Design and Construction
The 28+ has a solid fiberglass hull and a balsa-cored deck. Ericson’s signature Tri-Axial Force Grid (TAFG) gives the structure lightweight rigidity without bulk.
The boat measures 28.5 feet overall, 24.17 feet on the waterline, and 10.5 feet abeam. It displaces 7,500 pounds and carries 3,000 pounds of external lead ballast. Those figures give it a moderate displacement-to-length ratio of 237 and a ballast fraction of 40 percent. A capsize screening value of 2.15 and a comfort ratio of 19.9 frame it as a coastal design rather than a heavy offshore passagemaker.
The standard fin keel draws 5 feet, while a 4-foot shoal option was available for thinner water. A spade rudder provides good maneuverability and responsive steering.
Rig, Performance, and Handling
The 28+ earns much of its reputation sailing to windward. Its fractional sloop rig uses a bent mast and swept spreaders, features that period reviews credit with improving sail shape and light-air responsiveness; the mast is keel-stepped. The fractional layout also makes sail handling and trimming easier when beating.
Good Old Boat’s testing recorded peppy acceleration: 4 to 5 knots in a 5-knot breeze with a 150 percent genoa. In 12 knots of wind, the boat pointed through roughly 105 degrees while making 5.5 to 6 knots.
The 28+ is relatively stiff and stable, handling moderate to strong winds without excessive heeling or weather helm. Even so, it heels early to 20 degrees and calls for attentive trimming in gusts. Its sail-area-to-displacement ratio is 17.7, hull speed is 6.59 knots, and PHRF is around 150 to 160. Together, those figures put it in the fun, fast category.
Very light air is the main weakness. Despite the rig’s responsiveness, the moderate sail plan and early-heeling manners leave the boat sluggish until the breeze builds.
Accommodations
Below, the 28+ uses its 10.5-foot beam well, with a spacious and comfortable layout for its size and about six feet of headroom throughout.
Two dedicated sleeping cabins form the basis of the arrangement. The bow has a V-berth for two, and an aft starboard quarter berth sleeps one. In the main cabin, two settees convert to single berths around a folding table, giving the boat sleeping space for up to six.
The port-side galley includes a sink, stove, icebox, and ample storage. To starboard, the head combines a sink, toilet, and shower—an unusually complete setup for a 28-footer.
Engine, Tanks, and Sail Inventory
An 11-horsepower Yanmar diesel is mounted amidships. Fuel and water capacities are 25 gallons each, a modest but adequate setup for a coastal racer-cruiser of this displacement.
The standard sail wardrobe includes:
- A 200-square-foot mainsail
- A 222-square-foot 115 percent jib
- A 212-square-foot second jib, near 96 percent LP
- A 344-square-foot 150 percent genoa
- A 568-square-foot asymmetrical spinnaker
That inventory gives an owner several upgrade paths through overlapping headsails and a downwind kite.
Ownership Considerations
With only about 90 boats built, the Ericson 28+ remains a scarce but well-engineered Bruce King design. The limited production run can mean a patient search for a clean example and fewer boats on the brokerage market.
The Verdict
The Ericson 28+ is a thoughtful update of King’s earlier design and punches above its length as a coastal racer-cruiser. Its TAFG structure, fractional rig, and fin-keel-and-spade-rudder underbody deliver quick acceleration and tidy upwind manners. At the same time, the enlarged interior makes it a credible weekender for a small family.
Its light-air lethargy is the price paid for the moderate sail plan and early heeling. For buyers willing to wait for the right example, however, the 28+ offers responsive sailing and unusually complete accommodations in a 28.5-foot boat.
Pros
- Fractional rig with a bent mast and swept spreaders for light-air responsiveness
- Tri-Axial Force Grid hull structure for lightweight rigidity
- Complete cruising interior with sleeping space for six and stand-up headroom
- Stiff, well-balanced handling and straightforward upwind trimming
Cons
- Sluggish in very light winds
- Heels early to 20 degrees and requires active gust management
- Only around 90 built, limiting brokerage availability
