Jensen Impala 28 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Impala 28 is characterized by its "light for the period" displacement-to-length ratio, which provides it with a level of nimbleness that many modern sailors find surprisingly contemporary. With a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio typically hovering around 18.5, the boat is remarkably powered for light-air conditions. Lapworth’s signature hull shape—flat-bottomed sections and a relatively narrow beam compared to modern wide-stern designs—allows the vessel to track exceptionally well on a reach.

In heavy air, the Impala 28 demonstrates the "stiff" characteristics common to Jensen Marine builds, provided the sail plan is managed early. Handling remains balanced until the boat is significantly over-canvassed, at which point the spade rudder provides enough leverage to prevent the round-ups common in older, keel-hung rudder designs. Performance data often highlights its ability to point higher than its contemporaries, a result of the high-aspect fin keel. According to period reports from nautical archives, the boat was noted for being "dry" in a seaway, as its flared bow sections tend to deflect spray away from the cockpit, a design trait shared with its larger sibling, the Cal 40.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its racing pedigree, the interior of the Impala 28 was designed to accommodate a family of four or five for weekend voyages. The layout is a classic representation of the "linear" era, featuring a V-berth forward followed by an enclosed head—a luxury on a 28-foot racing boat in 1963. The main salon typically features a dinette that converts to a double berth, with an additional quarter berth tucked under the cockpit on the starboard side.

Materials used in the interior reflect the Jensen Marine ethos of the 1960s: functional mahogany or teak trim paired with easy-to-clean fiberglass liners. While the headroom is modest at approximately six feet in the main salon, the large windows provide an airy feel that mitigates the "cave-like" atmosphere of many older designs. The Impala 28 was built on the same hull as the standard Cal 28, but the Impala variant often featured a more refined trim package or specific hardware upgrades intended for competitive racing. It is important for buyers to distinguish this model from the later Cal 28-2, which was a completely different hull design introduced in the late 1970s with a much larger interior volume and a more "cruising-centric" beam.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners should approach the Impala 28 with a focus on its structural longevity, as these vessels are now entering their sixth decade of service.

• Compression Post and Beam: A high-signal issue across early Jensen Marine models is the failure of the wooden beam or the compression post supporting the mast. Over time, moisture can rot the wooden block at the base of the mast or the internal beam, leading to a "sag" in the deck.
• "Cal Rot": This colloquial term refers to the deterioration of the plywood bulkheads where the chainplates are attached. If water has leaked through the chainplate covers, the structural integrity of the rig may be compromised.
• Keel Bolt Inspection: While Jensen utilized a robust glass-encapsulated or heavily bolted system, the age of these vessels necessitates a close inspection of the keel-to-hull joint (the "smile") to ensure there is no separation or oxidation of the internal ballast.
• Spade Rudder Integrity: The spade rudder on the Impala 28 is high-performance but vulnerable. Buyers should check for water ingress into the rudder blade, which can lead to internal delamination or corrosion of the rudder stock.

Community & Resources

The Jensen Impala 28 benefits from one of the most dedicated owner networks in the sailing world. The Cal 28 Association remains the primary technical resource for this specific hull, providing access to original manuals and rigging diagrams. Furthermore, the broader community of Cal owners provides an invaluable knowledge base for sourcing parts that are no longer in production, such as the specific bronze portlights or original cabin hardware.

The Verdict

The Jensen Impala 28 is a "sailor’s sailboat" that offers a gateway into classic plastic racing history without the high maintenance of a wooden hull. It remains a competitive choice for PHRF racing and a reliable platform for coastal exploration.

Pros:

• Exceptional light-air performance and windward ability.
• Robust, thick-lamination fiberglass hull.
• Simple, intuitive systems ideal for DIY owners.
• Strong secondary market value due to its "classic" status.

Cons:

• Limited headroom and stowage compared to modern 28-footers.
• Early spade rudder design can be vulnerable to debris.
• Original Atomic 4 gasoline engines (if still present) require rigorous maintenance and safety precautions.