J-Boats J/28 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview

Drawing Diagram

Builder drawing

Hull type

Monohull · fin

Rig

Fractional Sloop

LOA

28.5' · 8.69 m

Displ.

7,900 lbs · 3,583 kg

First year

1986

The J/28 represents a significant pivot in the history of J/Boats, marking the brand's concerted move into the "performance cruiser" market during the mid1980s. Introduced in 1986, this model was designed by Rod Johnstone to provide a more refined, comfortable experience than the Spartan, racefocused J/24s and J/27s that preceded it. Built by TPI Composites using a balsacored laminate and the SCRIMP process in later iterations, the J/28 was the first JBoat specifically engineered for the cruising family who still demanded highlevel sailing characteristics. With its masthead rig and substantial lead keel, it sought to balance the brand’s racing DNA with the stability and interior volume required for coastal exploration. According to the J/Boats Official Archive, the model was intended to be a "gentleman’s" boat, offering a level of sophistication and ease of handling that allowed for shorthanded sailing without sacrificing the tactile feedback JBoats are known for.