ETAP 28i Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The ETAP 28i is frequently praised for its stiffness and predictable behavior in a blow. Utilizing a 7/8 fractional rig with a relatively large mainsail and a smaller, easily tacked headsail, the boat offers a responsive feel that appeals to former dinghy sailors. The sail area-to-displacement ratio is balanced to ensure that while it is not a pure racing machine, it remains competitive in club regattas and provides enough power to drive through a head sea.

According to editorial evaluations in Yachting Monthly, the 28i handles choppy coastal conditions with a "big boat" feel, largely attributed to its healthy ballast ratio and the stability provided by its 3.10-meter beam. The boat was offered with two keel options: a deep fin for maximum lift and a shallow tandem keel designed by Philippe Harlé. The tandem keel is particularly noteworthy as it uses two smaller foils connected by a bulb, allowing for a draft of just 1.15 meters without the significant loss of windward performance typically associated with shallow-draft vessels. Owners report that the balanced rudder provides excellent feedback, though the boat requires early reefing to maintain an upright, efficient posture once the wind exceeds 18 knots.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Because of the double-hull construction, the interior of the ETAP 28i is remarkably dry and free from the condensation common in single-skin boats. This insulation makes it a premier choice for Northern European or Pacific Northwest cruising where temperature differentials often lead to damp lockers. The layout is remarkably modern for its era, featuring a dedicated aft cabin—a significant upgrade over the original ETAP 28—and a separate head compartment to starboard.

The use of light oak joinery combined with the signature "panorama" windows allows for a bright salon that avoids the dark, subterranean feel of many 28-footers from the late 1980s. However, the double-hull design does necessitate a slight reduction in internal volume compared to single-skin competitors; the lockers and side-pockets are somewhat shallower because the "inner" hull sits several centimeters inside the "outer" hull.

The 28i’s design success paved the way for its larger siblings, the ETAP 30i and 32i. While the 28i focused on the entry-level coastal cruiser market, these larger variants expanded on the "i" series (standing for "Innovation") with more extensive galley arrangements and increased standing headroom, which in the 28i sits at a respectable but not tall 1.82 meters in the main salon.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

• Foam Saturation and Void Checking: While the closed-cell foam is theoretically water-resistant, significant hull breaches or poorly bedded deck hardware can allow water to enter the space between the hulls. Buyers should use a moisture meter on the inner hull and check for "squelching" sounds or delamination, which can be difficult and expensive to remediate.
• Window Seals and Crazing: The large acrylic windows are a hallmark of the 28i but are prone to leaking if the original sealant has degraded. Furthermore, replacement of these curved units requires specific expertise to ensure the "unsinkable" integrity of the coachroof is maintained.
• Saildrive Diaphragm: Most ETAP 28i units were fitted with Volvo Penta engines and saildrives. It is critical to check the age of the rubber hull diaphragm; Volvo Penta recommends replacement every seven years, and a failure here compromises the vessel's safety.
• Aluminum Toe Rail: The boat features a distinctive slotted aluminum toe rail that serves as the hull-to-deck joint. Prospective buyers should inspect this rail for any signs of impact damage or galvanic corrosion, as it is a structural component of the boat's rigidity.

Community & Resources

The ETAP 28i benefits from a highly active European owner base. The Etap Owners Association provides a wealth of technical data, original brochures, and specific maintenance guides for the "i" series of yachts. Because the shipyard's history included a period of insolvency and ownership changes, these owner-run technical wikis are often the only reliable source for original wiring diagrams and plumbing schematics.

The Verdict

The ETAP 28i is an over-engineered coastal cruiser that offers a level of safety and climate comfort rarely found in boats under 30 feet. While it sacrifices a small amount of storage space for its "unsinkable" status, the trade-off is a quiet, dry, and exceptionally safe platform for small-family cruising.

Pros:

• Virtually condensation-free interior due to double-skin insulation.
• Predictable, stiff sailing characteristics with excellent heavy-weather performance.
• Unsinkable certification provides significant peace of mind for offshore passages.
• Modern, bright interior aesthetics that have aged better than its contemporaries.

Cons:

• Reduced storage volume in lockers due to the thickness of the double hull.
• Complex repairs if moisture enters the foam core.
• Limited standing headroom for sailors over 6 feet tall.