Sirius 28 (Can) Information, Review, Specs

The Sirius 28 emerged from the Canadian boatyard of Vandestadt and McGruer Ltd. in Owen Sound, Ontario, with production spanning from 1982 to 1987 Data, 4, 9, 10. Designed by Hubert Vandestadt, nephew of the renowned E. G. van de Stadt, the boat reflected a design philosophy aimed at "simple, efficient sailing". Vandestadt, who also designed the successful Sirius 21 and Sirius 22 models, incorporated modern yacht design standards of the era into the Sirius 28, including a long waterline, a fin keel, and a spade rudder.

Vandestadt and McGruer Ltd. itself was known for its commitment to durable fiberglass construction and innovative design, producing accessible yet capable monohulls. The company embraced fiberglass from its inception, ensuring the longevity and ease of maintenance for their boats. While the builder offered the Sirius 28 as a racer/cruiser, search results do not indicate significant variations like MkI or MkII models during its production run, suggesting a consistent design throughout its manufacturing period.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Sirius 28 exhibits a balanced blend of performance and stability, making it suitable for a variety of sailing conditions. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 17.05, she demonstrates moderate light-air performance, suggesting she is capable of moving well in lighter breezes without being solely focused on racing Data. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.388 indicates good stiffness, allowing her to stand up to a significant amount of wind and providing a stable platform in a seaway Data, 2. The Displacement to Length ratio of about 216.35 places her in the category of a moderately heavy cruiser, implying a comfortable motion and good seakeeping abilities for offshore passages, rather than a lightweight, ultra-performance design Data.

Anecdotal reports confirm that the Sirius 28 "sails well in light wind, and is capable in heavy weather". Her design, featuring a long waterline, fin keel, and spade rudder, contributes to her "simple, efficient sailing" characteristics and good handling. Owners have noted that the boat's ballast ratio translates to a righting moment that is higher than 42% of similar sailboat designs, underscoring its inherent stability. The boat has been described as having "good breeding" in sailing circles, indicative of its solid design and performance characteristics.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its 28-foot length, the Sirius 28 is noted for an interior that provides the "feel of a much larger boat". The accommodations are designed to be comfortable for 4-5 people, making it suitable for family cruising or entertaining guests. While specific headroom figures are not available in the provided data, the interior is generally praised for its thoughtful layout.

A "full interior liner makes a neat job of the overhead surfaces," contributing to a tidy and well-finished look. The typical interior arrangement usually includes a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that may convert to berths, a galley, and often a quarter berth or aft cabin depending on the exact configuration. The galley is described as "well equipped and roomy enough for comfortable food preparation," suggesting ample counter space and storage for cruising. The overall finish quality aligns with the builder's reputation for solid construction, implying durable materials and practical design choices throughout the living spaces.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Vandestadt and McGruer boats, including the Sirius 28, frequently commend their quality and solid construction, highlighting their enduring appeal, 7]. The Sirius 28, in particular, has been referred to as "the Cadillac of Sirius sailboats," suggesting a high level of satisfaction among its owners. Owners consistently praise its ability to sail effectively in a range of conditions, from light breezes to heavier weather, and its comfortable motion underway. The boat's robust build quality is a frequently mentioned strength, contributing to its longevity and reputation as a reliable cruiser.

While overall sentiment is positive, specific recurring weaknesses or common problems are not widely documented in available owner forums or reviews, beyond a general mention in one instance of a shaft drive potentially leading to water ingress if not properly maintained, a common issue across various boat types. The absence of widespread negative feedback further solidifies the Sirius 28's standing as a dependable and well-regarded sailboat.