Corinthian 28 Information, Review, Specs

The vessel’s construction reflects the era’s "heavy-duty" approach to fiberglass. Built in the Montreal facility at 2615 Marcel Street, the hull was designed to withstand the rigors of the Great Lakes and the Atlantic coast. This model is often recognized by its traditional profile, featuring significant overhangs and a narrow beam relative to modern standards, which aligns it with the "classic" cruiser aesthetic of the mid-20th century. Within the Olympic Yachtcraft lineup, the 28 sat as an accessible family cruiser, positioned between the smaller daysailers like the Corinthian 19 and the larger, blue-water capable Olympic 34 and 40 models.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Corinthian 28 is characterized by a moderate-to-heavy displacement, providing a stable and forgiving motion in choppy water. With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio typically estimated in the high 300s, the boat lacks the acceleration of modern fin-keel racers but excels in momentum and tracking. Its design by Bill Tripp Jr. ensures that it maintains a gentle helm even when heeled, a hallmark of Tripp’s work also seen in his designs for Tripp Design.

Handling is described by owners as "predictable," though the boat requires a stiff breeze to truly come alive due to its conservative Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio. It tracks exceptionally well, making it a comfortable choice for single-handed sailing or long stretches of coastal cruising. However, its heavy wetted surface area means it can be sluggish in light air, often requiring the iron sail (originally an Atomic 4 or a small diesel) to maintain progress. In heavy weather, the Corinthian 28 shines, feeling more like a 32-foot boat in its ability to punch through head seas without excessive pounding.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 28-foot vessel from the 1970s, the interior of the Corinthian 28 is surprisingly functional, emphasizing traditional woodwork and a straightforward layout. The cabin typically features a V-berth forward, followed by a compact head and a main salon with opposing settees. The use of teak and mahogany trim was standard for Olympic Yachtcraft, giving the cabin a warm, "shipshape" feel that has aged better than many of its contemporaries that used more plastic and Formica.

Headroom is adequate for most, generally hovering around the six-foot mark in the main cabin. Because these boats were often semi-custom or evolved through their production run, some variants may feature slightly different galley configurations—some with a simple two-burner stove and icebox, others upgraded for longer stays. Unlike its larger sibling, the Adventure 42, which featured multiple cabin variations for liveaboards, the 28-foot model remained focused on the "weekender" or "coastal cruiser" market, prioritizing a large, safe cockpit over complex interior subdivisions.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Corinthian 28 should approach the vessel with an eye for the typical aging pains of 1970s fiberglass boats. Reports from technical communities such as CruisersForum and SailNet highlight a few specific areas of concern for this model:

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the Corinthian 28 utilized a balsa-cored deck. Soft spots around stanchion bases, chainplates, and the mast step are common if the hardware has not been re-bedded regularly.
• Chainplate Attachment: The chainplates are anchored to heavy fiberglass knees. While robust, long-term water ingress can lead to crevice corrosion of the stainless steel or degradation of the structural knees.
• Rudder Bushings: The spade or semi-skeg rudders on these models can develop play over decades of use. Checking for "slop" in the helm is a vital part of the pre-purchase inspection.
• Original Engines: Many were equipped with the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine. While reliable if maintained, many owners prefer to see a modern diesel conversion, which adds significantly to the boat's value and safety.

Community & Resources

Owners of Olympic Yachtcraft vessels often find common ground with the broader community of Bill Tripp design enthusiasts. While there is no longer a dedicated factory association for the Canadian Olympic subsidiary, technical support is frequently found through regional sailing clubs in Quebec and Ontario, where the boats remain popular. The Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston serves as a repository for some historical data regarding Canadian boat builders of this period, offering a glimpse into the production history of the Montreal yard.

The Verdict

The Corinthian 28 is a "sailor's sailboat"—a sturdy, traditional cruiser that prioritizes safety and sea-kindliness over modern interior volume and flat-out speed.

Pros:

• Robust Construction: Built during an era when fiberglass was often over-engineered.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Graceful, classic lines that stand out in a sea of modern "bleacher-back" cruisers.
• Predictable Handling: Excellent tracking and stability in heavy weather.

Cons:

• Light Air Performance: Can be slow and heavy when the wind dips below 10 knots.
• Maintenance Intensive: Older systems and cored decks require a diligent owner to prevent deterioration.
• Limited Interior Volume: Narrow beam design means less living space than modern 28-footers.