Sailing Performance & Handling
The Compass 28 is defined by its substantial displacement and a high ballast-to-displacement ratio of nearly 55%. This makes for an exceptionally stiff and forgiving platform that handles heavy weather with a composure rarely found in modern light-displacement 28-footers. With a displacement-to-length (D/L) ratio of approximately 300, the boat is a traditional heavy cruiser that favors stability over acceleration.
In editorial comparisons found in Boatsales.com.au's buyer's guide, the Compass 28 is noted for having superior windward performance compared to its successor, the Compass 29. Because the 28 has less windage and a narrower beam, it tracks better and points higher, whereas the 29's increased freeboard creates more leeway in a blow. While the sail-area-to-displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of roughly 13 suggests the boat is somewhat under-canvassed in light air, owners frequently note its ability to carry full sail long after other boats have started reefing. Its long, encapsulated fin keel provides excellent directional stability, though it lacks the tight turning circle of modern spade-rudder designs.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The Compass 28 utilizes its 8-foot beam to provide a layout that can theoretically accommodate up to six people, though it is most comfortable for a couple or a small family. The standard arrangement includes a V-berth forward, a convertible dinette to port, a galley and single settee to starboard, and two quarter berths aft. Despite being three feet shorter than many mid-range cruisers, the cabin offers surprising volume, a hallmark of Heuchmer and Lees' design philosophy.
A notable sibling is the Compass 29, which was introduced in 1974 as a direct response to customer demands for more interior volume. The 29 utilized the same hull mold but added two inches of freeboard and significant beam, allowing for a larger dinette and nearly two meters of headroom. By comparison, the Compass 28 is more snug, with a dinette better suited for two adults and two children. Some "Extended" variants of the 28 have been documented in the second-hand market, featuring slightly modified bed lengths for taller sailors.
Popular Mentions & Media
The Compass 28 has a robust reputation for blue-water capability despite its modest size. Several units have recorded significant offshore passages, including documented circumnavigations. The model gained notoriety in the Australian cruising community through long-distance voyages like those of Werrina, which completed a successful delivery from Moreton Bay to Port Macquarie through heavy conditions, and Matira, which voyaged to Fiji in 2015. Historical records from the H28 Yacht Owners' Association also link the factory’s success to their concurrent production of the Herreshoff H28, sharing much of the same fiberglass expertise.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach the Compass 28 with a focus on its GRP hull and aging systems.
- Osmosis: Known colloquially as "the measles," hull blistering is common in boats from this era. While rarely structural, it can be expensive to remediate if extensive.
- Deck Core Delamination: The balsa-cored decks are prone to water ingress around hardware like stanchion bases and the mast step. Spongy sections of the deck should be checked during a survey.
- Mast Step Compression: The support post beneath the mast step should be inspected for signs of sinking or rot, which can occur if water has leaked into the structural timber beneath the mast.
- Engine Replacement: Original boats were often fitted with 8hp to 12hp diesel engines from Yanmar or Bukh. These are frequently considered underpowered for the boat's 3,250kg displacement. Many well-maintained examples have been repowered with 15hp to 20hp modern diesels.
- Chainplates and Rigging: The internal chainplate mounts are relatively robust, but the age of the standing rigging must be verified, as many boats still carry older masts that require thorough inspection of the spreader brackets.
Community & Resources
The primary hub for technical knowledge is the Compass Yacht Group, an active organization that maintains a register of hulls and hosts an annual regatta in Sydney. This group serves as a critical archive for owner manuals and technical advice regarding the Yanmar and Bukh engines typically found in the model.
The Verdict
Pros:
- Extremely stable and seaworthy with a high ballast ratio.
- Better windward performance and less windage than the Compass 29.
- Encapsulated keel eliminates concerns over rusted keel bolts.
- Strong community support and enduring resale value.
Cons:
- Interior volume and headroom are tight compared to the "beamy" 29.
- Underpowered with original 8-10hp engines.
- Age-related issues like osmosis and deck core rot are common.
- Small fuel and water capacities limit extended cruising range without modifications.
