ETAP 28i Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Hull Design and Construction

The 28i's most consequential design decision is its double-shell foam-filled construction, in which solid GRP inner and outer hulls are bonded together with polyurethane foam poured between them. The foam displaces any water that would otherwise flood the bilge in a catastrophic situation, rendering the boat permanently and unconditionally buoyant. This was not incidental to Etap's process — it dictated the entire manufacturing approach. Closed moulds were used as often as possible, producing surfaces of noticeably high quality, visible even on minor components like locker lids. NPG resins were adopted early in the production run, which largely eliminated the osmosis problems that plagued comparable fiberglass production boats of the same era.

The hull itself is full-bodied. At 3.13 metres of beam on an 8.58-metre overall length, the length-to-beam ratio of 2.75 gives the 28i a notably beamy, stable form that generates initial stability from shape rather than ballast. A deep forefoot with a slightly sloping stem allows the boat to pitch relatively gently in short chop. The Displacement/Length ratio of 205 places her squarely in moderate displacement territory, meaning she carries cruising gear without becoming sluggish but is not a lightweight flier.

Rig and Sailing Performance

The 28i carries a fractional sloop rig — specifically a 7/8 arrangement — with a fixed fin keel and spade rudder as standard. Three keel depth options were offered over the production run: a shoal 0.90-metre lifting keel, a 1.15-metre fin, and a deeper 1.60-metre performance keel. The lifting keel variant uses a manual cockpit winch connected via stainless cable through the keel trunk, a thoughtful solution for gunkholing in shallow waters. On the sailing front, the 28i performs better than her family-cruiser reputation might suggest. A Sail Area/Displacement ratio of 17.1 means she approaches hull speed readily in decent breeze. On a beam reach in 20 knots with two reefs, a contemporary test found the boat well balanced with moderate rudder pressure, capable of surfing short chop and generating boat speeds touching seven knots.

The 7/8 rig allows the backstay tensioner to serve double duty: a pull in gusts releases pressure and trims the headsail flatter, giving the short-handed sailor a practical tool without complex running backstays. The genoa, when fitted, transforms the light-air performance. The tiller arrangement, however, demands attention. It is prominent and space-consuming in the cockpit, and under engine power the boat requires constant correction and does not track straight without input. A physical stop on both sides prevents the rudder blade from contacting the hull during hard-over manoeuvres, but this stop itself becomes an annoyance during close-quarters work with four people aboard.

Accommodations and Layout

Below deck, the 28i punches well above its waterline length. The layout offers six berths across two cabins, and the arrangement is more thoughtful than most competitors of the era managed. To port aft is a full double cabin where two adults sleep comfortably, though headroom is limited to around 40 centimetres under the cockpit sole. To starboard, a surprisingly spacious wet room accommodates a toilet, washbasin, and small oil storage locker — a rarity in this size bracket. The fuel level is readable via a sight tube on the aft tank, and the tank itself has an inspection hatch, which the YACHT review singled out as exemplary attention to detail.

The saloon provides just under 1.80 metres of standing headroom and features a U-shaped seating area that converts to a sleeping berth. Large panoramic windows flood the space with light. The galley is compact but complete, with a sink, refrigerator, and cooker space; fitting a proper cooker with oven requires adding a gas system, but the spatial allowance is there. Forward of the saloon, a V-berth in the bow cabin suits smaller children well. The overall picture is of a boat that functions as a genuine family-friendly design rather than a weekend racer with bunks bolted in as an afterthought.

Known Issues and Weak Points

The 28i's foam-filled construction is its greatest asset and its most important survey criterion. The foam between the shells must be inspected for water ingress, because if the foam is compromised, the character of the vessel changes fundamentally. Checking the foam's condition should be the first priority of any pre-purchase survey. Beyond that, the mechanical weak points are genuinely manageable. Rudder bearings degrade over time and will eventually need replacement; they remain available as spare parts, and an owner with modest skills can do the work. The saildrive sleeve has a manufacturer-specified service interval, and the age of the sleeve must be established at purchase — this is a non-negotiable inspection point on any older example. The Seldén rig is considered reliable; regular standing rigging replacement is all it typically requires. The TBS deck covering, a common cosmetic concern on older boats, is still available as a prefabricated spare.

The Capsize Screening Formula of 2.24 exceeds the commonly cited threshold of 2.0, which means the 28i is not suited for offshore ocean passage-making in the traditional sense. Her comfort ratio of 17.2 also puts her in the motion category of a lightweight racing boat rather than a passage-maker, meaning upwind work in a seaway will be lively. She is a coastal and inland-water cruiser designed for exactly that use: sheltered passages, family weekends, and daysailing with capable performance.

Refit Considerations

Etap built the 28i with a degree of vertical integration that benefits owners today. The high-quality GRP work in closed moulds means that hull surfaces have held up well, and osmosis, while never impossible, is less common than in comparable open-mould production boats. A well-maintained example will typically require standard marine maintenance rather than structural remediation. Priorities on an older boat include: confirming the foam integrity (core sampling or moisture meter in conjunction with professional survey), replacing the standing rigging if the history is unknown, servicing or replacing the saildrive sleeve, and attending to the rudder bearings if there is any play. The mainsheet traveller and cockpit sheet arrangement work well and are straightforwardly updated with modern hardware if needed. Fitting a proper cooker with an oven is a practical galley upgrade that the existing space accommodates.

Etap Yachting went bankrupt in 2009 and was subsequently acquired by Dehler; production never resumed, and the brand has since changed hands again. Moulds were moved to Poland but series production was never restarted. The practical consequence for owners is that Etap-specific parts are no longer manufactured new. However, enough specialist dealers remain active — particularly in Northern Europe — that many parts are still obtainable, and generic Seldén rigging and standard marine components present no supply problem.

The Verdict

The ETAP 28i is a legitimate overperformer for its footprint. It offers genuine family accommodation in a sub-28-foot hull, sails with more enthusiasm than its moderate-displacement ratios imply, and is built to a standard of construction integrity that most production builders of the era never achieved. The unsinkability feature is not marketing language — it is a structural reality backed by engineering, and for sailors with young children or those learning the sport, the psychological dividend is real. Its limitations are honest: it is a coastal boat, not a blue-water vessel; the motion in a seaway will test crew morale; the tiller demands attention; and the engine-under-power behaviour is not confidence-inspiring for tight marina work.

Pros