Design and Construction
The 28+ carries a solid fiberglass hull paired with a balsa-cored deck, and Ericson's signature Tri-Axial Force Grid (TAFG) lends the structure lightweight rigidity without bulk anchor. At 28.5 feet overall, 24.17 feet on the waterline, and 10.5 feet abeam, she displaces 7,500 pounds and carries 3,000 pounds of external lead ballast. Those numbers place her at a moderate displacement-to-length ratio of 237 and a ballast fraction of 40 percent, while a capsize screening value of 2.15 and a comfort ratio of 19.9 frame her as a coastal-oriented design rather than a heavy offshore passagemaker. A fin keel draws 5 feet, with a 4-foot shoal option available for thinner water.
Rig and Handling
Where the 28+ earns her reputation is on the wind. The fractional sloop configuration uses a bent mast and swept spreaders, which period reviews credit with enhanced sail shape and light-air responsiveness, and the keel-stepped mast anchors the rig solidly anchor. Goodoldboat's testing found peppy acceleration—4 to 5 knots in a 5-knot breeze with a 150 percent genoa—and solid upwind pointing through roughly 105 degrees at 5.5 to 6 knots in 12 knots of wind. The spade rudder gives good maneuverability and responsiveness, and the fractional layout makes sail handling and trimming easier when beating. She is relatively stiff and stable, able to absorb moderate to strong winds without excessive heeling or weather helm, yet she heels early to 20 degrees and asks for attentive trimming in gusts. Her sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 17.7 and hull speed of 6.59 knots keep her in the fun, fast category with a PHRF around 150 to 160.
Accommodations
Inside, the 28+ makes the most of its 10.5-foot beam with a spacious and comfortable layout for the size, offering about six feet of headroom throughout. Two dedicated sleeping cabins anchor the plan: a bow V-berth for two and an aft starboard quarter berth for one, while the main cabin's two settees convert to single berths around a folding table, letting the boat sleep up to six. The port-side galley holds a sink, stove, icebox, and ample storage, and the starboard head packages a sink, toilet, and shower—an unusually complete suite for a 28-footer.
Known Issues
The boat's main shortfall is her performance in very light winds, where the moderate sail plan and early-heeling manners leave her sluggish until the breeze builds.
Refits and Ownership
An 11-horsepower Yanmar diesel sits amidships with 25-gallon fuel and 25-gallon water tanks, a modest but adequate setup for a coastal racer-cruiser of this displacement. The rig's standard sail wardrobe spans a 200-square-foot main, a 222-square-foot 115 percent jib, a 212-square-foot second jib near 96 percent LP, a 344-square-foot 150 percent genoa, and a 568-square-foot asymmetrical spinnaker—giving an owner plenty of upgrading paths through downwind kite and overlapping headsail choices. With only about 90 built, the 28+ remains a scarce but well-engineered King design.
The Verdict
The Ericson 28+ is a thoughtfully updated King design that punches above its length as a coastal racer-cruiser. The TAFG structure, fractional rig, and fin-and-spade underbody deliver quick acceleration and tidy upwind manners, while the enlarged interior makes her a credible weekender for a small family. Her light-air lethargy is the price paid for a moderate sail plan and early heeling, and the limited production run means patient hunting for a clean example.
Pros
- Fractional rig with bent mast and swept spreaders for light-air responsiveness
- Tri-Axial Force Grid hull structure for lightweight rigidity
- Complete cruising interior with six-berth capacity and stand-up headroom
- Stiff, well-balanced handling with easy upwind trimming
Cons
- Sluggish in very light winds
- Heels early to 20 degrees, demanding active gust management
- Only around 90 built, limiting brokerage availability
