Colvic Countess 28 Sailboats for Sale

Layouts on the Used Market

The Countess 28 was sold both complete from Colvic and in kit or semi-finished form for completion by other yards or individual builders, which means interior fit-out can vary more than you would expect from a production boat of similar vintage. Most examples share a conventional berth-forward arrangement — a forecabin with a V-berth or converted double, a saloon with settee berths on each side, and a quarter galley aft — but cabinetry, headlining, and galley equipment often reflect the hand of whoever completed the build. When viewing a boat, it is worth treating the interior as an individual fit rather than a factory standard.

The boat's beam is notably generous for its length, which gives the saloon more elbow room than the waterline length alone would suggest. The 76-litre fresh-water tankage is modest, as expected for coastal work.

Equipment and Common Upgrades

Most Countess 28s that appear on the brokerage market have been brought up to a reasonable passage-making standard by their owners over the years. Chartplotters and autopilots are now commonly fitted across the fleet, reflecting the model's use on coastal and short offshore passages where both items earn their keep quickly. Lithium battery banks are frequently encountered, an upgrade that typically accompanies a broader electrical rethink and signals a boat whose systems have been recently overhauled rather than patched.

Among the owner-upgrade tier, solar panels and wind generators appear regularly, often alongside shore-power hardware — a combination that suits the liveaboard or extended-season cruiser who spends time on moorings away from marinas. Biminis are a frequent owner addition, a practical fit for the cockpit profile. Radar and dinghy davits are sometimes seen on examples that have been equipped for more ambitious coastal sailing, and cabin heating — gas or diesel — is a common addition given the climate in which most of these boats spend their lives.

What to Inspect

The bilge keel configuration is central to what the Countess 28 does well, but it also concentrates wear in specific areas. The keel-to-hull attachment points on any twin-keeler of this age deserve close attention: look for signs of movement, cracking in the GRP around the keel roots, or evidence of re-bedding work. Osmotic blistering is a realistic prospect on a hull of this vintage; a professional moisture survey is not optional on this class of boat.

The Colvic-built GRP hulls are generally regarded as sound, but the variety of yards and builders who completed kits means that structural quality of internal fitout and chainplate installation can vary considerably. Chainplates and standing rigging warrant particular scrutiny on any boat where the build history is unclear. The masthead sloop rig is simple and reliable, but shroud terminations and forestay fittings should be inspected carefully, especially if the rig has not been systematically renewed.

The engine bay should be checked for any signs of exhaust or cooling-water ingress — the 28-foot hull sits these systems close together and any deterioration tends to compound quickly in a bilge that can hold water after grounding. Seacocks, being frequently operated on a boat that dries out regularly, deserve attention for ease of movement and condition of the through-hull fittings.

Availability and Buyer's Takeaway

The Countess 28 is primarily a UK and Irish market boat, with the majority of examples concentrated in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland — wherever tidal moorings and drying harbours make a bilge-keeler the sensible choice over a fin-keel design. A secondary pool of boats turns up in Spain, typically along the northern Atlantic coast, where similar tidal conditions prevail. The model is rare outside these markets.

Because the fleet is compact and geographically concentrated, prices tend to be competitive and buyers are rarely in a rush, which gives room to be selective. A well-equipped example with a recent survey, updated electrics, and known engine history represents the best value; a heavily discounted boat with deferred maintenance on the keel roots or standing rigging can quickly consume its apparent savings.

Pre-purchase checklist:

• Obtain a full professional survey with moisture readings across the GRP hull
• Inspect both keel roots for cracking, movement, and any evidence of re-bedding
• Check all chainplates, particularly on boats with unclear build history
• Test every seacock for ease of operation
• Review the standing rigging age and forestay condition
• Confirm the autopilot and chartplotter are operational and integrated
• Verify the engine cooling and exhaust systems show no signs of ingress
• Ask about the history of any electrical upgrades, including battery bank specifications