Friendship 28 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The influence of Dick Koopmans Sr. is immediately apparent in the sailing characteristics of the Friendship 28. Known for designing boats with high "sea-kindliness," Koopmans gave the 28 a relatively high ballast ratio (often exceeding 40%), which results in a stiff and stable platform. This stiffness allows the boat to carry its sail area longer than many of its lightweight French contemporaries before requiring a reef.

Under sail, the boat is noted for its exceptional tracking ability, a trait common to Koopmans’ designs. While the fin keel and spade rudder provide the maneuverability necessary for tight marina handling, the hull's displacement and underwater profile ensure it does not "hunt" in a seaway. Owners often report that the boat feels significantly larger than its 28 feet when encountering chop, slicing through waves rather than bouncing over them. While it is not a dedicated light-air racer, its performance is respectable in a breeze, maintaining a balanced helm and providing enough feedback to keep a seasoned sailor engaged without intimidating a novice.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel designed in the 1970s, the Friendship 28 offers a surprisingly ergonomic interior that maximizes its 2.85-meter beam. The layout typically features a classic V-berth forward, a central salon with two longitudinal settees, and a quarter berth to port or starboard. The inclusion of a dedicated marine head and a compact galley with a two-burner stove and sink made it a legitimate "pocket cruiser" for its era.

Throughout its production run, several variations were introduced to keep the model competitive. The early "Mark I" versions featured traditional wooden cabinetry and aluminum-framed windows that followed the line of the coachroof. Later "Mark II" and "Mark III" iterations saw updates to the interior finishes, moving toward lighter veneers to increase the sense of space. One of the most significant variations was the introduction of different keel depths; while the standard fin keel offers the best performance, a shallow-draft version was produced to cater to sailors in the Frisian lakes and other restricted-depth areas. Additionally, the Friendship 28 was often compared to its siblings, such as the Friendship 26, which offered a similar aesthetic in a smaller package, and the Friendship 35, which expanded on the 28's layout for blue-water cruising.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Friendship 28 should focus their inspections on several age-related areas typical of Dutch GRP yachts from this period. First, the rudder configuration is a known point of maintenance; the bearings and bushings in the spade rudder can develop play over decades of use, leading to a vibrating or "clunky" feel at the helm.

Second, the window frames on earlier models are prone to leaking if the original seals have not been replaced. This can lead to moisture damage in the interior woodwork. Third, many Friendship 28s were originally fitted with Bukh or Volvo Penta diesel engines. While these are notoriously reliable "workhorse" engines, their age means that exhaust elbows, cooling systems, and sail-drive seals (if equipped) must be scrutinized. Finally, buyers should inspect the mast step and the tension of the rigging; as with any boat approaching its 40th or 50th year, the compression post and deck core around high-load fittings should be checked for signs of delamination or sinking.

Community & Resources

The Friendship 28 enjoys the support of a dedicated and highly organized community, primarily centered in the Netherlands. The Friendship Club serves as the central hub for owners, providing a wealth of technical documentation, historical brochures, and a forum for sharing maintenance tips. This association is instrumental in keeping the "Friendship legacy" alive, organizing annual regattas and social cruises that frequently see a high turnout of 28s.

The Verdict

The Friendship 28 remains one of the most logical choices for sailors seeking a proven, sea-kindly cruiser on a modest budget. It represents a period of European boat building where durability and design pedigree took precedence over cabin volume.

Pros:

• Designed by Dick Koopmans Sr., ensuring excellent balance and seaworthiness.
• Robust construction that has aged well over decades.
• Stiff sailing performance, making it comfortable in higher wind ranges.
• Strong community support and high resale liquidity in Northern Europe.

Cons:

• Interior volume is less than modern 28-footers due to the narrower beam and traditional hull shape.
• Older aluminum window frames are prone to leaks if not meticulously maintained.
• Performance in very light winds can be sluggish compared to modern, lighter designs.