Design and Construction
The Imexus is a monohull with an FRP monolithic hull and solid fiberglass deck, and it is the only power-sailer offering sidedeck walkways for easier foredeck movement anchor. A swivel keel protects the hull from damage on contact with underwater obstructions, while the bulkier hull form uses simulated clinker mouldings to soften its slab-sided profile. Fit and finish are very good throughout and a clear step up from the original Odin model. Stability comes from 165 kg of fixed ballast plus a 730-litre water ballast system that fills through a transom port and supplements a 55 kg, 1.45 m-draft centreboard. After draining, the boat is light enough to be towed by many vehicles behind its purpose-built 2.50 m-wide trailer, which also permits launching on very shallow slipways without a crane.
Rig and Handling
All halyards, downhauls, uphauls, the mast-laying system, and keel operation are led to the cockpit for single-handed control. Mast raising is simplified by a pivoting A-arm fixture on the foredeck: with the mast pad in its hinged base and the furling genoa tack locked into the A-arm, the rig is winched upright and the A-arm stays attached once the stem pin is seated. The single-spreader rig carries a battened main in a lazy-jack bag, shrouds, and a tackle-adjustable backstay. Under sail, the water-ballasted hull heels early in 10-knot breeze but settles and makes a respectable 5 knots to windward; test sailors found it secure under full sail in 15 knots, though it is more at home off the wind and can be run wing-a-wing when square. Period reviewers noted it is no club racer — suitable for twilight sails at best — and will not keep pace with a similar-length keelboat around the buoys.
Power, Ballast, and Performance
The Imexus transforms from sailing yacht to motorboat in under five minutes by emptying the ballast tank, reaching a theoretical 6.8 knots under sail at wind force 3 and up to 29 knots under power depending on engine. The test boat carried an Evinrude 90 hp outboard that glides effortlessly and gives enough thrust for waterskiing or wakeboarding; the hull accepts outboard or inboard versions up to 170 hp (120 hp noted on the transom in review data). Best powered speed came only after the tank drained empty following about five minutes of brisk motoring, with 20 knots easily achieved. A tiny steering wheel with very heavy action made steering through wind shifts difficult, and local agents were examining a disconnection so the wheel would not turn the tilted motor's weight plus the rudders under sail.
Accommodations
Below decks the Imexus aims for a big-yacht feel and achieves it better than any rival in the power-sailer class. A three-step companionway leads to 1.85 m headroom, light oak panelling, and large windows. A permanent king-size berth sits aft under the cockpit, a forward double V-berth runs 2 m long, and two single settee berths bring capacity to six; the berth sides are quilted and the upholstery comes in various colours. Between the berths, a galley with a one-burner spirit stove (two-burner optional), sink, and fridge serves a four-seat dinette whose drop-side table pedestal is the fin case and incorporates wine storage. The head uses a chemical toilet with marine optional, and storage is ample in shelves and under seats. The mast compression post doubles as a handhold. TradeABoat observed it lacks the single-level living space of a same-length powerboat and is squeezier than a comparable caravan on the road.
Boarding and Deck Access
Webbing siderails unclip to ease dock boarding, while a boarding ladder and cockpit transom door serve water or trailer access. Six people fit in the cockpit, and side walkways with guard rails aid movement on deck.
The Verdict
The Imexus 28 is a genuine hybrid that delivers a roomy, bright interior and easy trailering in a package that sails acceptably and motors strongly. Its compromises are those of any water-ballasted power-sailer: early heel, modest racing ability, and a steering wheel that needs refinement. For the multi-sport owner who wants one towable boat for sailing, cruising, and wake sports, it covers the brief unusually well.
Pros
- Big-yacht interior feel with 1.85 m headroom and six-berth capacity in a trailerable hull
- Quick sail-to-motor conversion via draining 730 L water ballast in under five minutes
- Single-handed rigging with cockpit-led controls and pivoting A-arm mast setup
- Shallow 0.3 m board-up draft with swivel keel protection
Cons
- Heavy steering wheel action through wind shifts with motor weight on the rudders
- Early heel and limited windward performance versus similar-length keelboats
- Squeezier than a same-length powerboat; no single-level cabin
