Islander Bahama 28 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Bahama 28 benefits significantly from its Robert Perry pedigree, sharing the underwater geometry of the Islander 28, which Perry himself describes in his design portfolio as a "performance cruiser" balance. With a displacement of approximately 7,000 pounds and a generous ballast of 3,000 pounds, the boat possesses a ballast-to-displacement ratio of nearly 43%. This makes the Bahama 28 remarkably stiff and capable of carrying sail longer than many of its contemporary competitors in the 28-foot range.

Handling is defined by a deep fin keel and a balanced spade rudder, a combination that provides the nimble tracking typical of Perry’s designs. Sailors often report that the boat feels "bigger" than its 28 feet, likely due to its nearly 10-foot beam (9' 6") and a relatively high Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 293. This weight gives it the momentum to punch through a moderate chop without the hobby-horsing often found in lighter coastal cruisers. While not a light-air specialist, the Bahama 28 finds its stride in 10 to 15 knots of breeze, where the hull's stability allows for comfortable, upright sailing. The rig is a standard masthead sloop, simple to tune and easy for a shorthanded crew to manage from the cockpit.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The primary distinction between the Bahama 28 and its "standard" Islander 28 sibling lies in the interior construction. To reduce labor costs, Islander utilized an extensive fiberglass hull liner in the Bahama series. This resulted in an interior that is bright, easy to clean, and highly durable, though it lacks the extensive teak cabinetry found in the more expensive Islander 28. The layout remains traditional and functional: a V-berth forward, a private head to port with a hanging locker opposite, and a main salon featuring a settee that converts into a double berth.

The Bahama 28's beam provides surprising volume below deck, offering approximately 6 feet of headroom, which was a significant selling point for a 28-foot boat in the late 1970s. The galley is typically located aft near the companionway for ventilation, featuring a recessed stove area and a deep icebox. Because it shares the same hull as the Islander 28, it also shares the same expansive cockpit, which is large enough to seat six adults comfortably. The "Bahama" variation often simplified the hardware—replacing some stainless steel or wood accents with aluminum or molded textures—but the structural integrity of the hull remained identical to the premium model.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Bahama 28 should focus their inspections on the common vulnerabilities of late-70s California-built boats:

1. Chainplate Leaks & Bulkhead Rot: Like many boats of this era, the chainplates pass through the deck and are bolted to the main bulkheads. If the deck seals have not been maintained, water can migrate into the plywood bulkheads, leading to structural delamination.
2. Deck Core Moisture: Islander used balsa wood as a core material for the decks. It is critical to use a moisture meter or perform a "tap test" around the stanchion bases, cleats, and the mast step to ensure the core is dry and the fiberglass has not delaminated.
3. The "Islander Smile": Some owners have reported a hairline crack at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint. While often cosmetic, it can indicate that the keel bolts need tightening or that the sealant has failed.
4. Engine Access and Maintenance: Most Bahama 28s were equipped with Universal or Yanmar diesel engines. While these are reliable, the engine box configuration can be tight. Check for corrosion on the exhaust riser and signs of oil in the bilge, as many of these units are nearing the end of their original service life.
5. Spade Rudder Integrity: The spade rudder is a high-performance feature but lacks a skeg for protection. Inspect the rudder post for play or signs of "wicking" moisture into the rudder blade itself.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Bahama 28 are generally supported by the broader Islander sailing community. The most prominent resource is the Islander 36 Association, which, while focused on the larger flagship model, maintains a significant amount of technical documentation, history, and vendor lists applicable to all Islander models of the 1970s and 80s. Additionally, because Robert Perry is still an active figure in the yachting world, his technical archives often provide insight into the design philosophy of the 28-foot hull.

The Verdict

The Islander Bahama 28 is a robust, "blue-collar" coastal cruiser that offers the sophisticated hull lines of a Robert Perry design at a fraction of the cost of more prestigious brands. It is an ideal vessel for a couple or small family looking for a predictable, stiff, and spacious weekend cruiser.

Pros:

• Exceptional Stability: A high ballast ratio makes it a safe, stiff platform for coastal cruising.
• Robert Perry Heritage: Excellent hull geometry ensures better-than-average tracking and handling.
• Interior Volume: The 9' 6" beam provides a salon that feels considerably larger than most 28-footers.
• Simplified Maintenance: The fiberglass interior liner is easier to maintain than high-gloss wood interiors.

Cons:

• Aesthetic Compromises: Lacks the "classic" wood-heavy finish of the standard Islander 28.
• Weight: At 7,000 lbs, it requires more breeze to perform well in light air compared to modern ultra-light cruisers.
• Age Concerns: Potential for balsa core rot requires a thorough pre-purchase survey.