ETAP 28 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The original Etap 28 is a masthead sloop characterized by a conservative but stiff sailing profile. With a ballast-to-displacement ratio approaching 39%, the boat is notably stable and carries its sail well into freshening conditions. According to technical assessments by designers like E. G. van de Stadt, the hull features a relatively deep fin keel and a spade rudder, providing a balanced feel on the helm. While its moderate displacement and significant beam (10 feet) prevent it from being a light-air "rocket," the boat excels in coastal chop, where its weight and hull shape provide a predictable, sea-kindly motion.

The later Etap 28i variant, designed by Harlé-Mortain in 1988, moved toward a fractional 7/8 rig, which shifted the performance focus toward easier sail handling and improved light-air response. Sailors of the original 28 often note that the boat feels like a "larger ship" than its 28-foot length suggests, largely due to the rigidity afforded by the double-skinned hull and the high freeboard that keeps the deck dry.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Inside, the Etap 28 benefits immensely from its "unsinkable" build. The foam-filled cavity acts as a barrier against the cold, virtually eliminating the condensation issues that plague single-skin fiberglass boats in northern latitudes. The layout is a classic cruiser configuration: a V-berth forward, a central saloon with two settees that double as sea berths, and a compact galley and navigation station flanking the companionway.

Successive versions of the hull brought significant changes to the interior experience. The Etap 28i introduced an innovative aft cabin, a rarity for the late 80s in this size class, which moved the sleeping quarters away from the main saloon to provide better privacy. The final iteration, the Etap 28s, featured an interior designed by the Italian firm Stile Bertone, which moved toward a more open-plan, contemporary aesthetic with curved cabinetry and lighter finishes, as detailed in reviews by Sailing Magazine.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

While the Etap 28 is exceptionally robust, the very features that make it unique require specific scrutiny during a survey:

• Foam Saturation: The polyurethane foam is closed-cell, but if previous owners have installed through-hull fittings or deck hardware without properly sealing the "sandwich," water can migrate into the cavity. A moisture meter is essential to ensure the core remains dry and hasn't added significant weight.
• Encapsulated Chainplates: On some early models, the chainplates are buried within the structure, making visual inspection difficult. Buyers should check the hull-to-deck joint and the area surrounding the shrouds for any signs of stress cracking or "panting" that might indicate internal corrosion.
• Rudder Bushings: The spade rudder is known to develop play over decades of use. Owners on technical forums often highlight the need to replace the original nylon or composite bushings to maintain steering precision.
• Engine Maintenance: Many original 28s were fitted with the Volvo Penta MD7A diesel. While these are reliable "workhorses," their age means that cooling passages (often raw-water cooled) can become restricted by scale and salt, requiring a thorough flush or heat exchanger inspection.

Community & Resources

The Etap 28 is supported by a dedicated network of enthusiasts, most notably the Etap Owners Association. This group maintains technical archives and provides a venue for owners to share maintenance tips specifically regarding the repair of the double-skin hull and the sourcing of parts for the unique TBS non-skid deck surfaces used on later models.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Inherent safety of an unsinkable, double-hull design.
• Exceptional insulation results in a dry, condensation-free interior.
• Stiff, stable handling that inspires confidence in coastal offshore legs.
• Strong resale value compared to other mass-production boats of the era.

Cons:

• Heavier and beamier than some performance-oriented competitors.
• The "sandwich" hull makes certain aftermarket hardware installations complex.
• Older MD-series engines may require significant updates or replacement.