, alongside a full-size chart table, highlighting the boat's cruising intentions. The galley facilities, while compact, are functional for meal preparation at sea. The finish quality often features varnished solid mahogany joinery, contributing to a warm and classic ambiance, complemented by upholstery, frequently in traditional colors like red. Storage is generally considered adequate for extended cruising, and ventilation is typically achieved through traditional dorade vents and opening ports. The overall impression is of a snug, secure, and well-appointed interior, designed to be practical for offshore voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Twister 28 consistently laud its robust construction, attractive classic lines, and exceptional seaworthiness, making it a highly respected and enduring choice among sailing enthusiasts. The loyalty of its owners is notable, with many tending to keep their Twisters for extended periods, a testament to the boat's inherent quality and sailing satisfaction. The presence of a very active and supportive owners' association further enhances the ownership experience, providing a valuable resource for advice and camaraderie. Many praise the Twister 28 as an excellent seaboat, capable of handling challenging conditions with confidence, and surprisingly easy to manage for single-handed sailing.

However, like any vessel of its vintage, the Twister 28 is not without its common considerations. A recurring observation among owners pertains to the boat's "interesting" maneuverability under power in reverse, which is widely acknowledged as a characteristic that requires adaptation. Additionally, some fiberglass hulls produced by Tyler Boat Co. Ltd. during the 1970s developed osmosis issues, a common problem for GRP boats of that era. Osmosis in the rudder is also noted as a relatively common occurrence, suggesting areas that potential buyers should inspect. Despite these potential maintenance points, the overall consensus remains overwhelmingly positive, affirming the Twister 28's status as a well-regarded and capable classic cruiser.