Maxi 87 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Maxi 87 is characterized by its stiffness and predictable handling, a direct result of its high ballast ratio of approximately 43%. With a displacement of roughly 7,700 lbs and a fin keel containing 3,300 lbs of iron, the boat stands up well to a breeze, often being the last in its class to require a first reef. Its masthead sloop rig is relatively modest, yielding a Sail Area/Displacement ratio of about 14.4. This indicates a vessel optimized for steady coastal cruising rather than light-wind performance. While it may feel slightly underpowered in light airs, it excels when the wind picks up, maintaining a balanced helm thanks to its skeg-hung rudder. The skeg-hung configuration provides superior tracking and protection for the rudder blade compared to the spade rudders found on more contemporary designs, making it a "sea-kindly" choice for short-handed crews.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel measuring just 28.5 feet, the interior of the Maxi 87 is remarkably voluminous. Pelle Petterson utilized the boat's 3.0-meter beam to create a layout that typically includes five to six berths, a feature more common in 32-footers of that era. The standard arrangement features a V-berth in the forepeak, a separate head compartment located between the saloon and the forward cabin, and a saloon with two settee berths. A quarter berth is often found tucked under the cockpit on the starboard side. The use of warm teak joinery throughout the cabin reflects the traditional Swedish craftsmanship discussed by the Maxi Owners Association. While the Maxi 87 was the primary focus of its hull mold, it shares a strong familial DNA with the Maxi 84, which was slightly smaller, and the center-cockpit Maxi 95, which catered to those seeking even more privacy and a dedicated aft cabin.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Maxi 87 benefits from the immense cultural footprint of its designer. Pelle Petterson is famously known not just for his Olympic success and America's Cup campaigns, but for designing the iconic Volvo P1800 sports car. This "sports car pedigree" is often cited in editorial retrospectives by publications such as Yachting Monthly, which has highlighted the brand's ability to combine performance-oriented hull shapes with production-line efficiency.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Maxi 87 with a focused inspection of its original mechanical and structural components:

• Engine Longevity: Many 87s were originally fitted with the Volvo Penta MD7A or MD7B. While reliable, these raw-water-cooled engines are nearing the end of their service lives; check for internal scaling and parts availability.
• Iron Keel Maintenance: The iron keel is prone to rust if the epoxy coating is breached. Buyers should look for "bleeding" or fairing cracks at the keel-to-hull joint.
• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the Maxi 87 uses a balsa-cored deck. Soft spots around stanchion bases or the mast step usually indicate water ingress and core delamination.
• Window Leaks: The large, curved windows of the 70s Maxis are notorious for developing leaks as the original bedding compound dries and shrinks.

Community & Resources

The Maxi 87 is supported by a dedicated network of enthusiasts, primarily through the Maxi Owners Association, which provides technical archives and owner manuals. In its native Sweden, the Maxisidorna technical wiki serves as an exhaustive database for parts and restoration projects specifically tailored to the Petterson-designed range.

The Verdict

The Maxi 87 remains a premier choice for sailors looking for a safe, sturdy, and exceptionally roomy entry-level cruiser with a pedigree of Swedish quality.

Pros:

• Exceptional interior volume for its length.
• Stiff and stable under sail, providing confidence in heavy weather.
• Protected skeg-hung rudder and robust GRP construction.
• Strong secondary market and active owner associations.

Cons:

• Slightly sluggish in light wind conditions.
• High freeboard creates significant windage when docking.
• Original Volvo Penta engines may require expensive replacement.
• Iron keels require more diligent maintenance than lead counterparts.