Furia 28 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Furia 28 is widely recognized for its "stiff" sailing characteristics, a trait attributed to its substantial ballast ratio and Alberto Cabal’s focus on sea-kindliness. Under sail, the boat exhibits the typical manners of an IOR-era design, featuring a relatively wide beam (3.09m) carried well aft, which provides significant initial stability. While the design lacks the extreme "pinched" ends of some racing-focused contemporaries, it retains a fine entry that allows it to slice through the choppy conditions often found in the Balearic Sea.

Owners often report that the boat feels balanced on the helm, particularly in the tiller-steer configuration common to this model. Technical insights from Fondear, a primary resource for Spanish maritime technical data, suggest the Furia 28 performs optimally in light-to-moderate breezes but remains remarkably safe when the wind freshens. The sail plan is Masthead Sloop, which provides a powerful headsail and a manageable mainsail, making it an ideal platform for short-handed cruising. Its deep fin keel (approximately 1.55m draft) ensures respectable tracking upwind, though like many cruisers of its generation, it requires early reefing to maintain a comfortable heel angle once the wind exceeds 15-18 knots.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel of its era, the interior of the Furia 28 was considered revolutionary in its use of space. The cabin provides an impressive headroom of roughly 1.80 meters, a feature that set it apart from many other 28-footers of the late 70s. The layout typically includes a traditional V-berth forward, followed by a full-width heads compartment—a luxury in this size class. The main salon features a central folding table with settees on either side that can serve as additional berths.

The galley is positioned to the port side of the companionway, while a generous navigation station and an aft quarter berth occupy the starboard side. The use of warm teak joinery and functional stowage lockers reflects the builder's commitment to creating a "home-like" atmosphere for extended coastal trips.

In terms of siblings and variants, the Furia 28 was part of a tiered lineup. It shared design DNA with the smaller Furia 25 (also by Santarelli/Cabal influences) and the slightly larger Furia 302, which eventually updated the aesthetic with more modern lines and an integrated swim platform. The Furia 28 itself saw minor evolution during its production run, primarily in the transition of engine suppliers from early Sole Diesel units to Volvo Penta options in later years.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Furia 28 should focus their survey on a few specific areas common to Spanish-built fiberglass yachts of this vintage:

1. Osmosis: Like many Mediterranean boats from the early 1980s, the Furia 28 is susceptible to osmotic blistering. A moisture meter test on the hull is essential, particularly if the boat has not had a modern epoxy treatment.
2. Chainplate Reinforcement: On older models, the points where the shrouds meet the deck can develop stress cracks or minor leaks. If water has penetrated the plywood core of the deck at these points, structural softening may occur.
3. Engine Maintenance: Many units were originally fitted with Sole Diesel engines. While these are robust, parts for very early marinized blocks can be harder to source. Buyers should check the heat exchanger and the condition of the sail drive or shaft seal.
4. Rudder Play: The spade rudder on the Furia 28 is effective but can develop play in the bushings over decades of use. Inspect the rudder stock for signs of wear or water ingress into the blade itself.

Community & Resources

The Furia 28 benefits from one of the most dedicated owner communities in Southern Europe. The Club Furia serves as the primary technical repository for the model, offering a wealth of archived manuals, rigging diagrams, and owner-led restoration guides. This association is instrumental for current owners seeking to maintain the original specifications of Alberto Cabal’s design.

The Verdict

The Furia 28 remains a highly respected classic in the used boat market, particularly for those seeking a sturdy, capable cruiser on a modest budget.

Pros:

• Exceptional Headroom: One of the most spacious interiors in the 28-foot class.
• Solid Construction: Built during an era of thick fiberglass layups, offering a sense of security in heavy weather.
• Active Community: Excellent support for parts and technical advice through the Club Furia.

Cons:

• Age-Related Maintenance: Buyers must be prepared to address 40-year-old systems and potential osmosis.
• Dated Cockpit Ergonomics: The cockpit, while safe, can feel cramped when sailing with more than four adults.
• IOR Tendencies: Can exhibit rhythmic rolling when sailing deep downwind in following seas.